Rehabilitation and Disability Services at NIU
Bachelor of Science
Guide people to more independent and fulfilling lives.
About one in every four adults in the U.S. has some kind of disability (source: Centers for Disease Control). By majoring in rehabilitation and disability services, you'll learn how to help people with disabilities live their best lives. As you assist them in working toward their personal and professional goals, you'll be on track to achieve your own.
My major, rehabilitation and disability services, will allow me to work with all types of individuals wherever they are in their life journey. It also serves as a prerequisite for my future career of occupational therapy.
What Can I Do With a Rehabilitation and Disability Services Degree From NIU?
Our program provides access to rewarding careers in human and social services. You'll be prepared to enter the workforce in roles like job coach or case manager.
Or, you can pursue graduate study to become a licensed rehabilitation counselor or occupational therapist. Our accelerated B.S./M.S. in rehabilitation counseling program allows you to complete both degrees in less time.
Top skills you'll develop:
- Health care
- Leadership
- Outreach
- Research
- Teamwork
- Training management
Top fields you can work in:
- Education
- Government
- Health care
- Life sciences
- Nonprofit
- Services
Other Programs to Consider
Career Potential for NIU Rehabilitation and Disability Services Majors
Average mid-career salary:
$64,262
Top employers include:
- Association for Individual Development
- Athletico
- Chicago Public Schools
- Marklund
- Northwestern Medicine
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Job titles include:
- Behavioral health technician
- Certified nurse aide
- Occupational therapist
- Rehabilitation technician
- Special education teacher
- Vocational rehabilitation counselor
Source: Steppingblocks, 2023
What to Expect as a Rehabilitation and Disability Services Major at NIU
As you learn rehabilitation and disability concepts, you'll build relationships with our talented faculty members, who are active researchers in areas like assistive technology and accessibility in education. You can also build your network by joining our Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association.
How We’ll Help You Succeed
Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.
Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).
Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.
With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.
Apply to NIU
First-year Students
(Freshman)
High School GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ACT/SAT SCORES
Not considered.
We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.
Transfer Students
ALL COLLEGES GPA
2.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ALL COLLEGES GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship.