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Faculty of Health Sciences

Rehabilitation Science Program

PhD Thesis Based

The PhD in Rehabilitation Science provides training to develop rehabilitation scientists who will advance rehabilitation research and transfer new knowledge into practice and policy. This competency-based program educates students in rehabilitation theory, research design and methods, grantsmanship, scientific writing, knowledge exchange and translation, and teaching/learning strategies. This option includes coursework, a comprehensive portfolio and a thesis. Graduates will be prepared to take on academic, leadership or research roles.

Time to completion:

  • Full-time students should normally take four (4) years to complete the program.
  • Part-time students, the expected duration of the program is six (6) years.

Expandable List

Complete, with at least a B- standing, the following courses:

  • Theory Course (REHAB 700)
    • If a course on the theory of science relevant to rehabilitation has been previously completed at the Master’s level, students will be required to an additional course to meet minimum course requirements for the PhD Thesis-Based program
  • An approved Content Course relevant to thesis
  • An approved Research Methods Course, either qualitative or quantitative (e.g. REHAB 707, 772, NURS/HRM 745)
  • An approved Data Analysis Course, either quantitative or qualitative (e.g. REHAB 714, 717, 758)
  • REHAB 725, Knowledge Exchange and Translation
  • Additional courses (optional):
    • The student’s Supervisory Committee may require students to take additional courses.
    • Students may choose additional courses, which may be taken once approved by the student’s Supervisory Committee.
  • SGS101#- Academic Research Integrity and Ethics (students must complete in first year)
  • SGS201#- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (students must complete in first year)

The School of Rehabilitation Science (SRS) has a series of research rounds, workshops, and skilled series given by rehabilitation scientists and graduate students. Attendance at these events is expected.

Students are required to complete and pass the PhD Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive Examination will include submission and oral defence of a portfolio designed to demonstrate breadth of knowledge and skills within their field, extending beyond the thesis topic.

  • The student will use critical thinking and analysis to complete (2) tasks: a scholarly paper, and a completed funding proposal.
  • The Comprehensive Examination will normally be completed within 18 months following registration for full-time students, and 28 months for part-time students.

The research proposal, research and thesis will be supervised by the thesis committee. The topic of research will depend on the interests of the student and the expertise of the supervisor. There are opportunities for research in a broad range of topics that apply to rehabilitation science. Students will prepare a research proposal on an approved rehabilitation science issue, conduct the research, prepare a written thesis, and defend the thesis at a final oral examination.

Supervisory committee meetings are required every six (6) months and all thesis students are required to complete an education plan with a research proposal.