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Program Description
This RHS major helps prepare students for entry-level positions in a variety of human service settings, particularly settings that provide services to persons with physical, emotional, and/or mental disabilities. Graduates pursue employment in a variety of settings including rehabilitation hospitals, drug and alcohol programs, geriatric service centers, community mental health programs, programs for people with intellectual disabilities, justice system, and schools. Increasing opportunities are available in private for-profit insurance programs for the industrially injured, and in employee assistance programs within business and industry. Well-planned use of electives and internships allows for specialization. The internship is provided under the supervision of professionals in human service agencies. These intensive "hands-on" experiences are frequently avenues for employment since the internship is completed during the senior year. Students may not go on internship until they have successfully completed all other course work. Students are encouraged to participate in volunteer experiences that provide opportunities to work with people with disabilities. Students are encouraged to declare a minor in a related area and should be discussed with the student's adviser. The major also helps prepare students for graduate study in many human service professional disciplines such as rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work.
You Might Like This Program If...
You enjoy learning about human development, diversity, health and disability, treatment interventions, advocating and working directly with people, and solving individual problems using applied interpersonal skills.
Entrance to Major
Baccalaureate degree candidates must have a minimum 2.0 GPA to be admitted to the Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) major; thereafter, students must earn a C or better in all RHS required courses.
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 17 |
| Requirements for the Major | 70-72 |
12-14 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 6 credits of GS courses; 3-4 credits of GQ courses; 3-4 credits of GN courses.
Requirements for the Major
To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| PSYCH 100 | Introductory Psychology  | 3 |
| PSYCH 270 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 119N | Race, Ethnicity and Culture | 4 |
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| RHS 100 | Introduction to Disability Culture | 3 |
| RHS 300 | Introduction to Rehabilitation and Human Services | 3 |
| RHS 301 | Introduction to Counseling as a Profession | 3 |
| RHS 302 | Client Assessment in Rehabilitation and Human Services | 3 |
| RHS 303 | Group Work in Rehabilitation Practice and Human Services | 3 |
| RHS 400W | Case Management and Communication Skills | 3 |
| RHS 401 | Community Mental Health Practice and Services | 3 |
| RHS 402 | Children and Families in Rehabilitation Settings and Human Services | 3 |
| RHS 403 | Medical Aspects of Disability | 3 |
| RHS 493 | Professional Development and Internship Preparation in RHS | 3 |
| RHS 495A | Rehabilitation and Human Services Internship | 12 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| CI 185 | Principles of Social Justice in Education | 3 |
| or SOC 1 | Introductory Sociology | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Individual Differences and Education | ||
| Adolescent Development | ||
| Introduction to Developmental Psychology | ||
| Select 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Introductory Biological Anthropology | ||
| Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity | ||
| Genetics and Evolution of the Human Species | ||
| Introduction to Human Physiology | ||
| Structure and Function of Organisms | ||
| Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution | ||
| Environmental Science | ||
| Human Body: Form and Function | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Analysis and Interpretation of Statistical Data in Education | ||
| Statistical Concepts and Reasoning | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Select 6 credits from the approved courses in this list: | 6 | |
| Foundations of Chemical Dependency Counseling | ||
| Interpersonal Relationships and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Dependency | ||
| Counseling Strategies for Preventing Chemical Dependency | ||
| Foundations of Addictions Counseling | ||
| College Student Mental Health and Wellness | ||
| Employment Strategies for People with Disabilities | ||
| Rehabilitation in the Justice System | ||
| Trauma-informed care for school & human service professionals | ||
| Inclusive Special Ed Foundations: Legal, Characteristics, Collaboration, Assessment, and Management | ||
| Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Issues and Concerns | ||
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
Integrative Studies
- Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits
Exploration
- GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
Program Learning Objectives
- Advocate for clients
- Assess client needs
- Develop treatment plans
- Identify and use community resources
- Manage caseloads
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Abington
Michael Lavetsky, MA, LPC, NCC
Lecturer of Rehabilitation and Human Services/Program Chair
207 Cloverly Building
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7371
mbl122@psu.edu
Hazleton
Lorie Kramer
Associate Teaching Professor of Rehabilitation and Human Services
Graham 112
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3385
lrk148@psu.edu
Lehigh Valley
Teri Kistler
Coordinator of Rehabilitation and Human Services
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5251
tpk12@psu.edu
University Park
College of Education
Advising and Certification Center
228 Chambers Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0488
ed@admissions.psu.edu
Wilkes-Barre
Melisa Littleton
Program Coordinator, Rehabilitation and Human Services
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9213
man20@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.
