M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling

Course Descriptions - 500 Level

SRS 500A Introduction to Developmental Disabilities: Theory and Practice
This course is an introduction to psychological, physiological and social factors human service providers encounter during the rehabilitation process. Students are introduced to current theories that address etiology, relevant therapeutic concerns and prognosis of various developmental disabilities. Attention is also given to the practical concerns that the service provider will encounter.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 500B Substance Abuse Treatment in Rehabilitation
This course is an introduction to a variety of theories that address the etiology and treatment of substance abuse. Topics include: drugs and their effects, assessment and treatment planning, group work, intervention strategies, working with families, relapse prevention and support services. Practical problems faced by service providers in substance abuse settings are also addressed, as well as issues regarding family members of individuals with disabilities.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 500C Rehabilitation of the Public Offender
The pre-adolescent, adolescent, young adult, and adult offender are studied from the point of client nature, rehabilitation potential, and programs and methodology that show promise in the rehabilitation of the public offender. Institute staff are assisted by guest specialists currently
active in the area of the rehabilitation of the public offender.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 502 Research Seminar in Rehabilitation
The emphasis of this course is placed on the role of empirical research in Social and Rehabilitation Services. This includes an understanding of statistical inference, its power and limitations, and its application in the form of various research test designs.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 503 Foundations of Social, Educational and Rehabilitation Services
This course presents a detailed overview of the historical, legislative, and philosophical forces that have shaped the field of rehabilitation. It examines the organizational structure of local, state, and federal rehabilitation systems, including public, private for profit, and not-for-profit entities. Laws, ethical standards affecting rehabilitation practices, societal issues, trends and developments as they relate to rehabilitation are also addressed. The course also examines traditional attitudes and beliefs historically expressed regarding individuals with disabilities in the U.S. and internationally.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 505 Introduction to Assessment and Appraisal of Individuals with Disabilities
This is an introduction to assessment and appraisal devices in the rehabilitation process. Emphasis is placed upon developing an understanding of the behavior measured by various assessment instruments, developing an awareness of the assessment instruments useful in the evaluation of persons with disabilities, and developing an awareness of the problems in the communication and interpretation of accurate test results.
Prerequisite: a course in Tests and Measurements, or its equivalent, and/or consent of instructor. 3 credits

SRS 506 Rehabilitation of the Blind
This course focuses on such topics as dimensions of blindness: psychological reaction to loss; relationship of disabled persons to others e.g., family, and employers; multi-handicapped blind; education, training, and placement of sight-handicapped persons.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 507 Alcohol Education-A Community Approach
Alcohol education is studied in an integrated manner providing the student an opportunity to see the interrelationships and multiple perspectives of alcohol use, abuse, and rehabilitation programs. Health, social studies, driver education, biology, chemistry, general science, and guidance are examples of subject areas which constitute appropriate courses for the investigation of education about alcohol use and abuse.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 508 Family Systems and Rehabilitation
This course allows students to develop a body of specialized skills and knowledge needed to assist in working with family systems in rehabilitation settings. Included is an analysis of current issues relevant to the inclusion of families in the rehabilitation process. Students are introduced to a wide range of non-traditional family systems as well as the more traditional models. Also included is an introduction to community resources that provide services to family systems.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 510 Seminar in Medical Rehabilitation
This course enables rehabilitation specialists to utilize medical consultation services more effectively through a better understanding of medical terminology, physical findings, diagnosis, and recommendations contained in medical reports.
Prerequisite: Anatomy and physiology is recommended but not required. 3 credits

SRS 512 Occupational Analysis, Career Development and Placement
This course assists students in developing an understanding of the appropriate use of occupational information, career development approaches and placement techniques. Relevant disability related legislation, supported employment, post employment services and issues such as job coaching are examined. The material is discussed as it pertains to the ability of the rehabilitation professional to assist individuals with disabilities and their families to move through the rehabilitation process. The appropriate use of interviews, marketing techniques and community resources is also reviewed.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 513 Vocational Evaluation and Assessment
This advanced course assists students in developing the ability to use current methods and technologies to assess the vocational strengths and weaknesses of individuals with disabilities. It also helps students assess the information assimilated through these methods and to relate the material to the client, appropriate family members and approved peers in a professional manner. Occupational analysis, labor market trends and the importance of meaningful employment are addressed. The synthesis of vocational information in the preparation of case reports is also emphasized.
Prerequisite SRS 505. 3 credits

