- The program graduated four students during the 2025-2026 academic year.
- The degree completion rate was 100% with all graduates completing the program within the expected timeframe of three years for full-time students and four (or more) years for part time students.
- The Certification of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRC) Examination pass rate was 75% (N = 4)
- 75% of graduates reported being employed and 50% reported being employed in rehabilitation counseling or a related field (N = 4).
- 100% of surveyed employers reported satisfaction with the preparation and performance of our rehabilitation counseling graduates.
M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Become a counselor. Change lives.
Earn your Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at NIU and qualify for dual credentialing as both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC Illinois) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
Our program will prepare you to improve the lives of people with disabilities, helping them attain meaningful employment, independent living and community participation. You’ll complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship in addition to your coursework, enabling you to begin your career immediately and confidently. Plus, you’ll choose your own clinical education sites, giving you experience in settings that reflect your future goals.
Rehabilitation Counselor Certification
Our program prepares you to take the certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) exam. You must pass this exam in order to get certified.
Professional Counselor Licensure
If you pass the CRC exam, you can apply for licensure as an LPC in Illinois and practice under supervision. You can also apply for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and practice independently after you complete 960 hours of supervision.
If you do not pass the CRC exam, you must pass:
- The National Counselor Examination to apply for licensure as an LPC.
- The National Counselor Examination and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination to apply for licensure as an LCPC.
Resources
- Rehabilitation counseling annual report (DOCX)
- Graduate program handbook (DOCX)
- Graduate fieldwork handbook (DOCX)
Outcomes
Explore all student program data.
At a Glance
60 credit hours
Hybrid
Full or part-time
Start in the summer, fall or spring semester
Apply for Admission
Explore Campus
Center of Excellence
Career Outlook for M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Average mid-career salary for alumni:
Top job titles for alumni:
Top employers for alumni:
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Testimonial
Receiving my education from NIU’s rehabilitation counseling program was specifically important to me because of their CACREP accreditation, which ensures that I have all the necessary skills to be a successful and ethical rehabilitation counselor.
How to Apply
You’ll apply through the Graduate School.
- Graduate School application
- Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions (official transcripts required after admittance)
- Personal goals statement that describes why you wish to pursue our program, your career goals and how earning your degree relates to them, and steps you’ve taken or will take to ensure an exemplary performance in our program
- Two letters of recommendation
After the deadline, the rehabilitation counseling admissions committee will select qualified applicants to participate in pre-admission interviews. Committee members will look for your ability to demonstrate:
- Relevance of career goals/commitment to working with people with disabilities
- Aptitude for graduate-level study
- Potential success in forming effective counseling relationships
- Respect for cultural difference
- Openness to self-examination/willingness to take constructive feedback
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
Assistantships
All applicants may apply for a graduate assistantship. Graduate assistantships require you to work for a faculty member for 10 to 20 hours per week assisting with teaching and/or research. Each semester, a limited number of graduate assistantships are available. Please send your completed graduate assistantship application (PDF) and current resume to SHS@niu.edu.
Curriculum and Requirements
Classes are small, usually with less than 20 students. This means you'll form meaningful relationships with peers and faculty as you gain knowledge and skills in rehabilitation counseling, with an emphasis on cultural humility and evidence-based practices.
You'll take the certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) exam before you graduate, enabling you to apply for professional counselor licensure. Our students’ employment rate within six months of graduation is over 95%, so your future is in good hands.
Faculty
Our faculty consists of certified and licensed counselors who are active in the rehabilitation counseling profession. They are eager to mentor and passionate about improving the lives of people with disabilities by educating future rehabilitation counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, our rehabilitation counseling graduate program is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through March 31, 2031. This means that our graduates can apply to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors and Licensed Professional Counselors.
Once you have completed the program, you are eligible to take the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor certification exam. You must pass this exam in order to get certified.
If you passed the CRC certification exam, you are eligible to apply for licensure as an LPC in Illinois. Otherwise, you must pass the National Board for Certified Counselors’ National Counselor Examination.
The graduate program requires 60 semester hours and can be completed within three years. Part-time students will require additional time to complete the program.
Contact Us
School of Rehabilitation and Performance SciencesWirtz Hall 340
815-753-1484
srps@niu.edu
Questions about the M.S. program? Reach out to program coordinator, Professor Amanda McCarthy at amccarthy@niu.edu.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.