Become a Leader in Health and Rehabilitation Research

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Rehabilitation Sciences at Drexel University prepares future leaders in rehabilitation research, interprofessional education and evidence-based healthcare innovation. Designed for clinicians, educators and scientists, this program equips students with the skills to advance the science of rehabilitation and improve health outcomes across the lifespan.

Why Pursue a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at Drexel?

For over 30 years, Drexel has trained exceptional research scientists and educators who are shaping the future of rehabilitation. Our program integrates clinical and basic sciences, empowering students to explore the mechanisms of movement impairments, reduce mobility limitations, and promote health and participation for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Program Highlights

• Individualized Curriculum
  Students collaborate with a faculty advisor to design a personalized plan of study aligned with their research interests and career goals.
• Interdisciplinary Research Training
  Core courses emphasize collaborative, interprofessional research, with additional electives tailored to each student’s focus area.
• Flexible Learning Formats
  Coursework is delivered through traditional classes, independent studies and hands-on practica in research and teaching.
• Mentorship from Renowned Faculty
  Students work closely with nationally recognized faculty mentors who are active in clinical practice, research and grant-funded projects.
• Experiential Learning in State-of-the-Art Facilities
  Students conduct research in Drexel’s advanced laboratories and benefit from partnerships with academic, clinical and community organizations.

What You’ll Learn

The PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences curriculum is designed to develop expertise in:

• Designing and implementing innovative rehabilitation interventions and service delivery models
• Establishing a research agenda that advances the field of health and rehabilitation sciences
• Collaborating within interprofessional research teams
• Writing competitive grant proposals for federal and foundation funding
• Disseminating research through publications, presentations and digital media
• Teaching effectively in academic and professional settings
• Sustaining lifelong professional development as a research scientist

Credit Requirements

• 48 quarter credits (for students entering with a graduate degree)
• 90 quarter credits (for students entering with a bachelor’s degree)

Explore Faculty Mentors and Research Areas

Prospective students are encouraged to review our PhD faculty mentors, explore their research interests, and examine recent dissertations completed by program graduates. Identifying and connecting with a potential faculty advisor is a key step in the application process.

PhD Faculty Mentors

What Sets Drexel’s PhD Program Apart?

• Customized, student-centered learning experience
• Access to cutting-edge research labs and technology
• Strong mentorship and faculty support
• Extensive clinical and community research collaborations
• Location in Philadelphia’s University City, a hub for healthcare innovation

Advance your career and make a lasting impact in rehabilitation sciences.
Apply to Drexel University’s PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program today.

Program Fact Sheet (downloadable PDF)

Application deadline for full consideration for all applicants is March 15 for September enrollment. *International applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure ample processing time of all requirements.

COMPLIANCE

The College of Nursing and Health Professions has a compliance process that may be required for every student. Some of these steps may take significant time to complete. Please plan accordingly.

Visit the Compliance pages for more information.

Admission Requirements

Degree:
Applicants can apply for either bachelor's degree entry or graduate degree entry..

• Bachelor's degree entry:
  Applicants must provide proof that they have earned a STEM or health related bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. university or college. Applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Graduate degree entry:
  Applicants must provide proof that they have earned a master's, DPT or other advanced degree 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. Applicants from all health- or rehabilitation-related backgrounds (e.g., kinesiology, occupational therapy, exercise science, biomedical or rehabilitation engineering, etc.) are welcomed.

Standardized Tests:

• GRE test scores are optional. While not required by the department, students are welcome to submit GRE scores if they believe the scores will help strengthen their application.
• International applicants must also submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. Drexel’s GRE & TOEFL school code is 2194.

Transcripts:

• Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all the colleges/universities that you have attended. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the college/university seal over the flap. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
• Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.
• If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency.
• Use our Transcript Lookup Tool to assist you in contacting your previous institutions.

Prerequisites:
N/A

References:
Submit 3 recommendations, including at least one from a previous supervisor and one from a mentor or advisor.

• You may use our electronic letter of recommendation service.

Personal Statement/ Essay:

Your essay should address the following points:

• Introduction:
  Tell us why you want to earn a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Drexel University. What knowledge and skills do you want to learn? What career path are you planning to pursue with a PhD?
• Research Experience and Interest:
  What research experience do you have? What is your research area of interest? How did you become interested in this area? Briefly indicate a gap in knowledge in your area of interest that might be addressed in dissertation research.
  
  Based on having identified and communicated with a potential PhD mentor, how does your area of research interest match the research of one of the PhD faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at Drexel?

Interview/Portfolio:
Interview required.

CV/Resume:
Required

Licenses:
Applicants with clinical degrees may be required to have a Pennsylvania license to practice, depending on proposed research activities.

Clinical/Work/Volunteer Experience:
It is preferred that applicants with clinical degrees (PT,OT, etc.) have 2 years of relevant clinical experience beyond that required to complete the professional degree.

International Students:
International applicants, as well as immigrants to the United States and United States permanent residents whose native language is not English and who have not received a bachelor's degree or higher in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, must show proficiency in English speaking as well as listening, writing and reading. Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL minimum scores: 90/577/233), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS minimum Overall Band Score: 6.5), or the Pearson Test of English (PTE minimum score: 61).

International applicants must have their transcripts evaluated and sent to us by one of the following agencies:

• World Education Services (http://www.wes.org)
• International Consultants of Delaware (http://www.icdeval.com)

Tuition and Fee Rates:
Please visit the Tuition and Fee Rates page on Drexel Central.

Application Link (if outside organization): N/A

Curriculum

• Degree Requirements
• Sample Curriculum

Accreditation

MSA: Accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. www.middlestates.org/

Outcomes

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is designed to prepare physical therapists and other professionals to contribute to the knowledge of rehabilitation science through excellence in scholarship, research and education. The focus of the curriculum is on the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary to effectively serve as a university faculty member, a research investigator, and a leader within professional and health care organizations.

Upon completion of the Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates will be prepared to:

1. Analyze the impact of movement dysfunction from multiple perspectives including body function activity and participation;
2. Analyze theory, research, and healthcare policy relevant to individuals with movement dysfunction to promote transfer of knowledge into clinical practice;
3. Develop and evaluate innovative models of service delivery and interventions for individuals with limitations in motor function;
4. Communicate oral information effectively through professional presentations and written information through grant proposals and publications in peer-reviewed journals;
5. Develop an ongoing area of research that is competitive for grant funding;and
6. Apply innovative teaching methods to a wide variety of situations including education of physical therapists and physical therapy students.

The Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences has extensive laboratory space. Learn more here.