Welcome
We currently offer an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree that prepares students to assist people with disabilities. We also offer a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. Eleven full time (tenured or tenure track) faculty teach in the Program.
The Department is located in a modern facility (Health Sciences West building) featuring dedicated classrooms, state of the art interviewing and counseling training rooms, and a vocational evaluation lab. Within the Department space is also the Center for Hispanic Resources in Rehabilitation and the Addictions Studies Project. Two other externally funded projects, Project Enhance & The Rehabilitation Research Initiative, are located in the Rehab. Annex. Students enrolled in the Department are exposed to a rich cultural experience. Due to the proximity of the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) to the Texas-Mexico border (approximately 15 miles), most of the area residents speak fluent Spanish. In fact, approximately 90% of the UTPA student body self identifies as Mexican American.
The Department sponsors active student organizations called the R.E.H.A.B. Club and the Deaf Rehab Club. The stated goals of these clubs is to increase awareness (of self and others) of people with disabilities and provided opportunities for community service while also having fun! Typical student activities include community projects, fund raising, disability awareness activities, and club sponsored field trips. Recent members have taken trips to Corpus Christi, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
Mission Statement
The Department of Rehabilitation is committed to providing quality, comprehensive education to University of Texas-Pan American students on a variety of topics related to people with disabilities. An underlying philosophy of dignity and respect for all people, including those with disabilities, is taught and modeled. The Department of Rehabilitation is also committed to integrating theory and practice in the classroom. Graduates are prepared with practical, hands on skills necessary to successfully enter the work force or graduate school.