About

The Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education (RPSE) offers several programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The major foci of RPSE are the educational and rehabilitation needs of persons with disabilities across the life span. Teacher preparation programs in special education emphasize the learning needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities, behavioral/emotional disabilities, and learning disabilities. Furthermore, area faculties join resources in providing training and research programs in transition to ensure successful movement from school to the workplace for individuals with disabilities.

The rehabilitation psychology program prepares professionals at the graduate level to serve adults with disabilities in both private and public service delivery agencies including counseling, assessment, job placement, case management, and advocacy. The range of disabilities served by graduates includes physical disabilities, psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, traumatic brain injury and other neurological impairments, learning and intellectual disabilities, sensory disabilities, and aging. Read more about our department.

The mission of the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education is to create, integrate, and disseminate new knowledge, theory, and research related to the education and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Departmental faculty accomplish this mission in a variety of ways: 

• Preparing leaders, including researchers, university faculty, educators, practitioners, and clinicians 
• Conducting research and other scholarly activities to expand the knowledge base
• Serving as resources and advocates for persons with disabilities and their families by working cooperatively with individuals, their families, public and private service delivery agencies, and schools as well as by actively participating in local, state, national, and international professional organizations.