New Degree in Disability and Rehabilitation Services Introduced at Drake University
As the demand for professionals in disability support services grows, Drake University is launching a new Bachelor of Science in Disability and Rehabilitation Services. The program will start enrolling students in the Spring 2026 semester, offering a fresh opportunity for those interested in this vital field.
Situated within the School of Education, this degree aims to equip students with essential skills and knowledge to effectively support individuals with disabilities. Graduates will be prepared for a diverse range of career paths, including roles in community rehabilitation, mental health services, school systems, corporate HR, and government agencies. Additionally, the program offers a robust foundation for further studies in occupational therapy and counseling, focusing on areas such as school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, and clinical mental health counseling.
For students aiming to work at state vocational rehabilitation or nonprofit organizations after graduation, there is an opportunity to apply for up to $10,000 in additional scholarships per semester, funded by a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. This financial support is available due to the significant need for skilled professionals in the field and can be combined with other scholarships.
Dr. Matt Bruinekool, Director of the National Rehabilitation Institute at Drake University, emphasized the program’s importance: “Every state in the country has a critical workforce need for rehabilitation professionals, and this program offers the flexibility to customize a student’s emphasis in pursuit of any number of highly in-demand careers.”
The curriculum is designed to blend academic rigor with practical experience, focusing on five core areas:
- Advocacy: Study disability policy, the ADA, and rights-based support methods.
- Employment: Develop expertise in career counseling and job placement techniques.
- Disability: Understand medical, psychological, and social aspects of disability.
- Business: Learn HR practices and strategies for organizational disability inclusion.
- Working with People: Enhance interpersonal skills and counseling methods for direct service.
The program offers flexibility for students to tailor their education to their career aspirations, with options to focus on areas such as advocacy, counseling, deaf culture, human resources, leadership, and youth services. Both full-time and part-time study modes are available to accommodate working professionals.
For more information, visit drake.edu/rehabilitation.
Read More Here
