The Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences (RCDS) program is celebrating a landmark year, most recently earning national recognition for excellence in the field.
This summer, the program was named a Center of Excellence by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), a designation awarded to only five university programs nationwide.
"Being recognized as a CRCC Center of Excellence is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the dedication, innovation, and quality that define the 91视频RCDS program," said , assistant professor and program coordinator in the Department of Child and Family Studies. "To me, this recognition affirms the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students, and highlights our commitment to preparing ethical, knowledgeable, and skilled rehabilitation counselors who are ready to meet the evolving needs of the field."
The CRCC designation underscores the program's commitment to academic rigor, innovation, and leadership in rehabilitation counseling. Selection standards are stringent, requiring evidence of excellence in curriculum, student support, faculty engagement, and program outcomes.
Left to right: Avis Bailey, India Allen, Kristina Richards, and Jessica Lizardi, students from the third cohort to graduate from the RCDS program.
The Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences is a fully online degree designed to prepare counselors to serve individuals with physical, mental, emotional, and chemical disabilities. The program emphasizes psychological, social, medical, and vocational aspects of disability while refining personal adjustment counseling skills. Graduates are prepared for careers as rehabilitation counselors and disability specialists.
91视频graduates benefit from both CACREP accreditation and CRCC designation, strengthening their standing in a field with rising demand.
"For our graduates, this recognition reinforces the value of their degree and the strength of their training," Worthey said. "It signals to employers and professional communities that they are entering the workforce with a high-quality education rooted in excellence, ethics, and innovation. Our alumni can take pride in being part of a program that is nationally recognized and committed to advancing the field."
According to CRCC, the Center for Excellence designation provides students with several advantages, including formal recognition of graduating from a top program, reduced rates on student liability insurance, and opportunities for advanced skill development. It also bolsters professional identity and credibility, offers networking connections through CRCC鈥檚 Emerging Leaders Network, and enhances career opportunities through professional guidance and support.
Program leaders say this achievement, along with the accreditation received in April from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), will help shape the program鈥檚 trajectory.
"This distinction sets a strong foundation for continued growth and leadership in rehabilitation counseling education," Worthey said. "It positions us to attract high-caliber students and faculty, expand research and community partnerships, and further enhance our curriculum to stay aligned with best practices and emerging trends."
Earlier this month, the program hosted a virtual information session for prospective students. Applications are open for the Spring 2026 cohort. More information is available on the program website.