Rehabilitation and Human Services, B.S. at Abington Campus
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 15 or 30H | 3 | PSYCH 100* † | 3 |
| SOC 1* † | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Natural Science Selection† | 3 |
| General Education Course | 3 | Elective/Minor | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective/Minor | 3 |
| First Year Seminar | 1 | General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 |
| 16 | 16.5 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CAS 100A or 100B | 3 | RHS 300* | 3 |
| SOC 119N† | 4 | RHS 301* | 3 |
| ANTH 21, BIOL 133, BIOL 110, BIOL 141, BIOL 160N, BIOL 163, BISC 1, BISC 2, BISC 3, or BISC 4† | 3-4 | General Education Course | 3 |
| PSYCH 212, HDFS 239, or EDPSY 10† | 3 | Elective/Minor/Course for the Chemical Dependency Prevention and Counseling Certificate | 3 |
| RHS 100* † | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| General Education Course (GHW) | 1.5 | ||
| 16-17 | 16.5 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 202A or 202B | 3 | RHS 400W* | 3 |
| EDPSY 101, STAT 100, STAT 200, or PSYCH 200† | 3-4 | RHS 401* | 3 |
| RHS 302* | 3 | Elective/Minor/Course for the Chemical Dependency Prevention and Counseling Certificate | 1-3 |
| RHS 303* | 3 | One of the following: KINES, BBH, CRIM, SOC, PSYCH, or HDFS course or Chemical Dependen Prevention and Counseling Certificate course | 3 |
| PSYCH 270 or 470* | 3 | General Education Course | 3 |
| 15-16 | 13-15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| RHS 402* | 3 | RHS 495A* | 12 |
| RHS 403* | 3 | ||
| RHS 493 | 3 | ||
| One of the following: KINES, BBH, CRIM, SOC, PSYCH, or HDFS course or Chemical Dependency Prevention and Counseling Certificate course | 3 | ||
| 12 | 12 | ||
| Total Credits 117-121 | |||
- *
Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
- ‡
Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
- #
Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
- †
Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.
Career Paths
The RHS major provides excellent preparation specifically for graduate programs leading to professions such as occupational therapy, counseling, social work, and physical therapy. Advising of courses outside the major for electives are provided in order to enhance competitiveness of graduate school applications.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RHS SPECIAL INTEREST AREAS
Careers
RHS allows students to pursue a variety of employment options as case workers and direct service providers in alcohol and other drug treatment centers, correctional facilities, mental health agencies, private non-profit rehabilitation centers, private-for-profit rehabilitation agencies, human resources, programs for children and youth, programs for older adults, public welfare agencies, rehabilitation hospitals, schools, social service agencies, and vocational rehabilitation programs.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
To prepare students for graduate studies, students can work with faculty on independent studies and can petition to take graduate courses within the department. For qualified students, we also offer the Schreyer Honors Program.
Accreditation
The College of Education educator preparation programs are fully accredited at the Initial and Advanced levels by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The next CAEP program review will be Fall 2026. CAEP advances excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ACCREDITATION OF THE REHABILITATION AND HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM
Contact
Abington
DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7371
mbl122@psu.edu
https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/rehabilitation-human-services
Hazleton
Graham 112
Hazleton, PA 18202
570-450-3385
lrk148@psu.edu
https://hazleton.psu.edu/rehabilitation-and-human-services
Lehigh Valley
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5251
tpk12@psu.edu
https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/academics/degrees/rehabilitation-and-human-services
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, COUNSELING, AND SPECIAL EDUCATION
125G CEDAR Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7454
mmm7153@psu.edu
Wilkes-Barre
44 University Drive
Dallas, PA 18612
570-675-9213
man20@psu.edu
https://wilkesbarre.psu.edu/academics/bachelors/rehabilitation-and-human-services