Rehabilitation Counseling & Disability Sciences

NON-DEGREE SEEKING STUDENTS

The Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences (RCDS) Program recognizes that individuals may seek enrollment in specific courses to address state licensure board deficiencies, fulfill professional development goals, or explore graduate-level counseling education.

Admission as a non-degree seeking student is limited and subject to program review and approval.

Applicants seeking enrollment as a non-degree seeking student must demonstrate a clear educational or professional rationale for enrolling in RCDS coursework. Priority consideration may be given to individuals who have been directed by a state licensure board to complete specific counseling coursework to address educational deficiencies.

Admission as a non-degree seeking student does not constitute admission to the degree program and does not guarantee future acceptance into a graduate program.  

Students who have been offered admission or are enrolled in another USF program will not be permitted to register for RCDS courses.  

Individuals seeking non-degree seeking status must complete the RCDS Non-Degree Seeking Request form that includes the following:

• Statement of Intent

Applicants must submit a written statement of intent between 200 and 500 words that addresses the following:

• • The reason for seeking enrollment as a non-degree seeking student.
  • Professional goals and how the requested coursework will support those goals.
  • A description of the applicant’s counseling philosophy, including their beliefs regarding the counseling process, professional helping relationships, client growth and development, and ethical practice.

• Board Deficiency Letter (if applicable)

Applicants seeking coursework to satisfy licensure or certification requirements must submit an official deficiency letter from the applicable state licensure or certification board identifying the required coursework or content areas that must be completed.  (Please email this to cbcs-rcds@usf.edu)

Once non-degree seeking candidate has received confirmation of eligibility the candidate will be required to complete the following: 

• Non-Degree Seeking Student Application

Applicants must complete and submit the university’s designated non-degree seeking student application form and any required supplemental materials. 

Applications will be reviewed by the RCDS Program Admissions Committee or designated program representative. Admission decisions will be based on:

• Alignment between the applicant’s stated goals and available coursework.
• Program capacity and course availability with priority given to applicants seeking to complete licensure board deficiency (as documented by a deficiency letter).
• Appropriateness of requested coursework.
• Professional alignment with RCDS program’s mission and values as demonstrated by the applicant’s counseling philosophy.  
• Successful completion of all required application materials.

The program reserves the right to deny admission based on enrollment limitations, insufficient documentation, or a determination that the requested coursework/counseling philosophy does not align with the program’s mission or available resources.

Non-degree seeking students:

• May enroll only in courses approved by the RCDS academic admissions committee.
• Must satisfy all course prerequisites as evidenced by transcripts.  
• Subject to approval by course instructor.
• Restricted from enrolling in clinical, practicum, internship, or other experiential courses requiring formal admission to the degree program. Including:
  • MHS 5020 Skills and Techniques 
  • RCS 6510 Group Theories 
  • RCS 6803 Practicum 
  • RCS 6825 Internship 
• Are subject to all university and program policies and procedures.
• If requesting multiple classes, you must maintain a minimum grade of a B in enrolled courses to be permitted into future classes (includes courses in the same semester with alternate start dates).  You are fee liable for any scheduled courses after add/drop.  
• Will be permitted to enroll in a maximum of 4 courses (12 credit hours).  

Enrollment as a non-degree seeking student does not guarantee admission to the RCDS or any degree program. Individuals wishing to pursue a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Sciences must complete the standard application process and meet all admission requirements in effect at the time of application.

The RCDS Program reserves the right to approve, deny, or limit non-degree seeking enrollment based on accreditation requirements, faculty resources, course availability, and programmatic considerations.