The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's rehabilitation science degree is an excellent choice for those interested in kinesiology and providing care for special populations, such as older adults, individuals with disabilities and those with chronic health conditions. The first degree of its kind in the UW System, the growing major will prepare you for success in a variety of careers, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and chiropractic care.

Throughout the program, you'll learn the physiological basis of human movement and the functional changes in body systems. Comprehensive coursework, presentations and projects will introduce you to special topics and areas of focus within the field, such as corrective exercise programming, clinical exercise physiology, exercise physiology laboratory assessment, research, and adapted physical activity for populations with disabilities.

The kinesiology department prides itself on providing students with opportunities to apply what they've learned in the classroom to real-world situations. As part of the program's curriculum, you'll participate in various practica at local hospitals and clinics, gaining real, professional experience along the way. Work with P.R.I.D.E (Physical Activity and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities in the Eau Claire Area), Community Fitness, or Cancer Recovery and Fitness outreach programs offered on campus will further provide you with critical skills and valuable connections.

Our 3+2 program option lets you earn both your bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation science (pre-athletic training concentration) and master’s degree in athletic training in only five years. This accelerated format allows you to start your master's level coursework in your fourth year, saving you time and money and getting you into the field more quickly!

Graduates leave the program prepared to demonstrate and teach patients how to best care for themselves and to promote physical activity as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Equipped with the knowledge, tools and experience necessary to provide effective health care, you'll graduate ready to improve the quality of life for all your future patients. 

The rehabilitation science major provides a clear path for students to continue their education in graduate or medical school. Coursework within the rehabilitation science program prepares students for professional certification in the fields of chronic disease management, senior fitness or physical activity programming for populations with disabilities. Students typically pursue certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, National Academy of Sports Medicine or American Council on Exercise.

Graduates also have the option to immediately enter the workforce, pursuing careers in medical-based fitness centers, cardiac rehabilitation programs, gerontology/senior fitness programs and community centers.

Rehabilitation science jobs

• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Chiropractor
• Certified prosthetist/orthotist
• Rehabilitation technology specialist
• Certified special population specialist

Rooted in kinesiology and physiology, our comprehensive curriculum will prepare you for responsibilities involving the development of physical activity programs for individuals of varying ages, disabilities and special needs. Coursework provides a broad, liberal arts education with classes in chemistry, biology, physics and psychology. Faculty experts will also help you learn best practices and keep up on the industry's latest techniques.

Those wishing to declare a pre-physical therapy, pre-occupational therapy or pre-chiropractic career path may find that majoring in rehabilitation science is beneficial. Graduates of the program find they are well prepared for the unique challenges and demands of a career in rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise.

What classes do rehabilitation science majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• Adapted physical activity 
• Anatomical kinesiology 
• Cancer recovery and fitness 
• Exercise physiology 
• Human anatomy and physiology 
• Motor development
• Rehabilitation science 

Learn more about the comprehensive rehabilitation science major in the UWEC course catalog. 

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation science? Here are other programs you may be interested in exploring.