Why Major in RHS?
The RHS major trains students interested in improving quality of life for persons impacted by disabilities. RHS professionals work with a variety of people across the lifespan who experience problems in psychosocial, physical, mental, educational, vocational, and recreational aspects of their lives.
Examples of client groups RHS professionals work with include people with mental, cognitive, developmental, addiction, sensory, and/or physical disabilities and chronic illness; people experiencing violence; people living in poverty; and people who are homeless.
Your Experience as an RHS Major
We are committed to a student-centered approach to education that fosters success through close interaction with faculty and peers. The proximity of our suburban campus to Philadelphia creates unique opportunities for students to make career connections through internships and other partnerships.
Careers in RHS
Penn State Abington RHS graduates pursue employment in a variety of settings:
- rehabilitation centers
- drug and alcohol programs
- senior citizens centers
- community mental health programs
- corrections systems
- hospitals
Increasing opportunities are available in private for-profit insurance programs for the industrially injured, and in employee assistance programs within business and industry.
2024 RHS Pinning and Award Ceremony
The Penn State Abington faculty from the Rehabilitation and Human Services major along with the RHS student organization ("WeRHS") and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations honored twenty-four students from the graduating class of 2024 on Tuesday 4/23/24. Luke Walters received the Special Recognition Award for academic excellence and contribution to the major. Patrice Manasse (class of 2023) served as the distinguished RHS alumni speaker and Michele Slowik (class of 2003) was the keynote speaker for the event. Michele is an internship affiliate for the RHS program having started her own business, Exceptional Connections, where the agency provides Applied Behavioral Analysis treatment to children with Autism-Spectrum Disorders and hosts PSU Abington interns each year (including 5 interns this past semester). Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
