Health and Rehabilitation Sciences MS

Major: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 45.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.2314
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1099

About the Program

The health and rehabilitation sciences MS program is designed to provide a flexible curriculum to meet the needs of students with interests across the health and rehabilitation sciences continuum. Core courses will provide scientific foundations in health and rehabilitation research, biostatistics and research methods. The core includes a thesis option for those seeking a career in research and a non-thesis final project option for those with professional or clinical interests.

Elective courses enable each student, with guidance from their advisor, to focus the program of study on the particular areas of health and rehabilitation science they seek to develop graduate-level expertise in. Additionally, elective credits may be used to complete a graduate minor from the many excellent options across Drexel’s schools and colleges.

Students completing the program are prepared for further graduate study at the PhD level and careers in health and rehabilitation and exercise science.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, contact:

Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences

PTadmissions@drexel.edu

Additional information is also available on Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences web page

Admission Requirements

  • 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.
  • GRE: not required
  • References: two letters of recommendation submitted electronically.
  • Personal statement: approximately 500 words explaining your reasons for pursuing the MS degree, your short- and long-term career plans and how your background and experience to date when combined with this degree will enable you to pursue these goals successfully.
  • CV/resume: required

International students: 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: 90/577/233)
  • the International English Language Testing System (IELTS minimum Overall Band Score: 6.5)
  • or the Pearson Test of English (PTE minimum score: 61)

Degree Requirements

Core Courses
HRSC 541Introduction to Scholarly Inquiry and Communication in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences3.0
RSCH 519Introduction to Biostatistics3.0
Choose a final project or thesis concentration:
Final Project Concentration3.0-9.0
Final Project I
Final Project II
Thesis Concentration *6.0-9.0
Thesis Research I
Thesis Research II
Electives: **30.0-36.0
Pediatric Engineering I
Pediatric Engineering II
Chronobioengineering I
Chronobioengineering II
Biological Evolution: Applications to Human Health and Performance
Medical Technology Innovation: Devices
Biomedical Mechanics I
Biomedical Mechanics II
Brain Computer Interfaces
Research Practicum I
Research Practicum II
Research Practicum III
Independent Study in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
Historical Influences on the US Healthcare System
Managerial Epidemiology
Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care
Mindfulness Meditation
Collaboration with Vulnerable Populations
Communication and Self-Awareness for Leadership
Interdisciplinary Approaches in Aging Research
Lifecycle Nutrition
World Nutrition
Nutrition and Exercise Physiology
Maternal and Child Health Nutrition
Nutrition of the Schoolchild
Foundations in Quantitative Research
Foundations in Scholarly Inquiry & Writing
Coaching Theory and Principles
Ethical Considerations in Coaching
Learning Strategies in Coaching
Coaching Psychology
Sport Performance & Energy Systems
Sport Conditioning
Prevention & Care of Athletic Injuries
Total Credits45.0-60.0
*

Not to exceed 9 credits

**

Students complete a minimum of 30.0 - 36.0 credits of electives, which may include preapproved electives and other graduate courses from within and outside CNHP as appropriate to support the individualized plan of study. Electives require approval from the Program Director. Additionally, with prior approval from the Program Director, elective credits may be used to fulfill the requirements for a graduate minor.

Sample Plan of Study

Final Project concentration- Sample Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
HRSC 5413.0BMES 5714.0HSAD 5013.0
NFS 5263.0HRSC I6991.0IPS 5023.0
RSCH 5193.0HSAD 5004.0IPS 8613.0
 9 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCredits 
HRSC 6903.0HRSC 6913.0 
HRSC I6993.0HRSC I6991.5 
IPS 5023.0IPS 6634.5 
 9 9 
Total Credits 45

Thesis concentration - Sample Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits
HRSC 5413.0HRSC 6723.0HRSC 6733.0
HRSC 6713.0RSCH 7003.0HRSC I6993.0
RSCH 5193.0RSCH 7413.0NFS 5463.0
 9 9 9
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCredits 
HRSC 6733.0HRSC 6966.0 
HRSC 6953.0HRSC I6993.0 
NFS 5263.0  
 9 9 
Total Credits 45

Program Level Outcomes

Upon completion of the program graduates will be prepared to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of advanced topics in health and rehabilitation sciences.
  • Critically read, evaluate and discuss relevant research literature in health and rehabilitation sciences.
  • Analyze issues using critical thinking and solution-focused problem-solving skills.
  • Communicate effectively with a variety of different stakeholders.
  • Students completing a thesis will pursue research activities that lead to published scientific findings.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Faculty

