2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Rehabilitation Science, PhD


Banner code: HH-PHD-RHBS

Unit:Rehabilitation Science  

The PhD in Rehabilitation Science is an interdisciplinary program reflecting the need for integrated research to address the needs of the disabled. This program educates students in basic and translational science that address mechanisms, prevention and amelioration of disability. The objective of the program is to develop researchers and academics, who, through their scholarship and original research, create new knowledge in rehabilitation science. Graduates of this program are prepared for professional careers in academic, governmental, and industrial research environments.

Application Requirements

Admission to the program is competitive, and a variety of criteria are evaluated in the admissions process: undergraduate academic performance, recent post-baccalaureate course work, GRE scores, work experience, professional goals, and letters of recommendation. Applicants may apply with a baccalaureate degree, a master’s degree, or an advanced clinical degree (e.g.: DPT, MD) from a regionally accredited institution. For students admitted with a prior master’s degree or other suitable, approved transfer work, a maximum of 30 credits may be waived in the 72 credits required for the PhD program.

Applicants must meet the admissions standards and application requirements specified in the Admission  chapter of the catalog, and apply using the online Application for Graduate Admission. Applications are considered for the fall semester only. For application deadlines and detailed application requirements please refer to Graduate Application Database.

Transfer of Credit

Transfer credit is governed by university transfer of graduate credit policy, the university requirements for doctoral degrees, and must be approved by the program director and the dean. Students who enroll initially through Nondegree Studies should seek course advising through the department prior to taking a course and plan to submit their application to the PhD program in their first semester of study.

Program Requirements

To complete the PhD in Rehabilitation Science, students must:

  • Complete the program of study outlined in the PhD curriculum.
  • Pass written doctoral candidacy comprehensive exam.
  • Pass the final oral dissertation defense and submit a doctoral dissertation approved by the doctoral dissertation committee and the Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Science (the dissertation must be submitted in the approved format of the doctoral program).
  • Complete application material for graduation and the PhD degree in accordance with prevailing Mason policies.

Advancement to Candidacy

Prior to beginning dissertation research, students take a written examination, successful completion of which demonstrates their qualification for advancement to candidacy.   

Degree Requirements


The PhD in Rehabilitation Science program consists of a minimum of 72 credit hours, distributed among the following categories of courses: Foundation Courses (27 credits), Specialization Courses (18 credits), Dissertation Preparation and Completion Courses (18 credits) and Electives (9 credits). Specializations will include: musculoskeletal basis of disability, cardiorespiratory and metabolic basis of disability, and cognitive, affective, and behavioral basis of disability.

Specialization Courses (18 credits)


Elective Courses (9 credits)


Students will complete 9 hours of elective coursework, in consultation with their advisors.

Dissertation Preparation and Completion Courses (at least 18 credits)


Total: 72 credits