Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Must I have an undergraduate degree in a particular area to apply?

Answer: No. Many applicants to the program do have degrees in psychology, sociology, or a related field, but this is not a requirement. The Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions seeks candidates who have both strong academic potential and commitment to working with individuals with disabilities. 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.

Question: Must I take the GRE to apply for admission?

Answer: No. The GRE or other standardized testing is not needed as part of the admissions process.

Question: Can I transfer graduate credits I have completed at another school to your program?

Answer: Generally, you can transfer a limited number of credits provided there is an equivalent course in our program, you passed the course with a B or better, the course was taken at an accredited university within the past 10 years, and it was not used as part of completing another graduate degree. Please call Dr. Janice Oursler at (908) 889-2462 to discuss any credits you wish to transfer.

Question: I have missed the application deadline. How can I get started right away?

Answer: You may want to start the program as a non-matriculated student until you are able to complete the application process. Non-matriculated students are limited in the number of credit hours which can be taken before deciding to matriculate. A total of 12 credits taken as a non-matriculated student may be applied to a degree. For more information about enrolling as a non-matriculated student, click here .

Question: What credentials will the M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling help me to qualify for?

Answer: Since the M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Counseling (CORE), you are eligible to take the examination for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential when you have completed 75% of the course work in the program, although you will not receive the credential, provided you receive a passing score, until you have completed the degree. Additional information about this credential is available from the Commission on Certification of Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCC) at http://www.crccertification.com/.

Graduates with the M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling may be qualified to apply for other types of credentials such as the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) established by the United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA) as part of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Certification Program. This program fosters the growth of a qualified, ethical, and culturally diverse psychiatric rehabilitation workforce through a test based certification program and enforcement of a practitioner code of ethics. The M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling may be applied toward meeting the educational requirements. Qualifying work experience in psychiatric rehabilitation is also needed to meet requirements to apply to take the written examination for the CPRP. More information about the CPRP is available at www.uspra.org/.

Question: What computer skills will I need to complete the program?

Answer: Students are expected to have basic competence in the use of computers before entering the program. Basic competence involves skill in word processing, Internet search, and use of e-mail. While it is desirable to have access to your own personal computer, this is not required as students have access to computers in the campus computer laboratories and libraries.

There are computer laboratories available for student use on both the Scotch Plains and Stratford campuses. Both computer laboratories have day and evening hours. Contact the computer laboratories directly for the scheduled hours they are open. Computers in the laboratories offer Internet access as well as a variety of computer programs and applications. Additionally, students can access the UMDNJ libraries on-line for literature searches and to read electronic journals. Assistance in using computers is available through the computer laboratories.

Additionally, all students are expected to open a student e-mail account at UMDNJ and to check this e-mail account on a regular basis, at least weekly, for university wide announcements as well as information from the program and from the School of Health Related Professions. After newly accepted students submit all documents and deposits required for enrollment into the program, they are sent information detailing how to obtain their UMDNJ e-mail address.

Question: What student services are available to students in the program?

Answer: Students have access to a variety of student services. More information about these services is in the School of Health Related Professions Student Handbook, available at http://shrp.umdnj.edu/ by clicking on Current Students and selecting Student Handbook from the drop down menu.

The Office of Student Services provides academic counseling and tutorial services.   Additional information about services available from this Office can be found at  http://shrp.umdnj.edu by clicking on Current Students and then Student Services.  You can contact the Office of Student Services at (973) 972-7939 or by e-mail at SHRPss@UMDNJ.edu.  The Office of Student Services offers counseling services in individual, group, and on-line formats.  You can self refer for any of these services.

Student Mental Health Services, located on the Newark Campus, are available to students having difficulty adjusting to the stresses and pressures of SHRP and/or having interpersonal, marital or family problems. Student confidentiality is respected at all times.  In Newark, the service is located in the Administration Complex, Room 1524. The telephone is (973) 972-6388 and office hours are 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. However, other hours  can be accommodated.

Question: How can I get more information about the M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling?

Answer: You can request a Student Handbook, which gives more detailed information about the program, by calling the Department Office at (908) 889-2535.

For general information about the degree or for more information about the Scotch Plains Campus

Contact Dr. Janice Oursler at (908) 889-2462 or by e-mail at ourslejd@umdnj.edu or by mail at:

Janice Oursler, Ph.D., NCC, CRC, Program Director
M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
1776 Raritan Rd., Scotch Plains, NJ 07076

For more information about the M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling at the Stratford Campus, contact Professor Bill Green at (856)566-2785 or by e-mail at greenwf@umdnj.edu or by mail:

Bill Green, M.S., CRC
Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Primary Care Center - Room 228
40 East Laurel Road
Stratford, New Jersey 08084

For applications only, the application 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

Send application forms and other admission documents to the Office of Enrollment Services at:

Office Enrollment Services

UMDNJ-SHRP

Stanley S. Bergen Building
65 Bergen Street, Room 149
Newark, New Jersey 07107-1709

After you have sent in the application form and other required admission documents, be sure to contact the Office of Enrollment Services at (973) 972-5454 or e-mail at shrpadm@umdnj.edu to check that all required admission materials have been received.  The Office of Enrollment Services does not forward applications to the Department for the admissions interview until all admissions materials have been received.