Program will help meet growing need for disability support services in the state
Drake University announced today the launch of a new Bachelor of Science program in Disability and Rehabilitation Services. Enrollment in the program begins in the Spring 2026 semester.
The new major is offered within Drake’s School of Education and is designed to help students build the knowledge, mindset, and hands-on skills to support people with disabilities in living full and self-directed lives. Graduates will leave ready to advance their careers with a variety of potential employers such as community rehabilitation agencies, mental health agencies, school systems, corporate HR departments, and government agencies. The program also provides a strong pathway into graduate studies such as occupational therapy or counseling with specializations in school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or clinical mental health counseling.
Students in the new program interested in working for a state vocational rehabilitation or nonprofit agency after graduation can apply for up to $10,000 in additional scholarship funds each semester through a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration. This scholarship is in addition to any other scholarships students may qualify for and exists because of the high demand for qualified professionals.
“Every state in the country has a critical workforce need for rehabilitation professionals, and this program offers the flexibility to customize a student’s emphasis in pursuit of any number of highly in-demand careers,” said Dr. Matt Bruinekool, Director of the National Rehabilitation Institute at Drake University.
The Bachelor of Science in Disability and Rehabilitation Services combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on experience, focusing on five core areas:
- Advocacy: Learn disability policy, ADA, and rights-based approaches to support.
- Employment: Build skills in career counseling and job placement strategies.
- Disability: Gain medical, psychological, and social perspectives on disability.
- Business: Achieve mastery of HR practices and organizational approaches to disability inclusion.
- Working with People: Build interpersonal skills and counseling techniques for direct service.
Students can also customize their degree to fit their future goals, with emphasis areas available in advocacy, counseling, deaf culture, human resources, leadership and youth services. Full-time and part-time options are available to meet the needs of working professionals.
Learn more at drake.edu/rehabilitation.