Bachelor's in Rehabilitation Studies
The demand for professionals assisting individuals with disabilities is rising each year. Our bachelor’s degree program in rehabilitation studies combines a classroom curriculum with practical experience in community services and involvement, guiding students to a fulfilling career in the vast field of rehabilitation.
Inside the Classroom
Students involved in the undergraduate program explore the social, psychological and physical impact of disabilities. With small classes taught by an experienced, diverse faculty, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the human service delivery system, gaining skills in advocacy, case management, interpersonal communication, intervention techniques and problem solving. However, the field of rehabilitation cannot be taught in a classroom alone.
Outside the Classroom
Throughout the course of the program, students gain invaluable real-world experience. Students participate in the department’s services, such as UNT WELL, which integrates service learning through an on-campus wellness and employment learning laboratory (WELL). Students who participate in the services of UNT WELL are given the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research regarding evidence-based practices in disability and addiction rehabilitation. Our many outreach services are a vital aspect of the curriculum and overall foundation of the department. For more information on the community services our department is involved in, take a look at our programs and services page. For maximized experience and preparedness for the rehabilitation profession, students also complete a one-semester practicum in a human service agency. Students may select from a variety of programs and organizations to complete this 200-hour supervised practicum.
Requirements
Students enrolled in the rehabilitation studies program must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.3 and complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of rehabilitation studies courses. Students are given the opportunity to complete another 12 credit hours in a specialization or certificate program and have the flexibility to add a related minor to their degree plan. Additionally, students are required to complete:
- 120 college credit hours
- 42 hours of general academics
- 48 hours of general electives
- A minimum of 42 hours of advanced credit
- One-semester practicum
Career Options
While many college graduates today are facing difficulties with employment, there is a rise in need for rehabilitation professionals. In fact, many alumni of the rehabilitation studies program hold executive positions with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities and the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. The field of rehabilitation offers a large variety of career options. Rehabilitation professionals may work in:
- Addiction treatment centers
- Disability accommodation programs at schools and universities
- Hospitals and clinics, treating individuals with head injuries
- Independent living and community programs
- Insurance companies
- Mental health centers
- State and federal rehabilitation programs
- Probation and parole offices
- Veteran affairs centers
Is the Program Right for You?
If you are a flexible, compassionate student, eager to serve others through empowerment, the rehabilitation studies program could be your perfect fit.