Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS)— 124 Credits

Make a difference. Help people improve the quality of their lives. Prepare for a career in human service settings with Penn State’s bachelor of science degree program in rehabilitation and human services (RHS).

In this program you can learn such professional skills as how to:

• advocate for others
• assess client needs
• conduct educational and related support groups
• consult with professionals from other agencies and settings
• develop client and family treatment plans
• identify and use appropriate community resources to address client problems
• interview clients, family members, and other support personnel
• manage client caseloads
• resolve conflicts

Demand for RHS Professionals

The 124-credit program can open new opportunities for a career in helping others overcome obstacles and lead fuller lives. And the need for qualified RHS professionals is expected to remain strong. Once you have acquired your bachelor’s degree in RHS, you can choose from a wide variety of careers within the broad spectrum of human services, such as: 

• programs for children and youth
• private nonprofit rehabilitation centers
• private-for-profit rehabilitation agencies
• rehabilitation hospitals
• alcohol and other drug treatment centers
• correctional facilities
• public welfare agencies
• schools
• vocational rehabilitation programs

Add Value to Your Degree
Expand your career opportunities even further by choosing electives in this program from the 400- and 800-level courses for the certificate program in addiction prevention.

Sample Academic Plan

5-year academic plan for part-time students
Curriculum Check Sheet

This plan is based on a full-time (15 credits/semester) schedule and can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.

First Semester

• ENGL 15 GWS (3 credits)
• SOC 1 GS (3 credits)
• Quantification (3 credits)
• Arts or Humanities (3 credits)
• Elective/Minor/FYS (3 credits)

Second Semester

• PSYCH 100 GS (3 credits)
• EDPSY 14 (3 credits)
• Arts or Humanities (3 credits)
• Natural Science (3 credits)
• Elective/Minor (3 credits)

Third Semester

• CAS 100A GWS (3 credits)
• SOC 005 GS (3 credits)
• Choose from ANTH 021,BIOL 33, BIO 110, BI SC 141, BISC 001, BI SC 002, BISC 003, or BI SC 004 (3–4 credits)
• Choose from PSYCH 212 GS, HD FS 239 GS, or EDPSY 10 (3 credits)
• Choose from Health or Physical Activity (1.5 credits)
• RHS 100 (3 credits)

Fourth Semester

• RHS 300 (3 credits)
• RHS 301 (3 credits)
• Natural Science (3 credits)
• Choose from CRIM, BBH, HD FS, PSYCH, KINES, or SOC (3 credits)
• Choose from Arts or Humanities (3 credits)
• Choose from Health or Physical Activity (1.5 credits)

Fifth Semester

• ENGL 202A GWS or 202B GWS (3 credits)
• EDPSY 101 GQ or STAT 100 or 200 GQ (3–4 credits)
• RHS 302 (3 credits)
• Arts or Humanities (3 credits)
• PSYCH 270 (3 credits)

Sixth Semester

• RHS 303 (3 credits)
• RHS 400W (3 credits)
• RHS 401(3 credits)
• Elective/Minor (3 credits)
• CRIM, BBH, HD FS, PSYCH, KINES, or SOC (3 credits)

Seventh Semester

• RHS 402 (3 credits)
• RHS 403 (3 credits)
• Elective/Minor (3–4 credits)
• Elective/Minor (3 credits)
• CRIM, BBH, HD FS, PSYCH, KINES, or SOC (3 credits)

Eighth Semester

• RHS 495A (15 credits)