PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences
MISSION AND PHILOSOPHY
Rehabilitation sciences is an interdisciplinary field of study that investigates theories and practices that contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals who have functional limitations caused by physical impairments. The mission of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rehabilitation Sciences program is to educate the next generation of faculty scholars (teachers and researchers) to advance knowledge in rehabilitation sciences and prepare them to educate future rehabilitation health care professionals.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program is an interdisciplinary program that requires completion of 88 semester credit hours post-baccalaureate, including 76 semester credit hours of course work and 12 semester credit hours of dissertation. Up to 24 semester credit hours may be transferred from an approved graduate program. Students entering the program who hold a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree without a research thesis (e.g., master’s thesis or equivalent ) must successfully complete a preliminary research project within the PhD program prior to embarking on dissertation research. All students must successfully complete a qualifying examination for admission to candidacy prior to beginning the dissertation. All students must successfully complete a doctoral dissertation.
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences curriculum consists of five content areas: Rehabilitation Sciences core, pedagogy and teaching, approved electives, research tools, and research (including dissertation). Students will enroll in courses at TTUHSC and TTU and will enroll continuously in Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters. Students will select primary and secondary areas of emphasis in rehabilitation sciences based on their career goals. Doctoral students may pursue research in clinical anatomy, clinical biomechanics, clinical musculoskeletal rehabilitation, clinical neuromuscular and postural control, or clinical behavior in rehabilitation.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program provides students an opportunity to acquire knowledge about educational theories and methods, practice and implement teaching skills, and organize and deliver curricula appropriate for a career in higher education. This objective is achieved through required course work and practical teaching experiences supervised by program faculty.
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program provides students an opportunity to understand and use the scientific method; develop, practice and implement research skills including effective scientific communication, and use of research tools and technology; develop a research philosophy and viable research agenda; and learn to write grants. This objective is achieved via course work in research, research tools, technical writing, laboratory techniques, supervised research activities, and dissertation.
The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program provides students an opportunity to attain content mastery in a selected area of specialization in rehabilitation sciences. This objective is accomplished via course work, independent study, research, and individual mentoring by program faculty.