Rehabilitation Studies and Services - BSE
Rehabilitation has evolved from its origin as a federally legislated profession narrowly focused on the employment needs of individuals with disabilities to a vibrant profession encompassing new functions in new settings with individuals from a wide variety of circumstances.
Informed by Rehabilitation Psychology, Social Psychology, and Disability Studies, the BSE in Rehabilitation Studies and Services prepares students to become rehabilitation generalists by focusing on the meaning and impact of impairment and disability due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors; the integration of theory, practice, and the rehabilitation process; and the philosophy that disabled people exercise control and power over their own lives.
Program Highlights
As a Rehabilitation Major, students will complete 48 credit hours of coursework which includes a one-semester, supervised casework experience. They may select from a variety of programs and organizations to fulfill the casework experience.
The Rehabilitation coursework includes required and elective courses such as American Sign Language, Disability Studies, Disability and the Media, Interviewing & Case Management, Supervised Fieldwork, Addiction, Disability Perspectives and Narratives, Autism, Trauma, Multicultural Perspectives, Mental Health, Sexuality, etc. Courses are offered online, on campus, and in a hybrid format.
Selective Learning Objectives
- Acquire skills in advocacy, communication, interviewing, and case management
- Develop and maintain effective helping relationships
- Understand the disability experience relative to an array of contextual and intersectional factors
- Understand the impact of society's disability beliefs and attitudes on the rehabilitation process
- Identify systemic barriers to full participation and advocate for removal and inclusive design
- Develop a tentative plan for matching personal interests and skills with rehabilitation-related careers
Students will be prepared for entry-level positions in a variety of disability and related human services agencies, such as:
- state/federal vocational rehabilitation programs
- addiction recovery centers
- community rehabilitation and mental health centers
- independent living centers
- developmental disabilities programs
- correctional facilities
- hospitals
While the bachelor's degree provides many opportunities for careers, students could also pursue graduate work in more advanced fields, including:
- Counseling (e.g., Mental Health, Rehabilitation, School, Addiction)
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Speech-Language Pathology
At the level of individual practice, rehabilitation professionals can support people to participate and define their own goals; share expertise, information, and knowledge; work in partnership with service users; clarify the goals towards which the individual aspires; identify the barriers that may prevent the realization of these goals; work towards removing these barriers. At the level of policy rehabilitation professionals can develop and maintain a political awareness of how government shapes major structures in society and advocate for access and inclusion.
Rehabilitation Professionals share a commitment to social change. They not only facilitate individual internal change, but also work toward social change that will liberate all members of society from discrimination, oppression, and stereotyping.
Core Courses: 21 Credits
- SERP 200: Mass Media and Its Construction of Disability – 3 credits
- SERP 416: Disability Perspectives and Narratives – 3 credits
- SERP 460: Advocacy for Social Change in Human Services
- SERP 465: Introduction to Rehabilitation – 3 credits
- SERP 478: Substance Use and Prevention – 3 credits
- SERP 481: Interviewing and Case Management – 3 credits
- SERP 483: Supervised Casework in Rehabilitation
Electives: 27 Credits – Course in bold are recommended
SERP 399: Independent Study – 1-4 credits
SERP 400: Survey of Exceptional Students – 3 credits
SERP 402: Behavior Principles and Disability: Assessment and Intervention – 3 credits
SERP 404: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Exceptional Learners – 3 credits
SERP 412: Violence in Schools and Communities – 3 credits
SERP 414: Introduction to Disability Studies – 3 credits
SERP 421: Introduction to Visual Impairment and Deaf-Blindness – 3 credits
SERP 431 A: American Sign Language III – 4 credits
SERP 432 B: American Sign Language IV – 4 credits
SERP 464: Introduction to Autism – 3 credits
SERP 476/576: Trauma
SERP 493: Internship
SERP 494: Practicum – 3 credits
SERP 479A: Psychiatric Rehabilitation – 3 credits
SERP 497k: Sexuality and Disability – 3 credits
SERP 499: Independent Study – 1-4 credits
HUSV 404: Health and Wellness in Human Services – 3 credits
HUSV 407: Cultural and Person-Centered Approach to Human Services – 3 credits
HUSV 420: Introduction to Crisis Intervention – 3 credits
HUSV 450: Human Services: Multicultural Perspective – 3 credits
HDFS 117: Lifespan Human Development
HDFS 257: Contemporary Families
HDFDS 413: Issues In Aging
HDFS 487: Sociocultural Contexts of Development – 3 credits
***Up to 4 credits of independent study can apply toward the major
The need for qualified rehabilitation and human service professionals is expected to remain strong. Students are expanding their horizons and often establish careers in agencies like:
- Programs for children and youth
- Private non-profit rehabilitation centers
- Mental health agencies
- Private-for-profit rehabilitation agencies
- Rehabilitation hospitals
- Alcohol and other drug treatment centers
- Correctional facilities
- Public welfare agencies
- Social service agencies
- Schools
- Vocational rehabilitation programs
- Programs for older adults
- Psychology (clinical, counseling, developmental)
- Art Therapy
- Recreational Therapy