Welcome
The Department of Rehabilitation, within the College of Health Sciences and Human Services currently offers 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 and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Counseling. Seventeen full-time (tenured, tenure track and non-tenured) faculty teach in the Program. The undergraduate program is a charter member of the Council of Rehabilitation Education’s Registry of Undergraduate Programs in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies. The Master's Program is fully accredited by CORE, 2011-2014. For Program Performance and Outcomes scroll to the bottom of the page.
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 85% 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 are 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.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Services office for a confidential discussion of their individual needs for academic accommodation. It is the policy of the University of Texas-Pan American to provide flexible and individualized accommodation to students with documented disabilities that may affect their ability to fully participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. To receive accommodation services, students must be registered with the Disability Services office (DS), University Center #108, 956.665.7005 or disabilityservices@utpa.edu
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.
