Rehabilitation Science

Rehabilitation Science at the University of Kansas offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary educational experience designed to prepare students for impactful careers in healthcare and rehabilitation fields. This program emphasizes the development of advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to assess, treat, and improve physical function and quality of life for individuals with disabilities and injuries. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that integrates anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and clinical practices, fostering a deep understanding of human movement and functional recovery. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, equipping graduates to work effectively within healthcare teams and serve diverse populations. Throughout their studies, students have opportunities for hands-on training through practicum experiences, research projects, and collaboration with leading clinicians and community organizations. The Rehabilitation Science program aims to produce well-rounded professionals who are committed to lifelong learning and continuous improvement in the rapidly evolving field of rehabilitation. Graduates are prepared for careers in outpatient clinics, hospitals, research institutions, and academic settings, or to pursue advanced degrees such as licensure or certification in related health disciplines. With faculty expertise in neurology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation disciplines, students benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that reflects real-world practices. The program also emphasizes ethical practice, cultural competency, and patient-centered care, ensuring graduates can serve diverse populations effectively. Whether students seek to improve functional outcomes for individuals with injuries, advance rehabilitation technologies, or contribute to research and policy development, the Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Kansas provides a solid foundation for professional success and meaningful contributions to health and wellness.

The basic program requirements for a PhD degree in rehabilitation science include the following:

• Successful completion of a minimum 51 credit hours of course work. The requirements include at least 21 credit hours of core courses, 8 credit hours of research tools courses, 12 credit hours of doctoral dissertation research, and 6 credit hours of cognate elective courses.

• Demonstration of skills necessary for conducting original research investigation by passing the qualifying examination, which usually takes place after a majority of the core and research tools course work has been completed.

• Demonstration of competence in the core areas of study by successfully completing the comprehensive examination.

• Satisfactory completion of a dissertation based on an original research work.

• Successful oral defense of the dissertation.

To be considered for admission into KU's PhD in Rehabilitation Science program, the following are required:

1. Degree
   A baccalaureate degree must be completed prior to start of the program. Applicants are not required to be a physical therapist or possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physical Therapy. Applicants are encouraged to have a broad background in biological sciences (including anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, biochemistry, genetics, and cellular and molecular biology), calculus and statistics.

   Students with degrees from a university outside the U.S. may be considered provided they meet the requirements equivalent to a bachelor's degree from a program in the U.S.

2. Graduate Record Examination Score
   Students must submit scores for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections of the GRE. Note: the GRE must be taken within the past 5 years of the first semester of enrollment.

3. Grade Point Average
   An overall minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (on a 4.0-scale) is required.

4. Background Check
   The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires all incoming students to pay for a background check. This one-time fee must be paid directly to the company performing the background investigation. You will be asked to provide information and make the payment once you have been officially accepted into the program. For more information, please see the School of Health Professions Background Check Instructions.

International Students: 
An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarship opportunities for incoming PhD students

• Training Program in Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences
  This training program funded by the National Institutes of Health provides interdisciplinary training in translational research in neurorehabilitation. A stipend and training related expenses for up to three years are provided. 

• Norton-Ringle Fellowship
  Created in fall 2013, the Norton-Ringle fellowship is used as a recruiting tool and to provide a stipend for a top applicant to the PhD program. 

The Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Kansas is designed to prepare students for careers in the allied health fields related to rehabilitation, therapy, and patient care. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the physical, psychological, and social aspects of recovery and health promotion. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical internships, research projects, and community engagement, equipping them with practical skills and professional competencies necessary for working with diverse patient populations. The curriculum covers areas such as biomechanics, neuroscience, pharmacology, and therapeutic interventions, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to contribute to multidisciplinary healthcare teams. The program is suitable for individuals pursuing careers as rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or related roles aiming to improve patient quality of life. Faculty members are experienced researchers and clinicians committed to advancing the field through innovative teaching and research initiatives. The program also offers opportunities for students to participate in research projects that address current challenges in rehabilitation sciences, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, sports organizations, and community health settings, among other workplaces. The University of Kansas supports students with resources such as state-of-the-art laboratories, dedicated faculty advisors, and professional development workshops to enhance career readiness. Overall, the Rehabilitation Science program aims to produce competent, compassionate, and innovative professionals dedicated to improving health outcomes and advancing rehabilitation practices.