Rehabilitation Science

Rehabilitation Science at the University of Pittsburgh is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for careers dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and various health conditions. This interdisciplinary program integrates principles from health sciences, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health fields to provide a broad understanding of human function and the strategies to restore and optimize it. Students will explore the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence rehabilitation practices and outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based approaches, research skills, and clinical practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to serve diverse populations across clinical, community, and research settings.

Throughout the program, students gain a deep understanding of movement sciences, neurological rehabilitation, pain management, ageing, and pediatric rehabilitation, among other topics. The program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for effective intervention planning and implementation. Faculty members are leaders in their fields, providing mentorship and fostering an environment of scholarly inquiry and innovation.

Graduates of the Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Pittsburgh are prepared for various professional roles, including clinical practitioners, research scientists, rehabilitation specialists, and educators. Many students pursue doctoral studies or advanced certifications to further specialize in areas such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or sports medicine. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex health challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Ultimately, the goal is to contribute to the development of effective rehabilitation strategies that improve functional independence, participation, and overall well-being for individuals across the lifespan.

A minimum of 72 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree level is required. Up to 30 credits taken at the graduate level towards a master’s degree may be accepted for transfer. Some areas of focus within the PhD curriculum may require more than 72 credits. 
The following courses and credit hours are required as part of the 72 credits:

• HRS 3000 Doctoral Seminars (4) 4 credits
• HRS 3001 Dissertation Research 18 credits
• HRS 3002 Methods of Inquiry for Rehabilitation Scientists I* 1 credit
• HRS 3003 Core Concepts in Disability and Rehabilitation I* 2 credits
• HRS 3004 Methods of Inquiry for Rehabilitation Scientists II* 1 credit
• HRS 3005 Core Concepts in Disability and Rehabilitation II* 2 credits
• Content in the areas of research design and statistics* 9 credits
• *Courses in chosen content expertise (credits to be arranged with advisor)

All PhD students are expected to show competency in two Core Areas plus competency in statistics and research methodology through the successful completion of a Preliminary Examination, offered in May of each year. The two Core Areas are Methods of Inquiry for Rehabilitation Scientists and Core Concepts of Disability and Rehabilitation. The sequence of Core Courses (Methods of Inquiry for Rehabilitation Scientists I, II; Core Concepts in Disability and Rehabilitation I, II) begins in the Fall term (I) and continues through the Spring term (II), and is usually taken in the first year of the PhD program.

Upon successful completion of the Methods of Inquiry Courses, and the Core Concepts Courses the next milestone is the Preliminary Examination, covering content from the * courses.

Upon successful completion of the Preliminary Examination, students will finish taking courses in their chosen area of expertise in preparation for the next milestone, the Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive Examination (written and oral) consists of questions in the following areas:

• Basic sciences, clinical sciences, social sciences, etc.
• Theory
• Experimental methods, research design.

Upon successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination, the next milestone is the Dissertation Proposal Defense, in which students propose the mentored research study they will pursue. The final milestone is the Dissertation Defense.

Requirements

• Applicants should have a strong interest in rehabilitation research as well as a master’s degree in an area related to rehabilitation science. The exceptional student with a bachelor’s degree, six or more credits of graduate course work, and compelling clinical/research experience in rehabilitation science will be considered.
• Resources, including research mentors, must be available to enable the student to engage in a plan of study and research in the student’s major area of interest in rehabilitation research. Therefore, it is important that there is a match between the research interests of an applicant and an SHRS Rehabilitation Science graduate faculty member.
• Successful applicants will have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in all college work; minimum scores at the 50th percentile on the revised verbal and quantitative GRE® revised General Test, and a minimum score of 3.5 on the Analytical Writing section of the GRE® revised. Students for whom English is a foreign language must have a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (internet), 600 (paper); or Band 7.0 on the IELTS (reading and writing modules). 
• Completed SHRS online application form
• An essay stating career goals, specific research interests and experience, and clinical interests and experience
• Three to five academic or work related letters of recommendation (at least one academic reference must be included as well as a letter of support from the identified Research Mentor)
• A résumé, including work history, formal education, continuing education, licensing and certification, professional organizations, honors and awards, publications, presentations, and grants
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• At least one example of written work (class project, course assignment, publication for which candidate is first author, etc.)

The Rehabilitation Science program at the University of Pittsburgh offers a variety of financial aid options to support students throughout their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, which can significantly offset the cost of tuition and related expenses. Additionally, the university provides institutional scholarships and assistantship opportunities specifically tailored to graduate students in health sciences fields. These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, financial need, and other criteria established by the university.

Students enrolled in the Rehabilitation Science program are also advised to consider private scholarships and external funding sources related to their field of interest, such as organizations dedicated to rehabilitation and health sciences. The university's financial aid office offers comprehensive guidance on applying for scholarships, grants, and loans, ensuring students are informed of all available resources. Furthermore, work-study programs may be available, allowing students to work part-time on or near campus to help cover educational costs.

The program's tuition fees vary depending on residency status and the number of credits taken per semester. International students should explore specific scholarship opportunities for international applicants and verify their eligibility for various types of aid. The university also provides budgeting assistance and financial planning workshops to help students manage their expenses effectively. Overall, the Rehabilitation Science program’s financing studies aim to make education accessible by offering a diverse array of funding options, ensuring students can focus on their academic and professional development without undue financial burden.

The University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive graduate program in Rehabilitation Science designed to prepare students for advanced careers in rehabilitation, assistive technology, and disability research. The program aims to develop experts who can contribute to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through innovative research, clinical practice, and policy development. Students in the Rehabilitation Science program have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and clinical facilities, enabling them to conduct meaningful research and gain practical experience. The curriculum integrates coursework in areas such as biomechanics, neurorehabilitation, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and health services. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, enabling students to work alongside experts from fields including medicine, engineering, psychology, and social work. Graduates are prepared for roles in academia, research institutions, rehabilitation clinics, and governmental agencies. The program may also offer specializations or tracks tailored to specific interests like assistive technology, motor control, or community rehabilitation. Faculty members are recognized experts in their respective domains, actively engaged in research that influences policy and practice. The program often encourages advanced studies culminating in theses or projects, fostering critical thinking and innovation. Admissions requirements typically include a relevant undergraduate degree, relevant experience, and proficiency in research methodologies. The University of Pittsburgh’s Rehabilitation Science program remains committed to advancing knowledge and practice in the field, contributing to improved health outcomes for individuals with disabilities.