By Hazel Scott
Alabama State University’s Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling (MRC) program has earned accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through 2030.
Institutions accredited by CACREP, an independent accrediting agency that assures graduate counseling programs throughout the United States and the world meet standards within the counseling profession, must go through a rigorous accreditation process that involves an extensive self-study report as well as a site visit from a team of outside counselor educators who evaluate the program’s adherence to the CACREP standards. The CACREP board of directors votes to approve the site team’s recommendations.
“This is a significant accomplishment for Alabama State University and for our counseling program,” said Dr. Charlene Portee, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “The program successfully met all 150+ standards. As a result, the program will be accredited for eight years. This is an exceptional accomplishment. Congratulations to the MR/RS faculty, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders. Job well done!”
The MRC program completed its CACREP accreditation site visit in September.
Portee, who said the accreditation reinforces ASU’s position as a leader in education, said the MRC program was designed to prepare students to become professional rehabilitation counselors who work in partnership with people with disabilities.
“During the 2020-2021 academic year, several agencies, including the Family Guidance Center and the Council on Substance Abuse, employed MRC graduates. This accreditation shines a light on our faculty, advisors and counselors who work hard to provide an exceptional experience for our counseling students,” Portee said.