Rehabilitation Science (B.S.)
Program Director: Dr. Stacey O'Neal, DPT
Rehabilitation Science is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the study of human function and participation in relationship to health and well-being. Basic and applied research from the social sciences is directed toward enhancing physical and psychosocial functioning, increasing quality of life for people with disabilities, and informing relevant social and health care policy. The Rehabilitation Science Program at MGA offers students a rigorous science-based foundation for rehabilitation-related careers upon graduation. Rehabilitation professionals will find job opportunities in facilities such as physical health and wellness centers, addiction treatment centers, disability accommodation programs, independent living and community programs, insurance companies, state and federal rehabilitation programs, or veteran affairs centers, among others. Rehabilitation Science students at MGA can also choose to complete a track in Sports Medicine, which will prepare them for certification as personal trainers, increase their competitive application for graduate programs in athletic training, etc. In addition, the Rehabilitation Science Program also provides a clear and distinctive pathway for admission to graduate programs including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, physician assistant, prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation counseling, assistive technology, and other related rehabilitation science fields.
Estimated Expenses
Rehabilitation Science Program costs, in addition to regular MGA fees, include:
• Student Uniforms and Accessories (final semester) $50
• Criminal Background Check up to (final semester) $ 150.00
• Professional Liability Insurance (final semester) $ 16.00
• Drug Screen (final semester) – approximately $45
• American Heart Association CPR certification (final semester) up to $ 90.00
• Physical (final semester) – up to $50.00
• TB Test (final semester) – approximately $30
Students enrolled in the Rehabilitation Science Program will complete a 200 hour internship during their final semester and should be prepared for additional financial responsibilities at that time. Some students may be required to complete additional drug screens, vaccinations, or other tests as required by their internship sites and will be responsible for any associated fees. All fees are approximate and subject to change.
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science
Students may choose one of the following tracks: Respiratory Therapy Track, Nursing Track, or Sports Medicine Track
Core IMPACTS (Credit: 42 hours)
It is recommended that students pursuing a degree in Rehabilitation Science follow these recommendations for optimal progression of degree completion. Failure to follow these recommendations will result in having to take additional coursework outside of Core IMPACTS requirements to meet the requirements for the major.
Technology, Math, & Science (Lab Science):
Any permitted course may be used to satisfy the Technology, Math, & Science Option Core IMPACTS requirement. It is suggested that students pursuing a degree in Rehabilitation Science complete one of the following lab science sequences: BIOL 1001-1002 (Introductory Biology I and II and Lab), BIOL 2107-2108 (Principles of Biology I and II and Lab), CHEM 1151-1152 (Survey of Chemistry I and II and Lab), CHEM 1211-1212 (Principles of Chemistry I and II and Lab), PHYS 1111-1112 (Introductory Physics I and II and Lab), or PHYS 2211-2212 (Principles of Physics I and II and Lab) in this area. This is a preferred course sequence and will have no bearing on the completion of the degree.
Technology, Math, & Science Option:
Any permitted course may be used to satisfy the Technology, Math, & Science Option Core IMPACTS requirement. It is suggested that students pursuing a degree in Rehabilitation Science complete MATH 1401 (Elementary Statistics) in this area. Not completing the recommended course may require additional credit hour accrual.
Social Science:
Any permitted course may be used to satisfy the Social Science Core IMPACTS requirement. It is suggested that students pursuing a degree in Rehabilitation Science complete PSYC 1101 (Introductory to Psychology) in this area. Not completing the recommended course may require additional credit hour accrual.
See listing of requirements for Core IMPACTS
Field of Study (Credit: 18 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 11 hours)
Electives Hours (Credit: 7 hours)
Choose from the following:
*MATH 1401 Elementary Statistics 3 credits
*PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits
*If MATH 1401 and/or PSYC 1101 was satisfied in Core IMPACTS, students must complete a 3 credit hour elective in the following subject areas: BIOL, CHEM, HS, MATH, PHYS, PSYC, SOCI
Upper Division Course Requirements (Credit: 60 hours)
Required Courses (Credit: 42 hours)
| PSYC 3265 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 credits |
| RHAB 3000 | Introduction to Rehabilitation Professions | 3 credits |
| RHAB 3010 | Research Methods in Rehabilitation Science | 3 |
| RHAB 3020 | Introduction to Exercise Science | 3 |
| RHAB 3100 | Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology I | 3 credits |
| RHAB 3110 | Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology II | 3 |
| RHAB 3250/RHAB 4250 | Assessment In Rehabilitation | 3 |
| RHAB 3320 | Professional Communication for Rehabilitation | 3 credits |
| RHAB 4000 | Pathophysiology for the Rehabilitation Professional I | 3 credits |
| RHAB 4010 | Pathophysiology for the Rehabilitation Professional II | 3 credits |
| RHAB 4100 | Cultural and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability | 3 credits |
| RHAB 4300 | Assistive Technology and Independent Living | 3 credits |
| RHAB 4400 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| RHAB 4900 | Rehabilitation Internship | 3 |
Sports Medicine Track
Students who are interested in pursuing careers in fitness, personal training, athletic development, or graduate level programs such as athletic training or occupational or physical therapy may complete the Sports Medicine Track. This track will assist students in preparing for graduate school acceptance or special certifications such as personal training or strength and conditioning. Students who wish to complete the Sports Medicine Track must complete the following courses:
| RHAB 3450 | Sport and Exercise Psychology | 3 |
| RHAB 4440 | Design and Implementation of Athletic Performance Programs | 3 |
| RHAB 3412 | Nutrition for Performance | 3 |
| RHAB 4420 | Strength and Conditioning | 3 |
Major Area Electives (Credit: 18 hours)
Students NOT completing the Sports Medicine Track may use 18 hours of elective courses to meet the 60-credit hour requirement in the major, while students completing the Sports Medicine Track may use 6 hours of elective courses. Science, math, and social science courses at the 1000-2000 level are acceptable as electives in the major. NOTE: Electives from another designation other than those listed require the approval of the Department Chair.
Total Hours: 120