Academic Catalog

Rehabilitation Science (RS)

RS 2003  Introduction to Rehabilitation Science  

A survey of the history, philosophy, and roles of the rehabilitation and social services movement. In addition, the course will focus on public attitudes toward people with disability, adjustment to disability, and an orientation to the various community resources which can be utilized toward the rehabilitation of people with disabilities.

Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 2043  Introduction to Social Services  
Prerequisite: RS 2003.

An introduction to the history, philosophy, and legal basis of the social services movement. This class will also emphasize the social service case process and case management practices.

RS 2163  Introduction to Addictions  
Prerequisite: RS 2003, PSY 2003, SOC 1003, or consent of the instructor.

A study of drug abuse emphasizing etiology, patterns of use and abuse, and problems related to research and approaches to treatment.

RS 3013  The World of Work  
Prerequisite: RS 2003.

A survey of the world of work emphasizing the role of work in our society, how disability changes one's work role, how career choices are made, and placement techniques.

RS 3143  Rehabilitation Science Seminar  
Prerequisite: RS 2003.

A directed seminar in an area of rehabilitation science. The specific focus will depend upon research underway, community or student need, and the unique educational opportunity available.

Note: May be repeated for credit if course content differs.
RS 3153  Assistive Technology in Rehabilitation Settings  
Prerequisite: RS 2003 or consent.

A study of the types of technology devices and services available to individuals with disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge of resources, assessment of individual needs, funding of devices and services, and methods to use assistive technology to improve the quality of life for all individuals.

RS 3163  Addictions Assessment, Planning, and Treatment Strategies  
Prerequisite: RS 2003 or consent of instructor.

A study and assessment of addiction disorders and related treatment planning approaches with an overview of evidence based intervention techniques and strategies. Group facilitation skills and meeting cultural issues in the group setting will be addressed.

RS 3173  Addictions and the Family  
Prerequisite: RS 2003 or consent of instructor.

A study of the impact of addictions upon families, the social fabric of the nation. The course includes a review of family systems theory and family addictions counseling models.

RS 3204  Interviewing Skills  
Prerequisite: RS 2003.

This course is designed to facilitate basic mastery of core communication skills (micro skills) necessary to build meaningful and effective helping relationships. Students will need to think, be creative, and practice in order to transfer the micro skills they learn to outside the classroom. Rehabilitation Science is an applied program of study. RS 3204 is a prerequisite methods course which prepares students for field placement activities such interviewing and interpersonal communication, and geared for students who plan on providing direct client/patient services in their future careers and/or for all students who have an interest in helping and/or want to improve their interpersonal communication skills. This course is intended to challenge students to increase their self-awareness, sensitivity, and competence to communicate in authentic and sensitive ways to better connect and communicate with others from diverse backgrounds. In addition, this course will provide an introduction to person-centered counseling theory which will be used as a model throughout this principles (i.e. empathy, unconditional positive regards, and genuineness) of the person-centered approach will be emphasized.

Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 3243  Child Welfare  
Prerequisite: RS 2003.

Child Welfare provides knowledge and skills necessary for the generalist practice of child welfare with an emphasis on protective services, foster care, and adoption services. Processes of engagement, assessment, intervention, and follow-up regarding child protection and family preservation with diverse clients across systems are examined.

RS 3263  Resiliency, Vulnerability, and Crisis  
Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: RS 2003.

Individuals with disabilities may be affected by crisis situations and trauma, and it is important to understand the immunities (strengths) and vulnerabilities (needs) that affect the ability of the person to respond to these situations. These immunities and vulnerabilities may come from within the individual or their personal situation, or societal responses to disasters such as Covid-19, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. This course will provide students with exposure to assessing and planning for crisis situations, both from a personal and societal perspective. Students will learn how to develop an individualized plan that builds on strengths and accesses resources.

Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4003  Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability  
Prerequisite: RS 2003.

A study of the etiology, treatment, and prognosis of various disabling conditions. Emphasis will be placed on medical information as received in medical reports, and as related to vocational functioning and to the everyday psychological and social adjustment problems associated with disability. This course may not be repeated for credit as CNSL 5003 or equivalent.

Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4012  Internship in Rehabilitation Services  
Prerequisite: RS 2003, rehab major, senior standing, 2.00 cumulative grade point average, and consent of the instructor.

This is a twelve hour course. A full-time, one semester supervised internship in a rehabilitation or social services setting, either public or private. Emphasis will be placed on the student acquiring first-hand experience and entry level skills in practitioner roles such as case management, interviewing and counseling, and coordination of client services among the various community helping services. A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.

Note: The purchase of professional liability insurance is required.
RS 4023  Case Management Strategies  
Prerequisite: RS 2003.

This course is an introduction to case management and caseload management procedures, techniques, and issues. The relationship of evaluation, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and utilization of community resources is investigated. RS 4023 is a prerequisite methods course which prepares students for field placement activities such as case management, caseload management, interviewing, and interpersonal communication and management skills, including computer applications and technologies for caseload management are presented.

Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4104  Service Learning in Rehabilitation Science  
Prerequisite: RS 2003, RS 3204, RS 3123, and RS 4023 with a C or better; For students choosing RS 4012, the internship option, this course may only be taken with permission from the Rehabilitation Science Program Director.

This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to engage in rehabilitation related work in the community. Students will have the opportunity to complete volunteer work and contribute to others while utilizing rehabilitation related concepts learned in the classroom.

Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4119  Mastery Professional Practice  
Cross-listed: TR 4119.
Prerequisite: Rehabilitation Science/Therapeutic Recreation majors only.

Senior standing, consent of department head and completion of all other courses applicable to degree. Placement in selected agency settings in student intern status under professional guidance of both agency supervisor and faculty. Emphasis will be placed on application of classroom theory to agency requirements which fulfill student's individual career interests. No prior experience credit will be granted. Minimum of 560 clock hours during a minimum of 14 weeks of supervised internship is required. Student cannot document more than 40 hours of work experience a week. A written report is required within two weeks of internship completion.

RS 4123  Survey of Counseling Theories  
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and PSY 2003 or consent of the instructor.

A comparative study of the major theories of counseling, stressing their philosophical views of mankind, assumptions, techniques, strengths, and weaknesses.

RS 4143  Disabilities throughout the Life Span  
Prerequisite: PSY 2003, RS 2003, or consent.

A study of the delivery of services to, and the rehabilitation of, those handicapped individuals classified as being developmentally disabled, i.e., mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Emphasis will be placed on prevocational, vocational, and community-living training for such individuals and the planning required for the provision of such services.

RS 4194  Field Placement Experiences  
Prerequisite: RS 2003, RS 3204, RS 3123, and RS 4023 all with C or better, junior standing, 2.000 grade point average, and consent of the instructor.

A supervised 14-week field placement (Fall, Spring), or a 10-week field placement (Summer). It can only be taken once in a semester. A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.

Note: This course must be taken twice.
RS 4223  Ethics and Professional Development  
Prerequisite: RS 2003.

A study of personal values, CRCC, ACA, and APA professional guidelines, and decision making models that will assist future human service practitioners to effectively deal with ethical dilemmas. This course will emphasize critical thinking and problem solving, and will utilize instructor and student generated dilemmas. This course may not be repeated for credit as CNSL 5223 or equivalent.

Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4233  Human Dynamics for Helping Professionals  
Prerequisite: RS 2003 or consent of the Program Director.

This course provides a foundational knowledge and awareness pertaining to the many sociopolitical and cultural factors that shape human relationships, behaviors, and societal trends related to factors such as culture, nationality, age, gender, physical and cognitive characteristics, education, family systems, and belief structures. Socioeconomic conditions include: a) social and cultural dynamics within and among groups at national and international levels; b) the development of attitudes, belief systems, and personal identity; c) strategies for effective interaction and communication between and within individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities; d) the role of a helping professional in fostering self-awareness, ethical decision-making, and conflict resolution; e) theoretical perspectives on human identity development; and f) ethical and legal considerations. This course may not be repeated for credit as CNSL 5233 or equivalent.

Note: A grade of C or better is required for Rehabilitation Science majors.
RS 4253  Psychopathology  

A study of the DSM-V-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th Edition -Text Revised) and the mild to severe behavioral disorders found therein. Students will learn about the etiology, treatment, and prognosis of various mental health diagnoses, gain a broad knowledge regarding psychological disorders, dysfunctional behaviors, and appropriate diagnostic and treatment options for these diagnoses, as well as develop a foundational comprehension regarding the diagnostic classification system, etiology, assessment, and treatment of mental health diagnoses. Both the history of mental health as well as the current research will be examined.

Note: May not be repeated for credit as CNSL 5253 or equivalent.
RS 4951  Undergraduate Research in Rehabilitation Science  
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and departmental approval.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

RS 4952  Undergraduate Research in Rehabilitation Science  
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and departmental approval.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

RS 4953  Undergraduate Research in Rehabilitation Science  
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and departmental approval.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

RS 4954  Undergraduate Research in Rehabilitation Science  
Offered: On demand.
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and departmental approval.

Advanced students carry out independent research activity relating to a significant problem in a major field of study. Supervised by faculty member. Formal report and presentation required. One to four credits depending on problem selected and effort made.

RS 4991  Special Problems in Rehabilitation Science  
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and twelve hours of rehabilitation science and prior approval of the Director of Rehabilitation Science.

Independent work under individual guidance of a staff member.

RS 4992  Special Problems in Rehabilitation Science  
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and twelve hours of rehabilitation science and prior approval of the Director of Rehabilitation Science.

Independent work under individual guidance of a staff member.

RS 4993  Special Problems in Rehabilitation Science  
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and twelve hours of rehabilitation science and prior approval of the Director of Rehabilitation Science.

Independent work under individual guidance of a staff member.

RS 4994  Special Problems in Rehabilitation Science  
Prerequisite: RS 2003 and twelve hours of rehabilitation science and prior approval of the Director of Rehabilitation Science.

Independent work under individual guidance of a staff member.