Through coursework and participation in research, the Doctor of Philosophy program in physical rehabilitation science emphasizes the development of an individual's expertise as a researcher in rehabilitation science. Approximately 20 students are enrolled in the PhD program each year.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates who complete the program are prepared for academic appointments that emphasize research, scholarship, and teaching. They possess:

• theoretical and scientific knowledge to perform basic, applied, or clinical-level original research that leads to scientific presentations, publication in peer-reviewed journals, and competition for extramural funding through scientific grant writing;
• breadth of knowledge in exercise physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, or motor control specialty areas as they relate to impairment, functional limitation, and disability; and
• theoretical and practical skills required for college or university teaching at the professional entry and advanced graduate levels.

The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in physical rehabilitation science requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00.

The program is designed to advance a student's ability to independently develop and carry out research that establishes the scientific basis for the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of impairments, functional limitations, and disability. The curriculum is flexible enough to accommodate research focusing on basic, applied, or clinical studies in the rehabilitation sciences. Students have access to the program's research laboratories (see Facilities in this section of the catalog).

Curriculum

Students and their faculty advisor develop an individualized study plan. A preliminary study plan is developed within the first year of study for full-time students and within the second year of study for part-time students; a final plan is submitted to the Graduate College when the PhD comprehensive examination is scheduled.

To ensure breadth of knowledge, all students complete specific core, research, and scientific specialty area content courses. Elective courses are selected to provide in-depth study of the specialty; they are complemented by an advanced seminar course specific to a student's specialty and taken in preparation for the comprehensive examination.

Students must satisfactorily complete the comprehensive examination, which is taken after all required coursework is completed. Doctoral study culminates with 12 s.h. of thesis research and an oral examination.

General Core Requirement

PhD students must complete the following core requirements. In addition to the following courses, the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)—online, web-based training—must be completed before a student enrolls in BMED:7270 and BMED:7271.

Research Requirement

Students complete at least 27 s.h. from the following. The capstone course PTRS:7900 is recommended but not required for students who enter the program with a master's or doctoral-level degree; however, it is required for students who enter with a bachelor's degree. 

Specialty Content Requirement

Students must complete at least 9 s.h. in their scientific specialty area. Students may choose courses from the following list, but other courses suited to a student's background knowledge and interest area are considered.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations. They should have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 and scores at or above the 50th percentile for each section of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test. A minimum of two years of clinical experience may be considered highly desirable, depending on the research interest area.

Application materials must include a complete Graduate College application form, test scores, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Personal interviews are required of all applicants selected for consideration by the admissions committee. On-campus interviews are preferred, but telephone interviews may be substituted when necessary.

Individuals are typically only admitted to the program if funding is available to cover tuition, fees, and an assistantship to conduct research and teaching. A number of assistantships are available for PhD students. Faculty advisors provide guidance for students seeking external scholarship support through foundations and federal programs that support PhD training. 

The PhD program trains students to obtain positions as professors and researchers in rehabilitation science.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Physical Rehabilitation Science, PhD

a

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

b

Online, web-based training on the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) must be completed before enrolling in BMED:7270 and BMED:7271.

c

Typically offered during fall semesters of even years.

d

Take twice for a total of 2 s.h.

e

At least 27 s.h. of research content courses are required, but students typically take more to fulfill degree requirements. The capstone course PTRS:7900 is recommended but not required for students who enter the program with a master's or doctoral-level degree; however, it is required for students who enter with a bachelor's degree. Work with faculty advisor to determine appropriate research coursework and sequence.

f

Students must complete at least 9 s.h. in their scientific specialty area; work with faculty advisor to determine appropriate graduate coursework and sequence.

g

Dissertation defense.