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Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) Bachelor of Science

The Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS) major trains passionate students interested in improving the quality of life for persons impacted by disabilities. RHS professionals work with people across the lifespan who experience problems in psychosocial, physical, mental, educational, vocational, and recreational aspects of their lives.

Examples of client groups RHS professionals work with include people with mental, cognitive, developmental, addiction, sensory, and/or physical disabilities and chronic illness, people experiencing violence, people living in poverty, and those homeless.

RHS students learn a variety of professional skills, including advocating for others; assessing client needs; conducting educational and related support groups; consulting with professionals from other agencies and settings; developing client treatment plans; identifying and using community resources; interviewing clients and family members; managing client caseloads; and resolving conflicts. Graduates work in various settings, including community mental health programs, group homes, schools, drug and alcohol programs, hospitals and medical settings, corrections facilities, and rehabilitation centers.

For more information on the courses, Rehabilitation and Human Services provide, please visit the University Undergraduate Bulletin.

RHS Degrees and Careers

The need for qualified RHS professionals is expected to remain strong. Students are expanding their horizons and often establish careers in agencies like:
 

  • Programs for children and youth

  • Private non-profit rehabilitation centers

  • Mental health agencies

  • Private-for-profit rehabilitation agencies

  • Rehabilitation hospitals

  • Alcohol and other drug treatment centers

  • Correctional facilities

  • Public welfare agencies

  • Social service agencies

  • Schools

  • Vocational rehabilitation programs

  • Programs for older adults

While the bachelor's degree provides many opportunities for careers, students also have the opportunity to pursue graduate work in more advanced fields, including:
 

  • Counseling (e.g., Mental Health, Rehabilitation, School, Addiction)

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Physical Therapy

  • Speech Therapy

  • Speech-Language Pathology

  • Psychology (clinical, counseling, developmental)

  • Art Therapy

Students desiring additional information relating to career opportunities in the RHS field are encouraged to direct their questions to their RHS academic adviser or visit Career Services to meet with a career counselor.

Rehabilitation and Human Services Student Organization (RHS SO)

 

Rehabilitation and Human Services Student Organization (RHS SO) is a mutually collaborative community of students who share a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Members of this club are dedicated to bettering the lives of the people in our community. Whether it is collecting items to donate, writing letters, or visiting organizations, the RHS SO finds ways to get involved in State College. This organization provides both social and educational aspects that promote professional involvement among faculty, alumni, staff, and students. RHS SO gives students networking opportunities to explore employment and graduate programs that alumni RHS students have gone on to pursue. Students in RHS SO are exposed to internship and service-learning opportunities. Students of all majors are invited to attend our meetings to discuss employment or internships, learn about community service and social events, or to just spend time getting to know other students, faculty, and staff. If you enjoy working with people as well as bettering the lives of others, RHS SO is the place for you. We look forward to seeing you!

 

Occupational Therapy Club

 

The purpose of the OT Club is to inform students interested in occupational therapy about opportunities for graduate school, to support and guide them in the application process, and assist them with their future endeavors.

 

Volunteer Opportunity

 

Lifelink PSU: "We were founded in the 2002-2003 academic school year. Our mission is to serve special education students, engage them in academic programs, and help them gain independence. We partner with Penn State students to help these individuals from the State College Area School District Department of Special Education."