OUR DEPARTMENT

MISSION

The Department of Rehabilitation at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is dedicated to advancing the personal and professional development of students through academic excellence, culturally responsive teaching, and engaged learning. We prepare undergraduate and graduate students to become ethical, skilled, and compassionate professionals in the fields of rehabilitation services, rehabilitation psychology, and rehabilitation counseling.

Through a commitment to student success, diversity, inclusion, research, and community engagement, our department supports the broader mission and strategic priorities of UMES by:

  • Fostering academic and professional achievement among underrepresented populations;
  • Preparing students to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and behavioral health challenges across a variety of settings;
  • Promoting leadership, innovation, and service in rehabilitation and human service fields.

Graduates of our programs are equipped to work in public and private agencies, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and community-based organizations, and to pursue licensure, certification, or advanced study in allied health and behavioral sciences.

✅ DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES

Aligned with UMES’s strategic goals of student success, inclusive excellence, and community transformation, the Department of Rehabilitation will:

  1. Provide High-Quality, Inclusive Education
    Offer rigorous and accessible academic programs—B.S. in Rehabilitation Services, B.S. in Rehabilitation Psychology, and M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling—that meet national standards (e.g., CACREP accreditation) and support diverse learning needs.
  2. Promote Student Achievement and Professional Development
    Support students in developing academic, interpersonal, and leadership skills necessary for ethical and competent practice in rehabilitation and human service settings.
  3. Develop Culturally Responsive Practitioners
    Cultivate cultural humility and multicultural competence to ensure graduates are prepared to serve diverse individuals, families, and communities with dignity and respect.
  4. Integrate Theory with Practical Experience
    Provide hands-on learning through service-learning, practicum, and internship opportunities in partnership with local, state, and national agencies.
  5. Prepare Graduates for Employment, Licensure, and Graduate Study
    Equip students with foundational and specialized knowledge to successfully pursue careers, certifications (e.g., CRC), state licensure (e.g., LGPC), and/or graduate or doctoral study.
  6. Advance Research and Evidence-Based Practice
    Encourage faculty and student engagement in applied research and program evaluation to improve rehabilitation outcomes and inform policy.
  7. Strengthen Community Partnerships and Public Service
    Foster collaborative relationships with schools, healthcare systems, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to promote equity, advocacy, and access for underserved populations.
  8. Support Lifelong Learning and Leadership Development
    Inspire students to become change agents in their communities and fields, committed to lifelong learning, innovation, and ethical leadership.

GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The admission of students to the undergraduate program in the Department of Rehabilitation is based upon the general admission requirements of the University.

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Science Rehabilitation Services

Bachelor of Science Rehabilitation Psychology

Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling

DEPARMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Rehabilitation Services Major- The Rehabilitation Services 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.

Rehabilitation Psychology major- The Rehabilitation Psychology major must complete at least 120 credit hours of University course. Included in the 120 credit hours are a minimum of 48 credit hours of Rehabilitation and/or Rehabilitation Psychology courses, A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in these courses.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

The Department of Rehabilitation in the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, as an educational entity, values and respects the uniqueness of its student body, faculty, employees, and constituents. We are firmly grounded in the belief that cultural and individual diversity enhances the academic nature of our programs.

The concept of diversity is one of the core values of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and it is reflected in the policies which we value, creating an educational environment that leverages the diverse characteristics of our faculty, students, and employees, resulting in continuous growth and development for the University.

The Department of Rehabilitation is committed to diversity and the richness of human differences which can include but is not limited to physical characteristics, age, socio-economic background, gender, nationality, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, education, language, and sexual orientation. Our students are provided with the opportunity to develop and integrate multicultural awareness and competencies throughout the curriculum and field placements. Our commitment to assuring our diversity necessitates our focus on access as the right to enter, make use of, and participate in the educational enterprise as well as the need to recruit, retain, develop and support diverse individuals and groups.

We strive to ensure that our students and faculty respect, understand and embrace all dimension of culture and diversity.

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