Degree Offered
PhD
Program Description
The PhD Program in Physical Rehabilitation Science prepares students to become independent researchers dedicated to advancing the interdisciplinary field of rehabilitation science. The program promotes a collaborative environment that engages various departments within the School of Medicine and the wider University System of Maryland. This includes physical therapy and rehabilitation science, epidemiology, orthopedics, neurology, biomedical engineering, psychology, kinesiology, as well as clinical settings through the University of Maryland Medical System.
Students engage in innovative research that combines advanced research design with diverse methodological approaches. The focus is on cultivating a comprehensive skill set leading to a deep understanding of rehabilitation science, including factors related to human movement and access to effective rehabilitation services throughout the lifespan. Each doctoral candidate works closely with a faculty advisor, benefiting from ongoing mentorship in research, coursework, and professional growth, ensuring a supportive and enriching experience throughout their PhD journey.
A combined Doctor of Physical Therapy/Doctor of Philosophy (DPT/PhD) option also is offered and should be discussed with the PhD and a DPT program director before making a formal application. This option can be applied for only after an individual is accepted into the DPT program.
Program Admission
In addition to meeting the Graduate School’s minimum admission requirements, applicants generally have strong undergraduate training in the biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and general physics. The program only admits students for the fall semester.
Deadline for International and priority applications: December 15th (of the year prior to matriculation in the program)
Deadline for Domestic students: April 1st (of the year student will matriculate in the program)
Information about applying to the program can be found here: How to Apply
Degree Requirements
Students must complete at least 34 credits of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree and 12 credits of PTRS 899 (Dissertation credits) to receive the doctoral degree in physical rehabilitation science (46 minimum credits total).
Students take required and elective courses in interdisciplinary science foundation, tools, and concentration/cognate. Other requirements include passing the (a) plan of study meeting (typically at the end of the first year), (b) written and oral comprehensive exams (typically at the end of the second year); and (c) the dissertation proposal (six months after passing the comprehensive exams). At this stage, the student advances to candidacy for the PhD degree, ideally during the third year. Once candidacy has been achieved, the student’s primary focus is on dissertation research, with progress monitored and advice on executing the research program provided by the dissertation committee. The doctoral dissertation must be an original scientific and scholarly work consisting of at least two empirical papers of publishable quality, completed according to Graduate School guidelines and program policies.
Cognate Area – Students must complete a minimum of 10 credits in their specialty research focus.
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain in good academic standing. Averages below this will lead to academic probation during which the student must raise their GPA or be dismissed. As a complement to the coursework, all students participate in program or schoolwide seminars, career development workshops, discipline-specific journal clubs, and a research-in-progress student presentation series throughout their time in the program.
Required Courses (Credits)
Please see our
Program Page.
| PREV 616 | INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH AT UMB | 2 |
| PTRS 688 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHYSICAL REHABILITATION SCIENCE | 1 TO 3 |
| PTRS 702 | GRADUATE SEMINAR IN TEACHING I | 1 |
| PTRS 703 | GRADUATE SEMINAR IN TEACHING II | 1 |
| PTRS 788 | SEMINAR IN REHABILITATION SCIENCE | 1 |
| PTRS 899 | DOCTORAL DISSERTATION RESEARCH | 1 TO 12 |
| GPLS 907 | RESEARCH ETHICS | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 46 |
PTRS 688: 6 credits required (two courses with 3 credits)
A minimum of 6 Credits of Statistics at UMB, UMD, UMCP required. Consult with program director for selection of statistics courses.
Students must complete a minimum of 10 credits in their specialty research focus.
Electives will make up the balance to meet the 34-credit course work minimum. Students should consult with program director regarding selection of electives.