Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences: Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) Program

The Programs in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences seek students who will take leadership roles as researchers and educators in Rehabilitation Sciences. Admission to the PhD program is competitive. Students may apply at any time of the year for admission consideration.

To apply for the PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences, please complete the following steps:

1. Complete an application. Applicants can apply online or download a paper application at www.drexel.edu/apply. Please refer to the Health Sciences Program Application Guide for detailed instructions.
   
   
2. Submit the $50 application fee (waived for students who apply online or submit the paper application during a visit to Drexel).
   
   
3. Submit all college/university transcripts. Applicants must provide proof that they have earned at least a bachelor's degree (a master’s, DPT or other advanced degree, is preferred) from an accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. university or college. A degree in physical therapy is not required; the degree may be in a related area.
   
   
4. International applicants must have their transcripts evaluated and sent to us by one of the following agencies:
   
   
   • World Education Services (www.wes.org)
   • International Consultants of Delaware (www.icdel.com)
   • Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org)
     
     
5. Indicate clinical experience, if applicable. Applicants with clinical degrees (PT, OT, etc.) need a minimum of 2 years’ relevant clinical experience beyond that required to complete the professional degree.
   
   
6. Submit standardized test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). International applicants must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.
   
   
7. Submit 3 letters of recommendation, including 1 from a previous supervisor and 1 from a mentor or advisor.
   
   
8. Submit a personal statement that 1) clearly indicates a specific topic of research interest and inquiry in pediatrics, orthopedics or movement science 2) summarizes previous research and scholarship experience with a self-evaluation of research performance to date and 3) identifies 1 or 2 potential mentors.
   
   
9. Submit a resume or curriculum vitae.
   
   
10. Request an interview date. A telephone interview with the applicant may be arranged if circumstances preclude an on-site interview.
    
    
11. Note:
    • Applicants with clinical degrees may be required
      to have a Pennsylvania license to practice, depending on proposed research activities.
      
      
    • Other state clearances may be required for applied research activities.
      
      
12. Please mail all application materials to:

Health Sciences Admissions
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

For assistance with the admissions process, please contact: Lora Erickson, Administrative Coordinator, 215-762-8852, ptadmissions@drexel.edu.