Rehabilitation Psychology is the academic home to students interested in the health or helping professions. Rehab Psych students enjoy working with people with disabilities or individuals who experience barriers in accomplishing personal goals; they gravitate toward psychology and other coursework in the social sciences.
In this major students learn how to promote and support the independence and full inclusion of people with disabilities in employment and the community. Students in the major examine various types of disabilities and other short-term or long-term barriers including physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Graduates are prepared to provide quality entry-level general services in a variety of community settings, including advocacy, behavioral support, independent living, and supported employment.
The majority of students go on to complete graduate programs in rehabilitation counseling, mental health counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, special education, social work, and other human services and health professions.
The culminating experience in the degree program is the community-based internship. Students complete six credits of internship, a minimum of 240 hours, working with agencies that serve individuals with disabilities. Students often find full-time employment at their internship site after completing their degree. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Rehabilitation Psychology.
Visit the departmental website to view the program handbook, learn more about internship opportunities and guidelines, and what students have to say about the program.
“I chose to pursue rehabilitation psychology as I want to become an occupational therapist one day. This major allowed me to meet requirements for graduate programs while also furthering my passion to be a part of the human service field. I had a lot of opportunities to go out into the community and make a difference in people’s lives.” Aneta Glowacz, Rehab Psych B.S. graduate 2020
Rehabilitation Psychology Declaration
New first-year students and off-campus transfers are admitted directly to the Bachelor of Science–Rehabilitation Psychology degree program.
On-campus students starting at UW-Madison in other majors can declare Rehabilitation Psychology at any time of the year, and at any point in their academic career. First-semester students who have not established a GPA at UW-Madison may declare Rehabilitation Psychology.
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with the department's undergraduate program coordinator or an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office before declaring Rehabilitation Psychology. See the Overview page for contact information.
Eligibility to Declare Rehabilitation Psychology
The on-campus declaration form is located on the School of Education's Undergraduate Admissions page, along with other information about current eligibility requirements and deadlines to declare (if any). Students should consult this site prior to submitting a declaration as this information may be modified from one year to the next.
Off-campus students wishing to transfer directly into Rehabilitation Psychology must be admitted to UW-Madison. See Transfer Students and Students with a Bachelor’s Degree, below.
Students may not complete both Rehabilitation Psychology and the Certificate in Disability Rights and Services.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Earn a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA based on all college coursework attempted or a 2.50 last 60 credits GPA by the end of the term prior to the declaration semester. This GPA must be maintained at the end of the declaration semester. 1
- 1
Last 60 Credits Rule - Two grade point averages may be calculated to determine a candidate's eligibility to declare. A GPA may be calculated using (1) UW-Madison and all other all transferable college level coursework attempted and (2) the last 60 credits attempted. The higher GPA of these two calculations will be used for determining eligibility. Once declared, students must earn a semester GPA of 2.50 each semester after declaration. More information on this rule is available here.
Transfer Students and Students with a Previous Degree
Transfer students and second degree candidates (students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree) must be admitted to UW-Madison to enroll in a School of Education program. Admission to the campus has its own application, admission process, and application deadlines; see Office of Admissions and Recruitment for campus application information.
Second degree candidates in the School of Education are changing their academic direction and wish to complete a degree that is unrelated to their first. A large number of credits are usually required to complete the new degree requirements and a second undergraduate degree is awarded upon its completion; more information is available here.
All off-campus students are strongly advised to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in advance of their declaration. Consultations with advisors are available in person, virtually, or via telephone; email soeacademicservices@education.wisc.edu or call 608-262-1651 to schedule an appointment.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
School of Education Liberal Studies Requirements
All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credits of Liberal Studies coursework. This requirement provides an opportunity to do some academic exploration beyond the scope of the major. Students take courses in areas of particular interest and also have an opportunity to sample the wide selection of courses offered across the university. Coursework is required in humanities, social studies, science, and cultural and historical studies. Some elective coursework is also needed to reach the required number of credits.
The School of Education’s Liberal Studies Requirements automatically satisfy most of the University General Education Requirements outlined above, including ethnic studies, humanities/literature, social studies, and science. Students pursuing most School of Education degree programs may also complete Communication Part B, Quantitative Reasoning Part A, and Quantitative Reasoning Part B through courses required by their degree program. If a student cannot complete a General Education Requirement within the curriculum of their chosen School of Education program, academic advisors can offer suggestions for courses that meet the requirement and augment the student’s primary area of study.
A basic outline of the liberal studies is included below. Students must consult the detailed version of the requirements for information about course selection and approved course options.
Humanities, 9 credits
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Literature
- Fine Arts
- Humanities Electives
Social Studies (Social Science)
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits. Teacher certification programs and Kinesiology have unique requirements in this category.
