Health and Rehabilitation Sciences PhD

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Minimum Required Credits: 42.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.2314
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1099

About the Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program is designed to prepare research scientists and educators as leaders in health and rehabilitation sciences. Designed for clinicians, educators and scientists, this program equips students with the skills to advance the science of rehabilitation and improve health outcomes across the lifespan.

Coursework is delivered through traditional classes, independent studies, and hands-on practica in research and teaching. Students work flosely with nationally recognized faculty mentors who are active inclinical practice, research and grant-funded projects. Students conduct research in Drexel's advanced laboratories a benefit from partnerships with academic, clinical and community organizations.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Admission Requirements

Degree:

For bachelor’s degree entry:
Degree: a STEM or health-related bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or equivalent international institution. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or above.

For graduate degree entry:
Applicants must provide proof that they have earned a master’s, DPT or other advanced degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. university or college. A degree in physical therapy is not required. Applicants from all health- or rehabilitation-related backgrounds (e.g., kinesiology, occupational therapy, exercise science, biomedical or rehabilitation engineering, etc.) are welcome.

Standardized Tests:

GRE test scores are optional. While not required by the department, students are welcome to submit GRE scores if they believe the scores will help strengthen their application.

International applicants: International applicants, as well as immigrants to the United States and United States permanent residents whose native language is not English and who have not received a bachelor's degree or higher in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom, must show proficiency in English speaking as well as listening, writing and reading. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL minimum scores: 100/577/233), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS minimum Overall Band Score: 6.5), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE minimum score: 61)

Transcripts:

Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all the colleges/universities that you have attended. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the college/university seal over the flap. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.

If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency.

Use our Transcript Lookup Tool to assist you in contacting your previous institutions.

References:

Submit three recommendations, including at least one from a previous supervisor and one from a mentor or advisor.
You may use our electronic letter of recommendation service.

Personal Statement/Essay:

Your essay should address the following points:

• Introduction
• Tell us why you want to earn a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at Drexel University.
• What knowledge and skills do you want to learn?
• What career path are you planning to pursue with a PhD?
• Research Experience and Interest
• What research experience do you have?
• What is your research area of interest?
• How did you become interested in this area?
• Briefly indicate a gap in knowledge in your area of interest that might be addressed in dissertation research.
• Based on having identified and communicated with a potential PhD mentor, how does your area of research interest match the research of one of the PhD faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at Drexel?

Interview/Portfolio: An interview is required. A scholarly writing sample may be required.

CV/Resume: Required

Licenses:

Applicants with clinical degrees may be required to have a Pennsylvania license to practice, depending on proposed research activities.

Clinical/Work/Volunteer Experience:

For some areas of research, it is preferred that applicants with clinical degrees (PT, OT, etc.) have two years of relevant clinical experience beyond that required to complete the professional degree.

International Students:

International applicants must have their transcripts evaluated and sent to us by one of the following agencies:

• World Education Services
• International Consultants of Delaware

Degree Requirements

¹

Students are required to complete Responsible Conduct of Research Training within their first-year of study provided annually by Drexel Office of Research and Innovation. BS entry students must complete HRSC 6300 (Introduction to Scholarly Inquiry and Communication) and NURS 8001 (Introduction to Biostatistics) during the first year of study as part of the Research Foundations sequence.

²

In consultation with their advisor, students complete a minimum of 18 (BS entry) or 6 (MS entry) credits of electives including independent study, practica, and dissertation, to support their individualized research plan of study. 

³

Student must complete each course in the dissertation sequence. Minimum of 12.0 credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Establish a research agenda that will impact health and rehabilitation sciences.
• Collaborate, integrate expertise, and conduct research within interprofessional teams.
• Write scientific proposals that are competitive for funding.
• Disseminate and translate research through presentations, publications, and contemporary media.
• Teach effectively and contribute to the academic community.
• Determine innovative mechanisms, methods, interventions, and approaches relating to health and rehabilitation.
• Institute a plan for continued professional development as a research scientist.