PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences
MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
Rehabilitation science is an integrated and interdisciplinary body of knowledge, skills and abilities that are derived from the foundational applied sciences that support and inform the physical clinical rehabilitation professions of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and athletic training. The mission of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rehabilitation Sciences program is to educate the next generation of faculty and scholars (teachers and researchers) who will advance knowledge within the clinical rehabilitation professions and educate future rehabilitation health professionals, to improve the lives of people with functional impairments.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program is an interdisciplinary program that requires completion of 88 semester credit hours post-baccalaureate, including 76 semester credit hours of course work and 12 semester credit hours of dissertation. Up to 24 semester credit hours may be transferred from an approved master’s program. Students entering the program who hold a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree without a thesis must successfully complete a research project within the PhD program prior to embarking on dissertation research. All students must successfully complete a qualifying examination for admission to candidacy prior to beginning the dissertation. All students must successfully complete a doctoral dissertation.
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program curriculum consists of five major content areas: Rehabilitation Sciences core (32 credit hours), pedagogy and teaching (5 credit hours), approved electives (12 credit hours), research tools (21 credit hours), and research (18 credit hours, including 12 credit hours of dissertation). Students will enroll in courses at TTUHSC and TTU and typically will enroll continuously in Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters. Students will emphasize a primary area of specialization in the rehabilitation sciences based on their selection of elective courses and faculty advisor. Students will develop a secondary area of academic interest based on their selection of elective courses and examination committee members. Doctoral students may pursue research in clinical anatomy, clinical biomechanics, clinical musculoskeletal rehabilitation, clinical neuromuscular and postural control, or clinical behavior.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program provides students an opportunity to acquire knowledge about educational theories and methods, practice and implement teaching skills, and organize and deliver curricula appropriate for a career in higher education. This objective is achieved through required course work and practical teaching experiences supervised by program faculty.
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program provides students an opportunity to understand and use the scientific method; develop, practice and implement research skills including effective scientific communication, and use of research tools and technology; develop a research philosophy and viable research agenda; and learn to write grants. This objective is achieved via course work in research, research tools, technical writing, laboratory techniques, supervised research activities, and dissertation.
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program provides students an opportunity to attain content mastery in a selected area of specialization in rehabilitation sciences. This objective is accomplished via course work, independent study, research, and individual mentoring by program faculty.