Science
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Biological Science
- Physical Science
- Laboratory Science
- Science Electives
Cultural and Historical Studies
All students must complete three requirements (9 credits) met by separate courses. Any of these courses can also be used to meet the Humanities or Social Studies (Social Sciences) requirements if it has the relevant breadth designation.
- Ethnic Studies
- U.S./European History
- Global Perspectives
Complete Liberal Studies Electives to total 40 Credits.
Program Structure
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Rehabilitation Psychology has four components:
- Liberal studies courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines. The university-wide General Education requirements also encourage this breadth of study.
- Related coursework comes from departments related to Rehabilitation Psychology—Psychology, Educational Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, and Gender and Women's Studies.
- Rehabilitation Psychology coursework offers an in-depth study of working with people with disabilities, including multiple opportunities for supervised field experience. In addition, at least 12 credits of electives in Rehabilitation Psychology are required, giving students some flexibility to tailor the program to their specific interests.
- Elective coursework is taken to meet the minimum of 120 credits required for the degree.
Related Course Requirements
Psychology/Educational Psychology
Complete 12 credits selected from Educational Psychology and/or Psychology to include PSYCH 405 Abnormal Psychology.
Sociology/Social Work/Gender and women's studies
Complete 6 credits selected from Sociology, Social Work, and/or Gender and Women's Studies. Recommended areas include social disorganization, deviant behavior, alcohol and other drug abuse, community development, and issues in social welfare.
Rehabilitation Psychology Course Requirements
Didactic Core
Complete the following 21 credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RP & SE 125 | Health and Rehabilitation Professions | 3 |
| RP & SE 316 | Health Promotion for Individuals with Disability and Chronic Illness | 3 |
| RP & SE 325 | Self Management of Chronic Illness and Disability | 3 |
| RP & SE 500 | Rehabilitation-Counseling Psychology: Foundations | 3 |
| RP & SE 501 | Rehabilitation-Counseling Psychology: Applications | 3 |
| RP & SE 505 | Biological, Psychosocial, and Vocational Aspects of Disabilities | 3 |
| COUN PSY 655 | Clinical Communication Skills | 3 |
Supervised Field Experience
Complete 6 credits of RP & SE 630 Internship in Rehabilitation or Special Education; once in conjunction with RP & SE 501 Rehabilitation-Counseling Psychology: Applications. The remaining 3 credits may be completed in another semester or during the summer.
Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education Electives
Complete 12 credits from the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RP & SE 121 | Disability and Substance Abuse | 3 |
| RP & SE 300 | Individuals with Disabilities | 3 |
| RP & SE 310 | Positive Psychology and Well Being | 3 |
| RP & SE 330 | Behavior Analysis: Applications to Persons with Disabilities | 3 |
| RP & SE 335 | Introduction to Sport Psychology | 3 |
| RP & SE 401 | Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities | 1 |
| RP & SE 402 | Methods in Teaching Functional Skills | 1 |
| RP & SE 405 | Current Topics in Special Education | 1 |
| RP & SE 520 | Case Management and Community Resources | 3 |
| RP & SE 560 | Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability | 3 |
| RP & SE 630 | Internship in Rehabilitation or Special Education (Maximum 3 additional internship credits allowed in electives) | 2-3 |
| RP & SE 660 | Special Topics (Forensic Rehabilitation, Technology Assisted Care, or Corrections and Disability topics only) | 3 |
Elective Coursework
Complete additional coursework to reach the minimum of 120 credits.
GPA and Other Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Based on UW–Madison coursework.
- 2.50 minimum cumulative grade point average. This may be modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
- 2.50 cumulative grade point average in all major coursework. This GPA includes all coursework from the RP & SE department and COUN PSY 655.
- Major Residency. The rehabilitation psychology program requires that students complete 15 credits of the Didactic Core and Supervised Field Experience coursework while in residence on the UW–Madison campus.
- Senior Residency. Degree candidates must complete their last 30 credits in residence on the UW–Madison campus, excluding retroactive credits and credits granted by examination.
- Total Credits. A minimum of 120 degree credits are required for graduation.
Degree Audit (DARS)
UW–Madison uses “DARS” to document a student's progress toward the completion of their degree, including any additional majors and certificates. A DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report shows all the requirements for completing a degree and, against courses that are planned or completed, shows the requirements that have been met, and those that are unmet. A report can offer suggestions about courses that may be taken to meet specific requirements and can assist in the academic planning and enrollment process. Students can access a DARS report in the Course Search & Enroll app or Student Center via My UW.
DARS also has a "what-if" function. This feature makes it possible to request a DARS report as if pursuing another program, major or certificate. It is an excellent tool if considering a new or additional area of study. School of Education students in a pre-professional classification such as Pre-Elementary (PRE), or Pre-Kinesiology should request a "what if" DARS report of their professional program of interest.
