Making the Decision to Click “Submit Application” 1. I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to balance graduate school with everything else I have on my plate. Our graduates talk often about how supportive and flexible the faculty and programs can be in accommodating students. We want students to commit to their plans of study, but we will work with each individual to make sure that plan meets their needs. Faculty work to create an inviting and approachable environment with an “open door” policy for students. Classes are scheduled in the evening to accommodate those working full time, and placement assistance is given for those beginning fieldwork. New students are assigned student mentors to acclimate to the programs, and each student has a specific faculty advisor.
2. I’m not sure if I can afford graduate school. The Rehabilitation Counseling programs currently have a federally funded training grant through the Rehabilitation Services Administration to support tuition for qualified students. Additionally, scholarship opportunities are available through the programs, and students may apply for graduate assistantships throughout campus. Graduates who seek employment in governmental and nonprofit agencies upon graduation would also qualify for loan consolidation and forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.
3. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to handle graduate-level courses. Yes, graduate school is going to be more rigorous than undergraduate studies, in some respects; but most students find that their interest and passion for the field outweighs the hard work it takes to complete one of our programs. Each program prides itself on a collaborative, rather than competitive, culture. Students support one another, form study teams, and bond over group projects. If you would like to learn more about the student experience, we will put you in touch with a current student to gain an insider perspective.
4. I don’t want to go to graduate school and not have a job afterward. Jobs in the field of counseling are on the rise, and locally we find that employers want to hire graduates from our programs. Regularly, employers will send job leads directly to the programs before they are posted to the public because of the community and alumni connections we have developed. While there are many programs on Long Island that are preparing graduates for mental health counseling licensure (LMHC), the unique combination of preparation for the national certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) credential with the LMHC gives our students a competitive and marketable edge. The CRC credential can be obtained at graduation when the certification exam is taken in the student’s final semester. If you would like to learn more about the rehabilitation counseling job market, we will put you in touch with one of our many alumni to gain insight into postgraduation career options.
Ready to apply now? For more information about our programs, please visit the Rehabilitation Counseling website.
hofstra.edu/gradrc 87606/2:20