Benjamin Binder-Markey, PT, DPT, PhD (Northwestern University, University of Delaware). Assistant Professor. Skeletal muscle adaptations after injury and disease; muscle adaptation effects on physical function; musculoskeletal computational models; neurological rehabilitation.
Heather L. Brossman, DHSC, PT, DPT, MS Board Certified Cardiopulmonary Clinical Specialist, Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (Temple University) Associate Director of Clinical Education. Assistant Professor. Acute care, preschool and school-based practice, early intervention, cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, complex conditions, participation of children with multiple disabilities, physical activity.
Sudeshna A. Chatterjee, PT, PhD (University of Florida). Assistant Professor. Aging, Neurorehabilitation, Functional Neuroimaging, Non-invasive Brain Stimulation.
Lisa Ann Chiarello, PT, PhD, FAPTA (Hahnemann University) Interim Department Chair of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Executive Director, DPT Program, . Professor. Pediatric community-based practice; family-centered care; determinants of outcomes; and participation of children with physical disabilities.
Margaret Finley, PT, PhD (University of Maryland). Associate Professor. Upper extremity movement patterns in persons with chronic neuromuscular disorders.
Kevin E. Gard, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (Temple University) Vice-Chair, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences and Director of Operations, Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Clinical Professor. Orthopedics; sports medicine, lower extremity biomechanics and movement analysis especially related to running.
Noel Goodstadt, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (Temple University) Director of Human Gross Anatomy, Director of Residency Programs. Associate Clinical Professor. Orthopaedic injuries of the shoulder, knee, and back, and innovation for human performance and function.
Robert C. Hand, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (Saint Joseph's University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Neurologic disorders, primarily chronic and neurodegenerative diagnoses, advocacy and accessibility, promotion of skilled maintenance and wellness, and emerging technologies in neurologic rehabilitation.
Robert Maschi, PT, DPT, Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (Temple University). Associate Clinical Professor. Orthopedics, musculoskeletal disorders, lower extremity biomechanics and movement analysis.
Clare Milner, PhD, FACSM (University of Durham, University of Leeds) Director, Graduate Programs in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Associate Professor. Gait biomechanics; overuse injuries in runners; functional independence in gait and activities of daily living in clinical populations.
Lynette Montgomery, PT, PhD (University of Queensland, The Ohio State University). Assistant Professor. Motor Control and rehabilitation after neurological injury, mechanisms of neuroplasticity and recovery of locomotion following neurological injury.
Annalisa Na, PT, DPT, PhD, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (University of Delaware). Assistant Research Professor. Interactions of multimorbidity diseases on functional outcomes in older adults
Stephen Samendinger, PhD (Michigan State University). Associate Teaching Professor. Psychosocial aspects of physical activity and healthy lifestyles, motivation: group dynamics, identity, physical activity determinants and responses.
Sara Tomaszewski, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (Duke University). Clinical Instructor. Orthopedics and sports physical therapy, injury prevention, and return-to-sport decision making.
Sarah Wenger, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (Arcadia University; Temple University). Adjunct Faculty. Health, wellness and fitness, models for preventative physical therapy, dance medicine.
Glenn Williams, PT, PhD, Board-Certified Athletic Trainer (University of Delaware) Chair, Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences. Associate Professor. Neuromuscular plasticity after joint injury, orthopaedic-sports rehabilitation, human performance, post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Emeritus Faculty

Margo Orlin, PT, PhD, FAPTA (Drexel University). Associate Professor Emeritus. Walking and running biomechanics and participation in children with developmental disabilities, evaluation of enhancing participation for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.
Robert J. Palisano, PT, ScD, FAPTA (Boston University). Distinguished Professor. Classification and prognosis for gross motor function in children and youth with cerebral palsy; interventions to improve activity and participation in children with physical disabilities; transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities.
Patricia Rubertone, PT, MPT, MSW, EdD (Widener University) Director of Experiential Learning. Associate Clinical Professor Emerita. Student learning; course design; judgment of physical therapy student clinic performance by novice vs. experienced clinical instructors.
Susan Smith, PT, PhD (University of Connecticut, Texas Woman's University). Associate Professor and Dean Emerita. Geriatrics: health promotion and interventions for manifestations of low bone mass; assessment of fall risk and fall prevention interventions for older adults