Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Rehabilitation Counseling

Program Tracks Available

Graduate, Online

Admission Deadline

Fall: August 1
Spring (January start): December 1
Summer: May 1

Application Requirements

Admission Information Sessions

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Tuition Information

Degrees Offered

C.A.G.S.

School

School of Graduate Studies

Department

Health and Human Services

For more than 50 years, Assumption University has prepared rehabilitation counselors who help individuals with disabilities, injuries, chronic illnesses, and other barriers achieve meaningful employment and independent living.

The C.A.G.S. pathway is designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree and want to gain specialized rehabilitation counseling knowledge, meet CRC certification requirements, and expand their career opportunities.

RSA Scholarship Opportunities

Professionals employed by a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency may be eligible for 100% tuition coverage through the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) CSPD grant*.

Eligible applicants:

Hold a master's degree in a related field
Complete a CRCC transcript review
Follow an individualized plan of study
Remain employed by a State VR agency during enrollment
Fulfill post-graduation payback requirements

Applicants interested in RSA funding should indicate their interest during the admissions process. Detailed scholarship and payback information is provided upon application.

Is This Program Right for You?

The Rehabilitation Counseling C.A.G.S. is ideal for professionals who already hold a master's degree in:

Counseling
School Counseling
Social Work
Human Services
Education
Psychology
Related helping professions

This program is especially valuable for professionals seeking CRC eligibility, career advancement, or specialized expertise in working with individuals with disabilities.

In addition to this program, Assumption also offers a Certificate of Graduate Studies (C.G.S.) in Disability Fundamentals, providing an additional educational pathway for working professionals.

Why Choose Assumption?

More than 50 years of rehabilitation counseling excellence
Individualized program of study based on prior graduate coursework
Flexible part-time format for working professionals
Preparation toward CRC certification requirements
Experienced faculty with strong industry connections
Potential RSA-funded tuition support for eligible students
Nationally recognized rehabilitation counseling program

Graduate Virtual Information Sessions

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Rehabilitation Counseling Program Overview
The CAGS in Rehabilitation Counseling will allow students to focus graduate coursework on areas such as vocational rehabilitation, career counseling, psycho-social aspects, counseling skills, services supporting transition-aged youth, and case management as it relates to individuals with a variety of disabilities.

Please know that every applicant is invited for an interview after completing an application. The interview allows us to learn of your interests and strengths, while it allows you to explore the opportunities within our program so you are confident Assumption is the best fit for you before enrolling.

Steps to take:
- Apply for the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
- Submit your transcript to CRCC for a panel review to determine what courses are needed to qualify them to sit for the CRC exam
- Complete an individualized program of study (typically of 7 classes)
- *100% of the CAGS tuition cost is covered by the RSA CSPD grant IF the individual is and remains actively employed by a State VR agency during the program
- Willing to complete the post-graduation work payback requirement*
- Applicants must express interest in receiving RSA scholarship support at the time of application if they expect to receive 100% of tuition coverage
*Detailed information about the RSA grants and payback requirements is provided as part of the application and award process

The contents of this webpage were developed under grant H129W250004 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this webpage may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this webpage does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed, or materials provided by any Federal agency (EDGAR 75.620)

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Rehabilitation Counseling Program Contact

Laura E. Hunter, MSOL

Associate Director for Graduate Enrollment

Schedule a Conversation

508-767-7458 lehunter@assumption.edu Admissions House, 121

Nicholas J. Cioe, Ph.D.

Associate Professor , Director of Rehabilitation Counseling, Coordinator of SMVF Program, Core Faculty Member in Rehabilitation Counseling

508-767-7063 nj.cioe@assumption.edu Kennedy Building - Room 107c

Caroline Rauscher

Academic Affairs Support Team

508-767-7390 cm.rauscher@assumption.edu Kennedy Hall - Room 123

Online Program

Federal Grant Support

Years Providing Excellence in Counselor Education

Program Details

Assumption University is excited to offer RSA Scholarships to students pursuing graduate level education in the Rehabilitation Counseling program. Students who receive scholarships under this program are required to “pay back” their scholarship through paid employment after graduation in public agencies that support the state-federal rehabilitation program. Typical settings include State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies or non-profit organizations that have service arrangements (often in the form of contracts to provide services for) with State Vocational Rehabilitation agency. Federally funded agencies that provide rehabilitation services also meet the payback requirement. Assumption has been awarded multiple RSA awards that provide support to slightly different groups of students.

