Rehabilitation Services Curriculum

The program presented leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a major in Rehabilitation Services and a possible emphasis or minor in a related field. The program is considered unique in two ways. First, for the flexibility and variety of related coursework and second, for the available future options open to graduates with a degree in Rehabilitation Services. This major provides for a broad background in human services. As a science degree, we recognize the importance of students being adequately prepared in basic sciences. It is especially important that students understand teh biological functioning of their clients in order to appreciate and help clients cope with emotional, vocational, and environmental concerns. In addition, communication skills (written and oral) are extremely important in this major to ensure that graduates are capable of listening to and successfully communicating with clients, peers, and other staff in the human services network. Finally, recognizing that rehabilitation professionals serve a variety of clientele, it is critical that students understand the variety of ways that age, cultural, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation influence the rehabilitation process. As such, it is important tht students complete diversity focused coursework to accommodate client diversity. Deficiencies in this area would impede the successful provision of client services.

Rehabilitation Services majors are reminded that, although the major is located in the College of Education, the degree does not lead to certification for employment in public schools. Neither is it a program for any rehabilitation specialty requiring certification.

The program requires a minimum of 124 credits and offers 19-21 credit hours in elective courses. Electives may be used for exploratory purposes or to help students create an individualized area of specialization. Courses in psychology, sociology, human development, special education, health education, business administration, communications, and computer science are all related to rehabilitation. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in volunteer activities and coursework that provides an opportunity to work with people with disabilities. This will ensure the opportunity for an exploration of interest, as well as experience that will give greater meaning to the related coursework.

Minors

Many students choose a minor to further enhance their interest and ability in a specific area. Although a variety of minors may be chosen, some frequently chosen minors include: Psychology, Sociology, and Human Development and Family Studies. Arrangements are made by contacting the department in which the student wishes permission to pursue a minor. Both the department in which the student wishes to pursue a minor and the student's advisor in Rehabilitation Services must approve of the student's plan and sign the necessary documents. A complete list of approved baccalaureate minors offered at University Park can be found at: http://www.psu.edu/dus/handbook/minors2.html.