Program Overview
The PhD in Rehabilitation Science at the University of Kansas is a premier doctoral program designed to cultivate exceptional leaders who pioneer innovative, interdisciplinary research in rehabilitation sciences. This program advances the scientific understanding of injury, disease, and functional impairment while developing evidence-based interventions that enhance human performance and reduce disability. This program advances the scientific understanding of injury, disease, and functional impairment while developing evidence-based interventions that enhance human performance and reduce disability — ideal for scholars committed to translating research into practice.
Research in the program spans three primary areas:
- Rehabilitation and lifestyle interventions
- Motor control and mobility
- Health professions education.
This breadth enables doctoral students to pursue diverse scholarly agendas while working alongside nationally recognized faculty mentors.
In the PhD rehabilitation science curriculum, students examine the biological and physiological mechanisms that contribute to disability, as well as the scientific foundations of therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring movement, participation, and quality of life. Located at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, this doctorate in rehabilitation science provides access to advanced research laboratories, shared core facilities, and a highly collaborative academic environment connecting KUMC with the broader KU system. Faculty mentors guide students through individualized plans of study that align with their research interests and long-term professional goals, positioning this program among leading rehabilitation science graduate programs in the region.
Students in the PhD in Rehabilitation Science engage in intensive, hands-on research addressing real-world issues such as neuromuscular injury, chronic disease, functional recovery, and disability prevention. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, doctoral scholars learn to translate laboratory discoveries into clinically relevant applications. The emphasis on research design, quantitative analysis, and dissemination ensures graduates are prepared for impactful careers in academia, healthcare systems, and research institutions.
The scholarly environment supports inquiry spanning cellular and molecular mechanisms, biomechanics, neuroscience, and functional outcomes research. Graduates leave prepared to secure competitive roles associated with strong rehabilitation science PhD jobs, supported by rigorous research training and mentorship.
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Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Rehabilitation Science, Ph.D.KU School of Health Professions
The Doctorate in Rehabilitation Science is part of the School of Health Professions, where top-notch training programs and research put our graduates in high demand.Doctorate in Rehabilitation Science Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the PhD in Rehabilitation Science, students will:
- Practice responsible scholarship that advances rehabilitation science in adherence with established ethical standards
- Disseminate research findings clearly, engage diverse audiences, and expand professional networks
- Produce high-quality research that generates new knowledge and advances understanding of and approaches to rehabilitation
- Employ critical thinking, creativity, and innovation to pursue research funding, engage diverse perspectives, and build collaborative and professional growth opportunities in rehabilitation research
What Careers Are Possible With a Doctorate in Rehabilitation Science?
Graduates of the PhD in Rehabilitation Science at KU have an exceptional employment record. According to program outcome data, 80% of graduates secure faculty positions at universities in the United States and internationally, with most remaining graduates pursuing postdoctoral research opportunities.
This strong placement record reflects both the quality of the program’s research training and a documented national shortage of qualified doctoral-level faculty in physical therapy and rehabilitation science programs. The American Council of Academic Physical Therapy has noted an average of one to two open faculty positions per program nationally, with demand consistently outpacing the supply of qualified candidates.
Common career paths for graduates include:
- Faculty positions at research universities and health professions schools (U.S. and international)
- Postdoctoral research fellowships
- Academic program director and administrative leadership roles
- Research scientist positions in clinical and academic medical centers
According to Lightcast, the median rehabilitation science PhD salary for academic roles is approximately $95,000 annually, with salaries in clinical or industry research settings often exceeding $110,000, reflecting sustained national demand for experts trained through leading rehabilitation science PhD programs.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the Rehabilitation Science PhD is set by the Kansas Board of Regents and is subject to change. Estimated total program costs (72 credit hours) are approximately $37,645 for Kansas residents and $81,556 for non-residents, based on current rates.
A range of funding opportunities is available to qualified students, including:
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA): stipend plus partial or full tuition waiver
- Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA): stipend, contingent on mentor funding
- Norton-Ringle Fellowship: tuition assistance for top students
- Lou Loescher-Junge Professional Development Award: annual award for students presenting research at a national conference
- NIH T32 Training Program in Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences: stipend, tuition, and training expenses for up to three years (U.S. citizens and permanent residents; competitive)
- Mabel A. Woodyard Fellowships in Neurodegenerative Disorders: one-year support for stipend, tuition, and conference travel
For full tuition details, visit KUMC Financial Aid. For scholarship details, contact the program director.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the PhD in Rehabilitation Science, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; a master’s or other advanced degree is preferable
- Broad background in biological sciences, including anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, exercise science, biochemistry, genetics, molecular and cell biology, and statistics
- Official transcripts
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Background check: required after official acceptance, completed through Validity Screening Solutions; a one-time fee is paid directly to the screening company. Required by The Joint Commission
- Immunization profile: students must meet vaccination requirements prior to participating in curricular and clinical experiences. Not meeting clinical site vaccine requirements may affect the ability to complete degree requirements
- Resume/CV
- A statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty, advisors, employers, or others with direct knowledge of the applicant’s academic and professional work; at least one must come from the applicant’s current place of employment or academic program (letters from family members or personal friends are not accepted)
- GRE scores are not required and are not considered in the admission process
- International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency (via TOEFL or IELTS) and provide evaluated international transcripts.
Full details on the admissions process, visit the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
The PhD in Rehabilitation Science emphasizes immersive research experiences from the earliest stages of doctoral study. Students collaborate closely with faculty mentors, contribute to funded research projects, and participate in laboratory meetings, research seminars, and interdisciplinary scholarly forums. Access to specialized research laboratories and shared scientific equipment supports inquiry across biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology, and translational science within the broader rehabilitation sciences framework.
As a doctoral student in Lawrence, you join a vibrant academic community enriched by cross-campus collaboration and engagement with research partners in Kansas City. Professional development workshops, grant-writing seminars, and conference participation prepare students to compete successfully within national and international rehabilitation science graduate programs networks. This comprehensive experience equips graduates to pursue leadership roles aligned with evolving workforce demands and competitive rehabilitation science PhD salary outcomes.
Doctorate in Rehabilitation Science Sample Courses
The PhD in Rehabilitation Science curriculum includes advanced coursework supporting rigorous research training, such as:
- Introduction to Rehabilitation Science
- Research Design and Methods I & II
- Cellular and Molecular Basis of Rehabilitation
- Grant Writing
- Seminar in Rehabilitation Science
- Instrumented Analysis of Human Biomechanical Function
- Fundamentals of Biostatistics I
Additional electives allow students to tailor their plan of study to specialized research interests within rehabilitation sciences. For a complete and current course listing, prospective students should review the KU Catalog.
Doctorate in Rehabilitation Science Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are due Feb. 1.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students should expect at least four years of full-time study to complete all degree requirements. Many students complete the program in four to five years; a maximum of eight years is permitted.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. The application fee is $75 for all degree programs in the KU School of Health Professions. The fee is paid at the time of online submission and is non-refundable.