Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rehabilitation Sciences

Program Objectives

The PhD program prepares individuals for leadership, teaching and research roles in the profession. On completing the Doctor of Philosophy degree, graduates will be prepared to:

• Analyze the impact of movement dysfunction from multiple perspectives, including body function, activity, and participation.
• Analyze theory, research, and health care policy relevant to individuals with movement dysfunction to promote the transfer of knowledge into
  clinical practice.
• Develop and evaluate innovative models of service delivery and intervention for individuals who have limitations in motor function.
• Effectively communicate information orally through professional presentations and in writing through grant proposals and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Develop an ongoing area of research that is competitive for grant funding.
• Apply innovative teaching methods to a wide variety of situations, including the education of physical therapists and physical therapy students.

Concentrations

Pediatrics
The focus of the pediatric concentration is on understanding the multiple factors that affect the motor function and participation of children with developmental disabilities. This includes implications of health care policy and federal laws on service delivery, models of service delivery, outcomes measurement, and evaluation of interventions for children with disabilities and their families.

Movement Science
The focus of the movement science concentration is on understanding processes of motor control, motor learning, and motor development in individuals with limitations in motor function and applications for practice. This includes how practice schedules and augmented feedback influence the acquisition, retention, and transfer of perceptual-motor skills and principles underlying the control and coordination of acquiring and restoring motor skills.

Orthopedics
The focus of the orthopedic concentration is on understanding the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system as it relates to human performance and clinical practice. This includes impairments of muscle, connective tissue, and bone; relationships between the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems in the control of movement; and movement dysfunction.

For more information, visit the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences web page.