General Information | Career Options | Curriculum | Addiction Studies Program | Concentration in Services to Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing | Admission Procedures

Undergraduate Program Information

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitative Services, a student must complete program of a minimum of at least 120 hours; included in this is 60 hours of major required and support course work. A supervised practicum of 360 hours in an approved rehabilitation setting is required during the last semester of study. In order to be admitted into the Rehabilitation Services program, students must have completed at least 40 hours and have a minimum of a 2.4 GPA. Upon acceptance into the program students will be advised regarding available options: General Rehabilitation, Addictions Concentration, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing concentration.

Graduates from the Program are qualified to begin a career in a variety of human service settings that provide assistance to people with disabilities. Additionally, students are academically prepared to apply for graduate school in Rehabilitation or a related field.

This professional program is designed to provide students with opportunities for community involvement through applied assignments. The Program is complemented by interviewing and evaluation laboratories where students practice applying classroom knowledge. Rehabilitation organizations and other community resources are utilized for field experiences. The curriculum prepares the student to enter directly into the work force as a Rehabilitation Specialist or a related job) as well as to pursue graduate studies in rehabilitation or a related field (e.g., occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, mental health counseling, social work, special education).

Mission

The Rehabilitative Services Program is an integral part of the Department of Rehabilitation and aligns its mission with the department, the College, and the University. The Program is committed to providing high quality undergraduate education to Rehabilitative Services students on a variety of subjects and issues related to people with disabilities. There is a focus on the integration of theory and practice with an ongoing emphasis on experiential learning.

Goal

The overall goal of the Program is to prepare graduates to enter the work force in professional positions with the requisite skills, knowledge, and attitudes to assist people with disabilities to lead full, independent lives. Graduates are also well prepared to enter graduate school.

Objectives

1. Graduates will gain the ability to perform case management, job placement. And vocational assessment services for people with disabilities.
2. Graduates will have an attitude that respects the individual and shows an understanding of the disability experience.
3. Graduates will gain the knowledge about rehabilitation/psychological theories, practices, legislation, and public policy as related to people with disabilities.
4. Graduates will gain the knowledge of medical and psychological aspects of disabilities.
5. Graduates will gain the ability to apply technology to assist individuals with disabilities to enhance their quality of life.
6. Graduates will have completed a capstone course which requires reflection on their clinical field experience.

University/Departmental Accreditations & Memberships

• The University of Texas-Pan American is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges.
• The UTPA Rehabilitative Services Program at UTPA is a charter member of the Council on Rehabilitation Education’s Registry of Undergraduate Programs in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies.