University of Alabama Online Counseling Programs
The University of Alabama offers two online counseling programs: the educational specialist (EdS) in counselor education with school counselor certification and the master of arts (MA) in rehabilitation counseling. The programs are offered through the College of Education and are designed for professionals who want to advance in school counseling or support people with disabilities through rehabilitation counseling.
Both programs are delivered online and combine academic coursework with practical preparation. Students learn from University of Alabama faculty who also teach on campus, while online course formats include synchronous and asynchronous learning. The programs allow students to continue working while completing advanced counseling education and supervised field experiences.
The EdS in school counseling includes 30 to 33 credits and prepares school counselors for advanced certification. Students complete an electronic portfolio, a comprehensive project, and a 100-hour fieldwork experience. Eligible graduates may be recommended for Alabama Class AA certification in school counseling for grades P through 12.
Important courses in the EdS program include readings in counselor education; field experiences in counselor education; advanced seminars; working with families; and introduction to play therapy. Students may also choose coursework such as advanced theories of counseling; substance abuse counseling; counseling strategies for adult-child relationships; or psychopathology. The program is completely online, is not cohort-based, and accepts students in the fall, spring, or summer semester.
The MA in rehabilitation counseling is a 60-credit online program that prepares professionals to support people with chronic health conditions and disabilities. Students learn to address social, personal, environmental, and vocational barriers through counseling, advocacy, rehabilitation planning, and case management. The program includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.
Important courses in the MA program include orientation to rehabilitation counseling; counseling theory and process; career development; professional issues, ethics, and advocacy in counseling; and medical and psychological aspects of disabilities. Students also study case management, vocational rehabilitation, and placement; multicultural approach to counseling; and special topics in work and disability. Graduates may work as rehabilitation counselors, vocational rehabilitation specialists, disability services professionals, case managers, employment specialists, and disability advocates. This program does not lead to certification or licensure.
Admission requirements differ between the two programs. Applicants to the EdS program must hold a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution, provide transcripts from all institutions attended, and hold a valid master’s-level professional educator certificate in school counseling. They must also have at least two years of full-time professional educational work experience in a P-12 school system, a graduate GPA of at least 3.0, a statement of purpose, an academic writing sample, three recommendation letters, a completed University of Alabama Graduate School application, and fingerprinting and background clearance. The GRE and MAT are not required.
Applicants to the MA in rehabilitation counseling must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, a completed University of Alabama Graduate School application, and an online interview with faculty. Regular admission generally requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a 3.0 average over the last 60 hours of a degree program, or a 3.0 GPA in a completed graduate degree. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered, and GRE scores may be submitted but are not required.
The University of Alabama is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Established in 1820 and opened to students in 1831, it is the oldest and largest public university in Alabama and the University of Alabama System. The university holds continuous institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The MA in rehabilitation counseling is fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
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Educational Specialist in Counselor Education (School Counselor Certification)
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling
Box 870388Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Program Essentials
Doctoral Degree
Counseling: School Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
30-33
Fall, Spring, Summer
Complete in approximately 2.5 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher, master’s degree in School Counseling from an accredited institution required
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
30-33
$480.00
$14,400 – $15,840
$480.00
$14,400 – $15,840
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Rehabilitation Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
60
Fall, Spring, Summer
Complete in as few as 2-2.5 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$480.00
$28,800.00
$480.00
$28,800.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.