Program: Rehabilitation Science PhD - University at Buffalo

Apr 10, 2025

WORKING 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

The Rehabilitation Science PhD program’s interdisciplinary curriculum offers a theoretical understanding of rehabilitation science-the study of physical, musculoskeletal, psychological and functional disorders in humans-while the emphasis on research provides the practical skills needed to investigate key issues in the field. Personalize your program of study by developing and exploring the areas of rehabilitation science that interest you most.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO):
           1) Graduates will publish in peer-reviewed journals.
           2) Graduates will successfully obtain faculty positions at research-intensive Universities.
           3) Graduates will contribute to science through the development of innovative research programs.

Curriculum

Required Core (10 credits)

RSC 600SEM - Research in Rehab Science Credits: 1 (1 credit each semester for 4 semesters)
RSC 603LEC - Theories and Mechanisms of Change in Rehabilitation Science Credits: 3
RSC 604SEM - Disability and Rehabilitation Credits: 3

Statistics (11-12 credits)

3 courses minimum

STA 527LEC - Statistical Analysis I Credits: 3 AND
STA 527REC - Statistical Analysis I Credits: 1
STA 528LR - Statistical Analysis II Credits: 4
Choose one of these three:
STA 529LR - Statistical Analysis III Credits: 4
NUS 697LEC - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods Credits: 3
NUS 710SEM - Interpretive Phenomenology Credits: 3

Additional Requirements (7 credits)

CHB 550LR - Public Health and Population Wellbng Credits: 3
LAI 699LEC - Seminar in College Teaching Credits: 3 or equivalent.
RSC 598TUT - Supervised Teaching Credits: 1 - 3

Research Methods (6 credits)

RSC 522LEC - Research Design and Methodology for Clinical Problems Credits: 3
RSC 602SEM - Research Ethics for the Health Sciences Credits: 3

Elective Courses (25-26 credits)

CHB 605LEC - Res Meth-Com Health & HB Credits: 3
ES 620LEC - Scientific Grant Writing Credits: 2
RSC 599TUT - Independent Study Credits: 1 - 6
With the help of the academic advisor or program director, students may choose any courses that support their research program (not taken to satisfy other requirements). Electives may be taken either inside or outside of the Dept. of Rehab Sciences with the approval of the program director.

Culminating Experience (12 credits)

RSC 699TUT - Dissertation Guidance Credits: 1 - 12

Total Credit Hours: 72

3.0 Degree GPA required

Instruction Method

In Person (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Full Time

Credits Required

72 Hours

Time-To-Degree

5 Years

Application Fee

$50

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.