The PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science is an interdisciplinary post baccalaureate degree program with concentrations in Pathology and Impairment, Functional Limitations, and Health Services. The concentration areas encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between students and faculty and train team scientists to approach complex disorders and conditions from a cross-discipline and cross-system perspective in keeping with the conceptual framework established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and strategic initiatives set forth by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Graduates of Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Science will become the scholars, researchers, program directors and educators who advance the body of knowledge about health and rehabilitation sciences. 

The interdisciplinary nature of the program emphasizes curriculum and research that center around function, factors, and interventions that disable or enable people. Qualified students may enter the program with a bachelor’s or graduate degree in several health related areas such as, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, medicine, occupational therapy, exercise science, health administration, biology, and engineering.

Within MUSC, the College of Health Professions (CHP) collaborates with the College of Graduate Studies.  Students have the opportunity to take courses with peers from other basic and translational research-based master’s and doctoral programs at MUSC.  The relationship with Graduate Studies greatly increases the number of potential faculty mentors and advisors for students and enhances the program’s ability to partner and collaborate with other disciplines critical to the study of rehabilitation science.

Enrollment

Admission Criteria 
Currently accepting applications for the Fall semester 2010
Students will have completed a bachelor’s or graduate degree that offers background and preparation in the following areas: Functional Limitations, Pathology and Impairment, and Health Services.  The program seeks to enroll students who meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate through previous academic work and relevant professional experience the likelihood of success in the Ph.D. program and research career.
• Potential for successful pairing with a faculty mentor and mentorship team conducting research in the student’s area of interest.

To determine the likelihood of success, the admissions committee will interview the candidates and review:

• Scores on the Graduate Record Exam
• Grade-point average in prior academic work
• Personal Statement
• Baccalaureate or graduate degree in a relevant discipline or first professional degree such as DPT
• Professional experiences in the discipline
• Letters of professional reference

Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Science requires a minimum of 90 semester hours organized as follows:

Below is a detailed plan of study:

PhD Rehab Sci – Bulletin Info
PC – Professional Core
RC – Research Core
CC – Concentration Core
E - Elective

The Professional Development Core and the Research Core are required, ensuring that all students receive a thorough grounding in Health and Rehabilitation Science, a teaching practicum, and a critical overview of key issues in the profession. All students acquire the research skills (design, methodology, and analyses) and training necessary to position them to become leading research scholars in the field. 

The concentration area will be designed and overseen by the primary mentor and doctoral committee based upon the student’s previous preparation and experience, area of specialization, and research interests.

Application
Apply Now
Information for International Students

Contact
If you have any questions or would like to know more about the program, please contact:

Dr. Bonnie Martin-Harris
Director
Email: harrisbm@musc.edu
Phone: (843) 792-7162

University Office of Enrollment Management
Ashley Stuckey
Phone: (843) 792-8712
Email: stuckey@musc.edu
Web: www.musc.edu/em

The Medical University of South Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status in the administration of admission policies, educational policies, financial aid, employment, or any other university activity. For further information, contact Willette S. Burnham, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, (843)792-2146.