Master of Arts in Counseling

The UA Little Rock Master of Arts in Counseling is an online degree that prepares graduates to provide direct services and resource coordination for individuals. Our faculty and staff guide students in making a commitment to human rights, professionalism, integrity and ethical practice.

Four tracks are offered. Each student is only admitted to one track. Practicum and internship components are required for all tracks.

Counselor Education – 48 credit hours

The Counselor Education program prepares students to become school counselors ranging from the K-12 levels to higher education or adult education. In these roles, they help people grow academically and personally. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and meets requirements for licensure in Arkansas and many other states. View the Plan of Study for Counselor Education.

The track also offers courses and training for those who already have a master’s degree and wish to become licensed in school counseling. To learn more, please contact Jason Kushner, program coordinator at jdkushner@ualr.edu or 501-916-6256.

Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling – 60 credit hours

Our Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares students to provide services and resource coordination for people with disabilities. Clinical rehabilitation counselors help people eliminate barriers and achieve more independence and a better quality of life. They work with youth and adults with psychiatric, developmental, cognitive, emotional, or physical disabilities. Our graduates meet the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential qualifications.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling – 60 credit hours

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program equips students to become licensed professional counselors or licensed clinical mental health counselors. These professionals may serve in a mental health agency, substance abuse treatment center, hospital, or other settings. They provide services to address people’s mental and emotional well-being.

Traditional Rehabilitation Counseling – 60 credit hours

Our Traditional Rehabilitation Counseling program prepares students to work with people with disabilities, their support systems, and their surroundings to reach personal, social, psychological, and vocational goals. Rehabilitation counselors work with a wide range of various individuals to help enhance their independence and quality of life. We are no longer accepting applicants for this track. Please apply for the clinical rehabilitation counseling track instead.

Please see more information about the accreditation of the MA in Rehabilitation Counseling.

To learn more about these three tracks, please contact Raymond Ortega at rcortega@ualr.edu.

ADMISSIONSCURRICULUM

Mission, Goals and Objectives

Rehabilitation Counseling Track Mission

To promote quality rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities through a pre-service and in-service education program which provides qualified, certified rehabilitation counselors to work in public and private agencies

Primary Goals and Objectives

  • To provide a comprehensive graduate degree curriculum that prepares students to provide high quality services to individuals with disabilities
  • To promote values, skills and knowledge that results in genuine commitment to human rights, professionalism, personal integrity and ethical practice
  • To advance the basic philosophical tenets of rehabilitation
  • To provide a high quality, accessible learning experience for each student which allows program graduates to gain national certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC)

Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment

Participation in the counseling program gives all participants a right to an inclusive and supportive environment where diversity is respected. Students are required to show due regard toward other students, staff, faculty advisors, and course instructors throughout their tenure in the program. Respect includes that of ethnicity, sexuality, race/nationality, social class, culture, personal beliefs, religion, age, communication style, intellect, disability, and/or gender identity. Differences should be used as a strength and resource and to develop leadership and judgment skills appropriate to such diversity in and out of the classroom. Any violation or instance of harassment, discrimination, or violence in the form of language or action should be reported to the instructor, program coordinator, director, and/or other appropriate university personnel immediately.