Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling

Students are studying with their teacher on a field trip.

People with disabilities make meaningful contributions to our communities and to society. However, we recognize that people with disabilities and their families are historically ignored, marginalized and excluded. Therefore, our mission is to prepare high quality professionals; identify, implement, and disseminate evidence-based practices; and conduct research and outreach in collaboration with community partners. Our work is critical to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities across educational, independent living, and employment domains.

Special Educators and Rehab Counselors are in high demand nationwide, and they have a lasting effect on the people they serve.



Academics

Undegrad student with ASSERT kid

Special Education Undergrad Program


Consistently ranked in top 20 Education programs in the country. 100% of Special Education graduates from USU find a job.

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Special Education Master's Program


Four Master's programs are consistently ranked in top 10% by US News and Word Report. 

Doctoral student working with ASSERT kid

Disability Disciplines Doctoral Program


The 7 doctoral programs make up a unique interdisciplinary doctoral program in the Special Education field.

Rehabilitation Counseling faculty holding MRC poster

Rehabilitation Counseling Programs


Our Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling Program is ranked 6th best graduate program in the field. 

We Believe

Respect

All people have the right to valued interactions and communication

Wellness

All people have the right to positive relationships and meaningful partnerships

Inclusion

All people must be able to take meaningful participation in education, employment, and community

Self-determination

All people have the right to opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and strengths to support self-advocacy and informed choices

News

USU Professor Fights Student Hunger with a Major Gift

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USU Professor Fights Student Hunger with a Major Gift

Professor Michael Twohig recently received the D. Wynne Thorne Career Research Award, one of the university’s highest faculty honors. The award came with a cash prize of $7,500, which Twohig decided to donate to the Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC)....


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Outside the Classroom

Aggies Elevated

Aggies Elevated is a federally designated Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) at Utah State University that offers a two-year certificate in Integrated College and Community Studies for young adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Aggies Elevated at Utah State University believes that all individuals, regardless of ability, have the right to meaningful employment, lifelong learning, self-determination and full community inclusion. Visit Site

Taylor - student graduate from Aggies Elevated


ASSERT

The Autism Support Services: Education, Research, and Training (ASSERT) program is a training and research center at USU that aims to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

USU students can be involved at ASSERT as either volunteers or paid employees. USU students can also gain research experience at ASSERT.

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Assert teacher with student