OUR PROGRAM

The Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services is housed within the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. This undergraduate program prepares students for meaningful careers in human services, case management, and disability advocacy. Students develop a strong foundation in rehabilitation systems, service coordination, and client-centered care—key competencies for working with individuals with disabilities, behavioral health needs, or socio-economic disadvantages.

Graduates are equipped to pursue entry-level positions in public, private, and non-profit rehabilitation settings, or to continue their education in graduate programs such as rehabilitation counseling, social work, occupational therapy, or public health. The program emphasizes ethical practice, cultural competence, and professional readiness to meet the needs of diverse communities across Maryland and beyond.

Mission

The B.S. in Rehabilitation Services program prepares culturally competent, ethical, and service-driven professionals who support individuals with disabilities and social disadvantages in achieving independence and community integration. Rooted in UMES’s commitment to excellence and access, the program equips students with the knowledge, practical skills, and advocacy tools needed to serve in a variety of human service, public health, and vocational rehabilitation settings.

Vision

To be a regional and national leader in undergraduate rehabilitation education, empowering graduates to promote social justice, access, and equity in disability and human services through inclusive practice, community partnerships, and professional leadership.

Programatic Objectives

  • Provide students with a foundational understanding of the rehabilitation process and service delivery systems.
  • Develop students’ ability to work effectively with diverse populations in public and private human service settings.
  • Prepare students for graduate education and career pathways in rehabilitation counseling, social work, case management, or allied health fields.
  • Integrate ethical, legal, and multicultural considerations into rehabilitation practice and service planning.
  • Foster civic responsibility, disability advocacy, and engagement with underserved communities.

Learning Objectives

Upon graduation, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the history, philosophy, and legislative foundations of rehabilitation services.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of service coordination, case management, and resource navigation for individuals with disabilities.
  3. Apply ethical decision-making models to real-world scenarios in rehabilitation practice.
  4. Communicate effectively and professionally in written and oral forms within human service contexts.
  5. Analyze the impact of cultural, economic, and psychosocial factors on rehabilitation outcomes.
  6. Demonstrate readiness for entry-level employment or graduate study in rehabilitation-related fields.

DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The RehabilitationServices major must complete at least 120 credit hours of University courses. Included in the 120 credit hours are a minimum of 42 credit hours of Rehabilitation courses. A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in these courses. For those students choosing a career in Allied Health, a minimum of 129 credit hours is recommended. These additional credits are courses that are normally prerequisites for graduate study in Allied Health fields. To graduate with a degree in rehabilitation from the Allied health option 120 credit hours are required.

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