The on-campus rehabilitation counseling program admits students every fall semester. The distance program option typically admits students once every three years, with the next expected start date being fall 2024.

GRE Examination
The Rehabilitation Counseling Program does not require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Applicants will not be asked to submit GRE scores.

Program Track Options
The RCP offers a generalist degree option and a psychiatric rehabilitation degree option in the campus-based version of the program. When applying to the university’s Graduate Division (the Cal State Apply application) applicants will be asked to select a program track. Please review the presentation for important information about deciding between program track options. (Transcript of the presentation) The psychiatric rehabilitation degree option is not available in the distance program; all distance program students are enrolled in the generalist degree option.

Students must complete and submit two applications for graduate admission: 1) a Cal State Apply  application and 2) the Rehabilitation Counseling Program Application for Admission. We are not able to consider applicants who do not submit both applications. These applications are available starting October 1, 2023.

Step 1: Applying to the ARPE Department (the program application)

• Complete the Rehabilitation Counseling Program Application for Admission; the deadline for priority admissions consideration is April 1, 2024.
• Financial aid is available for those interested in the Rehabilitation Counseling Master's degree. Instructions on how to apply and other information about financial aid can be found at the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Website.

Step 2: Applying to the University's Graduate Division

• For priority admission consideration, submit the Cal State Apply application by March 1, 2024 and submit all supporting materials (e.g., transcripts) by April 1, 2024.
• Submit the required application fee with the Cal State Apply Application.
• Have the following materials sent directly to Graduate Admissions.

Graduate Admissions Address:

Graduate Admissions
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7416

• Official transcript(s) delivered electronically or in sealed envelopes by April 1, 2024.
• TOEFL Test Scores (for International Students only).

Step 3: Admission Interviews

• All applications will be initially reviewed by Rehabilitation Counseling Program faculty. Following this review, some applicants will be invited to interview for admission to the program. Applicants will be interviewed by one or more Rehabilitation Counseling Program faculty members. Interviews are held once an applicant's materials have been submitted (i.e., both to Cal State Apply and to the Rehabilitation Counselor Program Application for Admission). Interviews typically occur February through May, but are sometimes conducted earlier once all materials have been submitted and the applicant is determined to be eligible for admission consideration.

Step 4: Consideration for Stipend Funding

• Stipend funding from the Rehabilitation Services Administration may be available to qualified applicants. Please contact us for further information.

Please contact Dr. Mark Tucker, the RCP Program Coordinator, at mtucker@sdsu.edu or (619) 594-3498 for further information.