The U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration has awarded North Carolina A&T State University a $1 million grant for a Philosophy in Rehabilitation Counseling and Rehabilitation Counselor Education doctoral program.

Dr. Miriam Wagner, the School of Education department chair, and Dr. Tyra Whittaker received the grant which supplies funding for five years. Scholarships to cover tuition, fees, monthly living stipends and professional development funding are covered by the grant.

The doctoral program will prepare professionals to work as counselor educators, researchers, clinicians, and supervisors.

“In addition to establishing a core foundation in rehabilitation counseling and research, major emphasis is provided in the area of Trauma and Trauma Informed Care,” said Whittaker, professor in the School of Education.

N.C. A&T will be the first of any historically black college or university to offer a Ph.D. in rehabilitation counseling.

Over 100 applicants have demonstrated interest in the program.