https://alliedhealth.ouhsc.edu/Prospective-Students Parent Page: Prospective Students id: 35979 Active Page: PhD in Allied Health Sciences – Rehabilitation Sciences id: 36006

The PhD in Allied Health Sciences with a Specialization in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center prepares students to become leaders in rehabilitation-focused research and education. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes aging, biomechanics, cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, stroke, and pediatrics, offering students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research guided by internationally recognized faculty. 

Graduates are equipped to pursue academic careers, particularly in allied health programs, and contribute to the advancement of rehabilitation science through original research, teaching, and collaboration across disciplines. As part of one of the nation’s few comprehensive academic health centers, students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, innovative technologies, and a dynamic learning environment that fosters excellence in education, research, and patient care. 

How Long to Complete the Program?

3-5 Years

Possible transfer hours:

30 credit hours

Dissertation hours:

20 credit hours

Curriculum

The PhD in Allied Health Sciences with a Specialization in Rehabilitation Sciences requires a total of 90 post-baccalaureate credit hours for graduation. Coursework is designed to provide a strong foundation in interdisciplinary health sciences, specialized nutrition knowledge, and advanced research skills. 

Credit Hour Breakdown:

  • Allied Health Sciences Core – 10 hours (includes 4 hours of seminar) 
  • Specialization Courses in Rehabilitation Sciences – 15 hours (minimum of 6 hours must be from RS)
  • Research Methodology and Statistics– 15 hours (includes a 3-hour practicum)
  • Dissertation Research – 20 hours
  • Transferable Graduate Credit – Up to 30 hours 

Course selection is personalized and determined in consultation with the student’s Academic Advisory Committee.

Admission Requirements

Faculty and students work closely together in the PhD program. Therefore, before submitting an online application, prospective students must:

  • Identify a faculty member whose expertise aligns with their area of interest,
  • Confirm that the faculty member is authorized to chair a PhD committee, and
  • Obtain agreement from the faculty member to serve as their advisor if admitted.

 To begin this process, please contact the Office of Academic and Student Affairs at ahinfo@ouhsc.edu to discuss your educational goals, program compatibility, and available faculty.

 To be considered for admission to the PhD program, applicants must:

  • Hold a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in graded graduate coursework.
    Note: The College of Allied Health does not recognize academic forgiveness or reprieve policies. All course attempts are included in GPA calculations.
  • Preferably have completed 30 credit hours of graduate coursework.
  • Preferably hold a master’s degree, which does not need to be in Rehabilitation Sciences.

The student’s Advisory Committee will determine the appropriateness of prior graduate work and may limit transfer credit. A maximum of 30 credit hours from a master’s degree may be applied toward the 90 credit hours required for the PhD.

Program Details

Location Offered

Oklahoma City

Degree Acquired

PhD in Allied Health Sciences with a Specialization in Rehabilitation Sciences

Application Window

Fall Start – Closes: June 1 
Spring Start – Closes: October 1 
Summer Start – Closes: March 1 

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