Rehabilitation and Human Services
Rehabilitation and Human Services
The Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) major prepares students to work in diverse human service settings that serve people with disabilities. Students in this major work with a variety of clients (children, adolescents, adults, older adults) who often experience problems in physical, personal, social, educational, and vocational aspects of their lives. RHS professionals assist these individuals to improve each person's quality of life.
Acquired Skills
Professional skills that RHS students acquire include how to:
- advocate for others
- assess client needs
- conduct educational and related support groups
- consult with other professionals from other agencies and settings
- develop client and family treatment plans
- identify and use appropriate community resources to address client problems
- interview clients, family members, and other support personnel
- manage client caseloads
- resolve conflicts
The Degree Program
All RHS students take a core set of courses that provide the foundation for working in a variety of human service settings including:
- introduction to rehabilitation and human services
- case management
- client assessment
- group work
- counseling skills
- community mental health
- children and family interventions
- medical aspects of disability
Students also take courses related to working with people from different cultural backgrounds. RHS students also develop core skills in writing, communication and critical thinking.
Recent trends in RHS have directed efforts and attention to expanding resources for a variety of clients, including people with disabilities. As the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 continues to be implemented, there will beThere is an increased emphasis on services to persons with severe disabilities, as well as on independent living, supported employment, and transitional services.
Students in RHS receive a solid foundation of specialized education in the rehabilitation and human services field. As a Science degree, students engage in coursework that focuses on biological functioning. Additional coursework will allow students to learn more about culture, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and diversity.
Employment Opportunities
Rehabilitation and Human Services graduates work in a variety of settings, including:
- programs for children and youth
- programs for older people
- programs for people with autism
- community mental health programs
- group homes
- schools
- drug and alcohol programs
- hospitals and medical settings
- corrections facilities
- rehabilitation centers
