We are no longer enrolling new students into this program. Learn more about pursuing a minor in rehabilitation counseling.
If you’re interested in a career in rehabilitation and disability services, you can start preparing while you pursue your bachelor’s degree. With this degree, you’ll gain specialized knowledge in disability, counseling, employment and more. Your unique skill set will be the foundation to a career in rehabilitation services.
Here's what you can do with a rehabilitation and disability services degree from NIU.
If you want to work as a rehabilitation counselor, the B.S. degree in rehabilitation and disability services is your first step. You’ll need a master’s degree before you can get certified as a rehabilitation counselor; our undergraduate curriculum will prepare you for those graduate programs.
No; to work as a rehabilitation counselor you must earn a post-baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by the National Council on Rehabilitation Education such as NIU's M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling. In addition, you’ll need to complete a supervised internship and pass the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification Exam.
You’ll be eligible for many entry-level careers in patient advocacy, group homes, job coaching, rehabilitation assistance and more.
We provide you with 24 elective hours so you can choose courses that best suit your interests and career goals. If you are working on a minor or a certificate, you may be able to apply your elective courses toward those requirements. Either way, your advisor will help you choose and plan these classes throughout the program.
If you are preparing for a graduate program in occupational therapy, meet with an advisor to choose elective courses that will help you meet prerequisite requirements.
Questions about the M.S. program? Reach out to program coordinator, Professor Amanda McCarthy at amccarthy@niu.edu.
Monday through Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.