M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Course Descriptions - 600-700 Level
RCP 605 Advanced Assessment and Appraisal of Individuals with Disabilities
This course enables students to sift through behavioral observations, developmental data, and test and interview (counseling) reports, to outline the most salient information, and to succinctly describe strengths and functional limitations. Based on analysis of the physical/medical, psychological (mental status as well as dynamics), and social data, a rehabilitation plan, with timetable, will be determined. It trains students to consider the person in all the aspects of living, and to develop goals which are realistic and address the most pressing personal, educational/vocational, and family needs. Typed and verbal reports represent one's most disciplined, rigorous effort combining knowledge of development, personality theory, family "systems," individual and group counseling, test data, use of consultation and community resources, and medical/educational/vocational implications of disability.
Prerequisites: SRS 505; SRS 513. 3 credits
RCP 611 Manpower Resources and the Economic Environment
This course deals with the rapidly changing business and economic climate, which has a profound effect on the preparation of the individual, particularly those who are disabled. There is a review of the trends and strategies of three major components of these changes, i.e., the work, the worker, and the workplace.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits
RCP 612 Career Development
This course presenta an analysis of the basic theories of career development and vocational choice. It helps students gain an understanding of career development within the framework of individual growth and development. Particular consideration will be given to the social and psychological forces that impede the process of normal career development.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits
RCP 616 Supervisory Practices
Immediate supervision is a particularly important activity in the organization because it is enables the staff to deliver services. This management activity, the ability to get things done through others, is a skill that can be acquired. This course explores the elements of effective management and leadership of others.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits
RCP 619 Technology in Rehabilitation
This course promotes awareness of and understanding of the numerous forms of technology that impact the provision of services to a wide range of individuals with disabilities and the subsequent professional/consumer relationships and the outcomes of the rehabilitation process. The course also addresses concerns related to efficient and effective incorporation of rehabilitation technologies into the rehabilitation process.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits
RCP 620 Advanced Seminar in Psychiatric Rehabilitation
The focus of this course is on the rehabilitation needs of adults with serious and persistent mental illness. A review of the community support systems to meet these needs includes examining case management, residential, emergency, family support, social club and vocational programs. Policy issues regarding such areas as managed health care, total quality management, health care financing, privatization, advocacy, and homelessness will be discussed. This course is highlighted by case presentations to demonstrate the practical concerns raised in the implementation of programs, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Prerequisite: SRS 520 and permission of instructor. 3 credits
RCP 630 Advanced Counseling
The purpose of this course is to develop a high degree of competency in establishing a counseling relationship with individuals with disabilities, and helping these individuals examine their strengths with the ultimate goal of relating those strengths in some meaningful way to the environment. Toward this end, each student demonstrates his counseling skill in actual counseling situations.
Prerequisites: SRS 530; SRS 550. 3 credits
RCP 631 Multi-Cultural Issues
This course promotes awareness and understanding of the disparate influences of cultural differences as they impact professional/consumer relationships and the outcome of rehabilitation and related service programs. The course addresses concerns relative to counselor interaction with various cultural groups (i.e. African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American) gender groups, religious groups and age groups.
Prerequisite: None. 3 credits
RCP 640 Directed Study
Individually supervised study and projects with program advisor when appropriate.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. 3 credits
RCP 650 Advanced Group Work in Rehabilitation
This course emphasizes the leadership of the Rehabilitation Counselor in working with diverse groups, i.e., disabled clients, subordinates (in supervision), and community groups important in the rehabilitation process. This emphasis acknowledges the multiple responsibilities of a professional rehabilitation counselor working directly with clients in counseling on an individual and/or group basis, a supervisor/administrator working with counselors and other agency personnel on an individual and/or group basis, and a community worker assigned to a leadership role in organizing and maintaining task-oriented community groups.
Prerequisite: SRS 550 or equivalent. 3 credits
RCP 699 Internship and Internship Seminar
The Internship is a planned educational experience that provides students with an opportunity to supplement and apply skills and knowledge developed in the academic program. It places students into an appropriate human service setting to enable them to work with consumers while under the supervision of a qualified human service professional. Students will complete work assignments as if they were employed rehabilitation professionals. The internship extends through the entire academic year of the second full year of study.
Prerequisite: Permission of the clinical coordinator. 4 credits
RCP 703 Advanced Research Seminar in Rehabilitation
The supervision of research projects.
Prerequisite: Permission of Graduate Director. 3 credits
RCP 704 Program Evaluation
Current evaluation literature from a variety of sources is utilized as a base for examining models and other approaches to program evaluation. The course presupposes a knowledge of elementary statistics which represents part of the basic methodology employed in evaluation. Students have an opportunity to participate in the development and critique of their own evaluation plans.
Prerequisite: SRS 502 or its equivalent. 3 credits
RCP 705 Cognitive Development and Disturbance
The course focuses on the impact of disabling conditions on cognitive development. The study of the normal development of cognitive skills is through representative theories.
Prerequisite: Permission of Graduate Director. 3 credits
RCP 730 Principles of Psychotherapy
This course has been designed for counselors and stresses introductory understanding of the elementary principles of psychotherapy. The course defines what is done in psychotherapy and for what purposes. Formal instructions are integrated with demonstrations.
Prerequisite: SRS 530 and SRS 600 or its equivalent and permission of Graduate Director.
3 credits