HELP 2012-2013 University Catalog Rehabilitation Science, PhD Print-Friendly Page

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.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be considered. Admission to the program is competitive, and a variety of criteria are evaluated in the admissions process, including the strength of the undergraduate record and any post-baccalaureate coursework, the GRE, career goals statement, letters of recommendation, professional and/or volunteer experience, evidence of the ability to write and conduct research at the graduate level, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Applicants are encouraged to contact the department faculty prior to applying to discuss their interest. Preference will be given to full-time applicants, and interviews may be required by the faculty admissions committee. Information regarding CHHS application guidelines and requirements can be found at chhs.gmu.edu/admissions/graduate. Meeting the minimum application criteria does not guarantee admission.

Applications are considered for the fall semester only. For application deadlines and detailed application requirements, please refer to the Graduate Application Database. Late applications will be considered on a space-available basis. The online Application for Graduate Admissions can be found through the Office of Admissions.

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 must submit their application to the PhD program in their first semester of study.

Reduction of Credit

Students must complete a minimum of 72 graduate credits. A maximum of 30 credits may be waived in the PhD program based on a previously earned graduate degree. Credit for prior graduate coursework will be reviewed and awarded on a course-by-course basis.

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 in accordance with prevailing Mason policies.

Advancement to Candidacy

Prior to beginning dissertation research, students must pass a written examination to demonstrate their qualification for advancement to candidacy.