Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Mission
The mission of the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Services is to provide professional preparation of master’s level students with the knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. This mission is achieved through various instructional, clinical and other programmatic activities.
Program Curriculum
The rehabilitation and mental health counseling curriculum is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and focuses on preparing professionals for employment in a diversity of rehabilitation and mental health settings. Graduates of the program have found employment in state and federal agencies, community based rehabilitation and mental health centers, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, schools and universities, and other private and public social service organizations.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Develop knowledge and skills necessary to provide counseling and related services to diverse populations.
- Locate, read, evaluate and apply professional and academic literature to practice.
- Integrate counseling theory, research and practice into professional settings.
- Demonstrate continuing professional development*.
* Coursework from the Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program may be used in preparation for becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Program Outcomes
The Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Montana State University Billings is fully accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) through 2015. The program has an open enrollment policy, admitting 25-30 students each year. The Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling currently has a total of 59 students for academic year 2011-2012.
The program has two full-time, tenure-track faculty and four part-time faculty who teach the CORE accredited curriculum. FTE instructor to FTE student ratio is 1:20 The current grade point average of the students in the program is 3.68. Program retention rate for the academic year 2011-2012 is 84.4%. Over 94% of the students who graduated from the program last year are currently employed in a diversity of rehabilitation and mental health settings.How to Apply
Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling must submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Studies by the current graduate catalog deadline dates. No applications will be considered until all required information arrives at the Office of Graduate Studies. Application materials include:
| 1. | Completed MSU Billings Graduate School Application. |
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| 2. | Application essay. The essay will be no more than four typed pages, double-spaced, and answer the following questions: Why have you chosen this career path? What strengths or assets do you bring to the program? How have your personal experiences influenced your decision to pursue a career in the counseling profession? |
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| 3. | Current vita or resume. |
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| 4. | Complete, official transcripts from all institutions attended. |
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| 5. | Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can provide an evaluation of the applicant’s potential as a graduate student, professional abilities and potential for success in the field of counseling. |
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| 6. | Official notification of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. |
