PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences

Mentorship by exceptional faculty and exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary research and collaboration: are among the many advantages that draw students to our PhD program in Rehabilitation Sciences. In this interdisciplinary field, we engage in research focused on understanding the factors that promote activity, function, and participation in daily life among people who have disabilities or are at risk of developing them. Our PhD program prepares students—with and without professional degrees—for academic careers in research and teaching.

At BU, you will interact closely with accomplished, internationally respected faculty members across the University in both didactic training and mentored research. These researchers include prominent leaders in occupational therapy and physical therapy, with expertise in movement science, developmental psychology, public health, and psychiatric rehabilitation.

You will have access to state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities at Boston University and beyond. Our faculty collaborate extensively with BU colleagues in biomedical engineering, psychology, public health, and medicine, as well as with local schools and other community programs—offering wealth and diversity of research opportunities.

We believe students can best prepare for independent research and scholarship through the guidance of a strong mentor. For that reason, our PhD students must commit to full-time, consistent involvement in ongoing research conducted by a mentoring faculty member. Your mentor will guide you in research and in planning your coursework, focusing your specialization and dissertation topic, and helping you prepare for a research career.

A PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences prepares you for work in:

university settings to teach and conduct research

research institutions as a post-doctorate fellow

independent and private research institutes

biomedical and technology research industry