Individuals pursuing a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
- Students accepted into the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling degree program
- Enrolled full-time in either the online (2 or 3 classes/semester) or blended program (4 classes/semester)
- Willing to complete the post-graduation work payback requirement*
- Tuition awards are based on available funds and typically exceed $25,000/student and cover most of the total tuition cost
Individuals pursuing graduate education who ALREADY HAVE a master’s degree in a similar field
- Apply for the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
- Submit their transcript to CRCC for a panel review to determine what courses are needed to qualify them to sit for the CRC exam
- Complete an individualized program of study (typically of 7 classes)
- 100% of the CAGS tuition cost is covered by the RSA CSPD grant IF the individual is and remains actively employed by a State VR agency during the program
- Willing to complete the post-graduation work payback requirement*
- Applicants must express interest in receiving RSA scholarship support at the time of application if they expect to receive 100% of tuition coverage
Individuals pursuing graduate education that DO NOT have a master’s degree
- Apply for the Certificate of Graduate Study (CGS) in Disability Fundamentals
- Includes 6 courses (2 per semester) so it can be completed in one calendar year
- Students can apply to begin in any semester (Fall, Spring, Summer)
- Willing to complete the post-graduation work payback requirement*
- 100% of the CGS tuition cost is covered by the RSA CSPD grant IF the individual is and remains actively employed by a State VR agency during the program
- Applicants must express interest in receiving RSA scholarship support at the time of application if they expect to receive 100% of tuition coverage
*Detailed information about the RSA grants and payback requirements is provided as part of the application and award process
Course Descriptions
Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program Full Summer 2026 Semester

Faculty

Nicholas J. Cioe, Ph.D.

Associate Professor Director of Rehabilitation Counseling Coordinator of SMVF Program Core Faculty Member in Rehabilitation Counseling

Andrea Coraccio

Lecturer, Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program

Jessica Corneau

Lecturer, Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program

Heather Harris

Lecturer, Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program

Stefanie Howe

Lecturer, Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program

Kristi Kinsella

Adjunct Faculty HSRS

Ryan T. Paskins, Ph.D

Assistant Professor of Practice, Rehabilitation Counseling Core Faculty Member in Rehabilitation Counseling

Susan Sabelli

Clinical Coordinator, Health and Human Services

Susan Scully, Ph.D.

Associate Professor Director of School Counseling Core Faculty Member in Rehabilitation Counseling

Gary R Senecal, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Human Services

Justin Somers

Lecturer, Rehabilitation Counseling and SOP Graduate Programs

Application Requirements:

Graduate application
Official transcript(s) from all institutions attended
Recommendation/letter of support from current supervisor
Personal statement

Rehabilitation Counseling Program Awarded $3M in Major Grants

Assumption University’s Rehabilitation Counseling Program has been awarded three major grants from the Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) totaling $3 million.

Learn More

U.S. News Ranks Assumption’s Rehab Counseling Program among Best in Nation

Assumption’s graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling is one of the Best Rehabilitation Counseling Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. Assumption is among the top 50 Rehabilitation Counseling programs in the country.

View Here

Useful Links:

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Rehabilitation Counseling

Advance your counseling credentials and prepare for CRC certification.

For more than 50 years, Assumption University has prepared rehabilitation counselors who help individuals with disabilities, injuries, chronic illnesses, and other barriers achieve meaningful employment and independent living.

RSA Scholarship Opportunities

Is This Program Right for You?

In addition to this program, Assumption also offers a Certificate of Graduate Studies (C.G.S.) in Disability Fundamentals, providing an additional educational pathway for working professionals.

Why Choose Assumption?

Program Details

Faculty

Application Requirements:

Rehabilitation Counseling Program Awarded $3M in Major Grants

U.S. News Ranks Assumption’s Rehab Counseling Program among Best in Nation

Programs Related to Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Rehabilitation Counseling