University of Kentucky Rehabilitation Counseling Distance Learning Program

Rehabilitation Counseling Distance Learning Program Accepting Spring 2015 Applications

RSA Scholarships Available

            The University of Kentucky distance learning Master’s program in rehabilitation counseling is currently accepting applications for Spring 2015 admission.  Potential students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be considered for January admission.  This program trains individuals for employment as rehabilitation counselors in the public and private sector. 

The University of Kentucky accelerated distance learning program can be completed in sixteen months without on-campus attendance and at in-state University of Kentucky tuition rates.  The accelerated format is accomplished by dividing the traditional 16 week semester into two eight week blocks.  We have condensed full-time instruction into eight-week blocks so that a part-time student can complete the equivalent of a full course load each semester.  All coursework, with the exception of Practica and Internship is presented via asynchronous web-based instruction.  Supervision for Practica and Internship is conducted via web-cam. To apply for the program, please visit our website at https://2b.education.uky.edu/edsrc/rc/admissions/ .

The University of Kentucky Rehabilitation Counseling Distance Education program was recently awarded a five-year Long-Term Training grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration.  The purpose of this grant is to provide scholarships to individuals to pursue a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. To be considered for an RSA scholarship, the applicant must meet the guidelines outlined in the Eligibility Guidelines listed below. 

The RSA scholarships provide full or partial payment of tuition.  Receipt of these scholarship funds is predicated upon the expectation that after completing the training for which the scholarship was awarded scholars will meet a number of requirements.

The RSA Scholarship Advisory Committee will be responsible for reviewing applications and making scholarship awards. This committee is made up of representatives from the public rehabilitation agencies and community rehabilitation facilities, as well as UK Rehabilitation Counseling Program faculty. Deadline for receipt of all materials is November 20, 2014.  The scholarship committee will meet the first week of December to allocate awards. In selecting recipients, the Scholarship Committee will adhere to federal guidelines. 

Please be advised that we anticipate having more students interested in scholarship funds than we have funds available.

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Jackie Rogers, Distance Learning Coordinator, at (859) 257-5284 or Denise Stewart, program staff support person at (859) 257-3834. 

RSA SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

All scholarship students will be selected from applicants who are considered highly qualified, have a commitment to working with individuals with disabilities, and desire to work in the public rehabilitation sector.  Selection of scholars will be based upon three main areas:  academic abilities, personal characteristics (disposition) and professional presentation.  Undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) Grade Point Average will be considered. 

Eligibility Guidelines for RSA Scholarship

The following guidelines must be followed:

1. Applicant must complete an RSA Scholarship Application.
2. Applicant must meet all university and program admission guidelines.
3. Applicant must be admitted to the Graduate Program in Rehabilitation Counseling.
4. Applicant will provide three (3) letters of recommendation ranking their abilities for success as a rehabilitation counselor. (Note:  If currently employed by a state rehabilitation agency, at least one letter must be from your agency.  Applicant may use the same letters of recommendation which were submitted for application to the Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program).
5. Applicant will provide a unique personal statement of interest in the field of rehabilitation counseling, describing how their professional, academic, and personal experiences led them to apply to the program and why they are interested in working in a state vocational rehabilitation agency.
6. Applicant will be interviewed by a scholarship committee.
7. Applicant will attend an informational meeting that will outline the selection criteria, scholarship guidelines and payback requirements, including the need to maintain regular contact until payback obligation has been met.
8. Applicant will sign a statement of understanding upon completion of the orientation.

Eligibility Criteria for the RSA Scholarship

Student applications are reviewed by program faculty and scholarship committee and decisions on admittance are made.  Scholars must meet university admission requirements.  Then priority is given to the following:

1.      Current state agency rehabilitation counselors who wish to complete a master’s degree.

2.      Current state rehabilitation agency staff who seek advancement to the rank of counselor.

3.      Other applicants, not currently employed by state rehabilitation agencies.

            In addition to the eligibility criteria, in order to obtain and maintain a scholarship the scholar must attend full-time, follow recommended sequence of coursework, maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average, and meet all “work pay-back” obligations outlined by the Rehabilitation Services Administration. 

Deadline for receipt of all scholarship and admission materials is November 20, 2014, for Spring admissions.  The scholarship committee will meet in the first week of December to review and award scholarships.

Contact Person: 

Dr. Jackie Rogers, Project Director

Assistant Professor and Distance Learning Program Coordinator

Email:   Jackie.Rogers@uky.edu

Phone:  859-257-5284

                        Fax:      859-257-3835