More information on how to request a DARS report is available on the registrar’s website.
DARS is not intended to replace student contact with academic advisers. It creates more time in an advising appointment to discuss course options, research opportunities, graduate school, or issues of personal interest or concern to students.
DARS is used as the document of record for degree program, major and certificate completion in the School of Education.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
- Analyze complex social issues using skills gained through the study of communication, quantitative reasoning, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, ethnic studies, history and global issues.
- Apply knowledge of models and concepts of disability and chronic illness to education, employment, rehabilitation, and healthcare services.
- Identify basic theories in the field of psychology and recognize the importance of theoretical foundations in psychology for the study of rehabilitation, disability, and health.
- Develop knowledge of the health and human services delivery systems and demonstrate pre-professional skills in communication, teamwork, problem solving, and ethical issues through engagement with the healthcare and rehabilitation services professional community.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for graduate study in a variety of health and human service fields related to disability and rehabilitation or for entry-level positions in disability and related human services agencies.
Rehabilitation Psychology: Sample Four-Year Plan
This four-year sample graduation plan is designed to guide your course selection throughout your academic career; it does not establish a contractual agreement. Use it along with your DARS report, the Guide, and the Course Search and Enroll app to create a four-year plan reflecting your placement scores, incoming credits, and individual interests. You will likely revise your plan several times during your academic career here, based on your activities and changing academic interests. Consult with an academic advisor to develop a personalized plan of study and refer to the Guide for a complete list of requirements.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A (fall or spring semester) | 3 | Communication A (fall or spring semester) | 3 |
| RP & SE 125 | 3 | Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| Sociology, Social Work, or Gender and Women's Studies course | 3 | Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 6-9 | PSYCH 202 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 3-6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Sociology, Social Work, or Gender and Women's Studies course | 3 | PSYCH 405 | 3 |
| RP & SE Elective | 3 | RP & SE Elective | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 | Liberal studies course work | 9 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| RP & SE 316 | 3 | RP & SE 325 | 3 |
| RP & SE 500 | 3 | RP & SE 501 (also meets Communication B) | 3 |
| COUN PSY 655 | 3 | RP & SE 630 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 6 | Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 6 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| RP & SE 505 | 3 | RP & SE 630 | 3 |
| RP & SE Elective | 3 | RP & SE Elective | 3 |
| Educational Psychology or Psychology course | 3 | Educational Psychology or Psychology course | 3 |
| Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 6 | Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 6 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Rehabilitation Psychology Advising
Students not yet admitted to Rehabilitation Psychology meet with their assigned advisor in the School of Education Student Services office, Room 139 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, see below. Students are assigned an additional faculty advisor when admitted to the professional component of their degree program.
School of Education Advising
Dedicated to supporting and promoting student success, the School of Education Student Services staff is here to assist students with the adjustment to college, understanding their degree and career goals, and connecting to resources. ESS supports prospective and current School of Education students in all programs through:
- academic and career advising
- mentoring and advocacy for underrepresented and international students
- requirements monitoring
- interpreting academic policy
- and more!
Students in the School of Education are encouraged to make Student Services a vital part of their academic and employment journey.
To schedule an appointment: Current students can schedule an appointment online through the Starfish app in MyUW. Appointments can also be made through email at soeacademicservices@education.wisc.edu, by calling 608-262-1651, or in person.
Career Advising in the School of Education
The School of Education Career Center provides students with the knowledge needed for connecting their classroom experiences with real-world application. Through individual appointments, events, and online resources, the Career Center provides students and alumni with the tools needed to be successful in their career development. From building resumes, conducting job and internship searches, developing interview skills, and negotiation strategies, the Career Center provides a foundation for developing the essential skills for the ever-changing world of work.
Students can set up their profile on Handshake, the campus online career management system, to find open internships, jobs, and career events. In addition to Handshake, there are many other job search sites to consult such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and some that are industry- specific. Students majoring in Rehabilitation Psychology have searched for titles such as Behavioral Treatment Technician, Case Manager, Clinical Manager, Disability Services Coordinator, Inclusion Facilitator, Recreation Inclusion Specialist, Respite Provider, or Special Education Aide.
Current School of Education students can make an appointment with a Career and Internship Advisor by logging into Starfish from the MyUW dashboard and selecting a day and time that works best with their schedule.
School of Education Alumni can schedule an appointment by completing the appointment request form.
For more information, visit the School of Education Career Center website or reach out at career-center@education.wisc.edu.
Additional Resources
Students interested in graduate study may also want to consult the following resources:
Information about faculty, staff, and other contributors to the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education can be found on the department's website.
Information about scholarships, academic and career advising, study abroad opportunities, student diversity services, and other resources for students in the School of Education can be found on the school's Resources page.