SRS 514 Private Sector Rehabilitation
Study of case management and vocational rehabilitation services provided under workers' compensation and long-term disability insurance. Review of Disability Management Programs implemented by major employers. Define the role of the Vocational Expert in Social Security disability hearings as well as personal injury, employment law, and ADA litigation.
Prerequisite: SRS512. 3 credits

SRS 515 Administration and Management
This course focuses on the administration of diverse social and rehabilitation agencies; the management of programs-especially with a multi-disciplinary staff; and the supervision of personnel including the paraprofessional and the newly employed professional.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 520 Introduction to Psychiatric Rehabilitation
As an introduction to psychiatric rehabilitation, this course emphasizes understanding of human development throughout the lifespan with appreciation of the complex interaction of biological, social, and psychological variables that influence behavior. From this biopsychosocial framework, major psychiatric disorders are reviewed with attention to relevant diagnostic and intervention strategies, appreciation of the personal experience of psychiatric disability, and understanding of the core principles and practices of psychiatric rehabilitation.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 525 Psychosocial and Environmental Aspects of Disability
This course utilizes a lifespan framework to describe and explain the physical, social, emotional and cognitive changes that occur across the life span of humans, from preconception to death. Studies that provide an understanding of the nature and needs of humans at all developmental levels are examined. The major developmental task occurring across the lifespan is also studied. In addition, the course focuses on the major determinants associated with disability that impact adjustment during the different developmental levels. The impact that disability has on personality development, sexual functioning, families, social functioning and the community is explored. Current research findings are also analyzed and discussed.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 530 Counseling Theory and Practice
This course examines the major counseling theories that influence most of the interviewing and counseling situations that the practicing rehabilitation professional will encounter. Emphasis is placed on developing the competence in selected counseling techniques to assist clients in making decisions that facilitate the successful negotiation of the rehabilitation process. Particular attention is given to developing competencies associated with acceptable counseling practice. Research related to counseling as well as issues regarding the nature of counseling, is reviewed.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 540 Case Management in Rehabilitation
Case management is the systematic process used by rehabilitation professionals to guide clients through the rehabilitation process from referral/case identification to successful case closure/return-to-work. This course will introduce students to guidelines that enable rehabilitation professionals to perform intake interviews, identify clients needing services, interpret assessment results, and communicate, interpret and utilize diagnostic information from physicians, psychologists, vocational evaluations, etc. Skills in case documentation and recording are also necessary for rehabilitation practitioners and systematic guidelines are covered and practiced in this course. Case management approaches within various rehabilitation settings are the focus. A number of rehabilitation approaches and strategies are integrated into the course content in an effort to develop appropriate rehabilitation and return-to-work plans for clients with disabilities.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits

SRS 550 Group Work
The emphasis of the course is on the use of group work as a supportive service in providing treatment to individuals in need. In addition, student reactions to the conditions that cause people to seek help are explored, particularly in relation to the impact of these reactions on the process of helping.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 credits

SRS 555 Rehabilitation Work Experience Portfolio Evaluation
This course enables students to document and verify the knowledge, skills, and competencies that they have acquired while employed in an appropriate rehabilitation setting. Students provide written evaluation of their work experience, explanation of their comprehension of knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas such as interviewing, case management, and counseling, and oral explanations of the same.
Prerequisites: Two years of work experience in an appropriate rehabilitation setting and verification of ongoing employment in an appropriate rehabilitation setting. 1 credit

SRS 590 Advanced Seminar in Medical Rehabilitation
This course is a continuation of SRS510, Principles of Medical Rehabilitation. It focuses on case presentations with an emphasis on the rehabilitation potential of a wide range of physical disabilities commonly seen in rehabilitation agencies.
Prerequisite: SRS510. 3 credits

SRS 599 Practicum and Seminar on Legal & Ethical Issues
The Practicum is a planned educational experience that provides students with an opportunity to supplement and apply skills and knowledge developed in the academic setting. Students are exposed to the various legal and ethical issues which shape the application of those skills and knowledge in the field to include a discussion of the laws and ethical standards affecting the field of rehabilitation. It is a method of learning that facilitates learning through observation while under the supervision of a competent human service professional.
Prerequisite: Permission of clinical coordinator. 3 credits