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Rehabilitation and Human Services (B.S.)

Help people with disabilities achieve the best possible quality of life.

People with disabilities are able to integrate into their communities more than ever before. With a degree in rehabilitation and human services from the University of North Dakota, you’ll be able to help people with physical, learning, cognitive and addiction disorders increase their independence and quality of life. The interdisciplinary program prepares you for a variety of careers in rehabilitation.

Program Snapshot
Program type:
Major
Format:
On-campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why Study Rehabilitation and Human Services at UND?

Rehabilitation and human services is an interdisciplinary major that draws from psychology, sociology, social work, nursing and other fields. In addition to core courses and classes in rehabilitation, research methodology and psychology, you'll choose a concentration in substance abuse, mental health, gerontology, developmental disabilities or other specializations.

  • The program is one of more than 25 approved undergraduate rehabilitation programs recognized by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, an international accrediting body.
  • You'll complete an internship in a professional rehabilitation agency that will enable you to apply theory to practice and integrate knowledge, values and skills.
  • Graduates of the addictions program are well positioned to obtain licensure in North Dakota and other states in sub­stance abuse counseling.

Learn to Lead

UND provides a variety of options to develop your research and find your path to success.

Program Highlights

  • Classes are small — the average size for courses in the major is 15-20.

  • Become involved in UND's Rehab Club and participate in service opportunities and social networking with peers and professionals.

  • A combined program enables you to earn a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation and human services and a master's degree in counseling in approximately five years.

Outcomes

 
23%
Job growth outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors through 2026*
13%
Projected job growth for rehabilitation counselors*

 

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors
**U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Rehabilitation Counselors

Social welfare policies have created demand for people to provide vocational services such as job seeking and skills training. Graduates of the program are in high demand and have landed such entry-level jobs as:

  • Rehabilitation case manager
  • Mental Health case manager
  • Vocational evaluator/job developer
  • Job coach
  • Developmental disabilities case manager
  • Vocational placement specialist
  • Supported employment specialist
  • Independent living specialist
  • Residential care coordinator
  • Employee assistance supervisor

Our graduates work in a variety of settings including:

  • Hospital-based rehabilitation units and psychiatric hospitals
  • Private and pub­lic vocational rehabilitation agencies
  • Community mental health centers
  • Chemical dependency programs
  • College disability support programs
  • Local, state and federal government agencies such as Veterans Affairs
  • Centers for communication disorders

UND Rehabilitation Alumni

Rehabilitation alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Development Homes, Inc.
  • Meridian Behavioral Health, LLC
  • Speedway, LLC 8053
  • Anne Carlsen Center
  • Askew Rehabilitation
  • Baxalta U.S., Inc.

Courses You Could Take

 

RHS 200. Helping Skills in Community Services. 3 Credits.

This course provides the student with the basic knowledge and skills associated with the helping process, including interviewing skills, as practiced in a variety of community services settings. A special focus will be on the problem-solving process and interaction skills used in direct service activities with individuals. Helping skills require a knowledge of interpersonal relationships and the effective use of interpersonal behaviors. This combination of knowledge and skills will benefit any individual wanting to increase effectiveness when working with people. F,S,SS.

RHS 250. Contemporary Issues in Rehabilitation. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the profession of rehabilitation and examines how persons with disabilities are treated in our society. Topics include: community and national rehabilitation agencies, political and social influences on rehabilitation programs, conceptualization of disability, attitude development and change, building accessible and inclusive communities, and transforming the media. Opportunities for involvement with agencies providing rehabilitation services will be provided. S,SS.

RHS 350. Overview of Disabilities. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of physical and mental disabilities for rehabilitation professionals, including the medical, psychological, social, and vocational aspects of specific disabilities. Medical terminology, etiology, treatment, interventions, and prognosis of various disabilities will be presented. Prerequisite: RHS 250 or consent of instructor. F.

RHS 450. Vocational Assessment and Job Acquisition. 3 Credits.

Review of the basic principles of testing along with various instruments and techniques used in the assessment of persons with disabilities. Use of assessment information in the job acquisition process and the importance of work for individuals with disabilities are also addressed. S.

RHS 455. Rehabilitation Process. 3 Credits.

This course examines the history, philosophy, and ethical standards of the rehabilitation profession. Topics include the following: experiences of people with disabilities throughout history, legislation affecting persons with disabilities, public and private rehabilitation systems, case management principles, role and function of rehabilitation counselors, principles of independent living, and community resources utilized in rehabilitation programs. F.

RHS 260. Inclusion in Recreation Settings. 3 Credits.

Study of individuals with disabling conditions and their leisure-related needs with emphasis on integration strategies and legislation that facilitate community involvement. F,S.

Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with, find similar majors or explore graduate degree options:

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