Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling

Admission Requirements:

The Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions seeks candidates who have both strong academic potential and commitment to working with individuals with disabilities.  Rehabilitation-related employment or volunteer experience is desirable but not an admission requirement.  Admission decisions are based on a review of all materials submitted with the application and take into account all aspects of the applicant including career goals, occupational background, personal experience with rehabilitation counseling, and academic performance and potential.  Applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds who are interested in studying rehabilitation counseling are encouraged.  Scores on standardized tests such as the GRE are not required for admission.

Requirements for admission include:

• Completed Application for Admission form with application fee.  This form may be downloaded at http://shrp.umdnj.edu/ by selecting Enrollment Services, then Admissions, and Application (pdf) or you can apply on-line.  You can have an application form mailed to you by contacting Dr. Janice Oursler at (908) 889-2462 or by e-mail at ourslejd@umdnj.edu
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Written statement describing career goals, personal goals, and experiences as related to the program in rehabilitation counseling.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Personal interview by faculty.

In addition to the academic requirements for the program, students must be able to perform the essential functions required for a career in the health services field.  Applicants should review the SHRP Essential Functions for Participation in Courses available in the SHRP Student Handbook at http://shrp.umdnj.edu/, select Current Students and Student Handbook.   Applicants considering careers in the counseling field must be able to form effective interpersonal relationships both with individuals and in the context of small groups.  As part of preparation to become a counseling professional, students must be open to self-examination and to personal as well as professional self-development.  Students also must have technological competence and computer literacy as described in the section of this Handbook on Computer Facilities, E-mail Accounts and Computer Competence. 

Applicants whose baccalaureate degree is not from the United States must submit an official copy of a transcript evaluation.  An evaluation may be arranged by contacting:

World Education Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station

New York, New York 10113

(212) 966-6311

E-mail: info@wes.org   Web address: www.wes.org

Contact the Office of Enrollment Services at (973)-972-5454 or by e-mail at shrpadm@umdnj.edu to learn about other acceptable agencies for transcript evaluation.

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  Information about TOEFL may be obtained at www.toefl.org.

All application materials to apply for the degree are submitted to the:

Office of Enrollment Services

UMDNJ-SHRP

Stanley S. Bergen, Jr. Building

65 Bergen Street, Room 149

Newark, New Jersey 07101-1709. 

It is important to contact the Office of Enrollment Services at (973)-972-5454 or by e-mail at shrpadm@umdnj.edu periodically to check if all application materials have been received, and your application is complete.  Incomplete applications are not forwarded to the Department for the admissions interview.  Students are requested to notify Dr. Janice Oursler, Program Director for the M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling, at (908) 889-2462 when they submit their application materials to the Office of Enrollment Services.

Admission decision recommendations are made by the program’s selection committee.  In making admission decisions, academic background, experience whether volunteer or paid in working with individuals with disabilities, and ability to perform essential functions are considered in assessing potential for success in the program.  Admission decisions are sent to applicants by the Office of Enrollment Services.

Students can begin study in any semester.  Deadlines for application are April 15 for Summer, June 15 for Fall, and November 15 for Spring.  It is important to submit your application for admission to the program as early as possible so that there is adequate time for processing the application, arranging a personal interview, and reaching an admissions decisions before the start of the semester when you would like to begin your studies. 

Students may attend on a part-time or full-time basis.  Completion of the degree requires attendance in the summer since certain courses are only offered in this semester.  Students are encouraged to begin in the Fall or Spring semester.