Rehabilitation Science (Ph.D.)

All students take the following core courses or approved substitutes, as applicable.

Foundations (3 hours)

HPPH 7101 Rehabilitation Science Foundations
HPPH 7102 Professional Development (repeat for 2 hours)

Teaching (8 hours)

HPDS 7304 Educational Evaluation in Health Professions
HPDS 7305 Curriculum Design & Teaching in Health Professions
or another approved education course
HPPH 7115 Teaching Practicum (repeat for 2 hours)

Research Design and Statistics (9 hours)

HPPH 7321 Research Design & Statistics
HPPH 7322 Intermediate Statistics
HPPH 7323 Selected Topics in Statistics
or other approved statistics course

Technical Writing (6 hours)

HPPH 7331 Writing for Publication
HPPH 7332 Writing for Grants
or other approved technical writing course

Research (6 hours)

HPPH 7099 Research

Doctoral Dissertation (12 hours)

HPPH 8000 & 8001 Doctoral Dissertation

Students choose a concentration in Anatomical Sciences & Disorders (ASD), Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD), or Movement Sciences & Disorders (MSD) completing graduate-level required, selected, and elective coursework.

Anatomical Sciences and Disorders (ASD) Concentration

Required ASD Courses (12 hours)

HPPH 7161, 7262, 7397 ASD Seminar (select and repeat courses for 9 hours)
HPPH 7355 ASD Research Methods (3 hours)

Selected ASD Courses (18 hours from the following)

HPPH 7161, 7262, 7397 ASD Seminar (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7355 ASD Research Methods (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum) 
HPPH 7010 Independent Study (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7020 Special Topics (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7386 Computer Research Applications

Courses from 

• the CSD or MSD concentrations
• other DRS programs (e.g., DPT, OTD, MAT, or ScD RS)
• other SHP programs (6 hours maximum)
• other TTUHSC departments (6 hours maximum)
• TTU (6 hours maximum)

Elective Courses (12 hours)

Students take approved elective courses to complete the ASD concentration.

Students choose a concentration in Anatomical Sciences & Disorders (ASD), Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD), or Movement Sciences & Disorders (MSD) completing graduate-level required, selected, and elective coursework.

Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) Concentration

Required CSD Courses (12 hours)

HPPH 7171, 7272, or 7377 CSD Seminar (select and repeat courses for 9 hours)
HPPH 7350 CSD Research Methods (3 hours)

Selected CSD Courses (18 hours from the following)

HPPH 7171, 7272, or 7377 CSD Seminar (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7350 CSD Research Methods (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7010 Independent Study (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7020 Special Topics (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7386 Computer Research Applications 

Courses from

• the ASD or MSD concentration
• other Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences programs (e.g., AuD, SLP)
• other SHP programs (6 hours maximum)
• other TTUHSC departments (6 hours maximum)
• TTU (6 hours maximum)

Elective CSD Courses (12 hours)

Students take approved elective courses to complete the CSD concentration.

Students choose a concentration in Anatomical Sciences & Disorders (ASD), Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD), or Movement Sciences & Disorders (MSD) completing graduate-level required, selected, and elective coursework.

Movement Sciences and Disorders (MSD) Concentration

Required MSD Courses (12 hours)

HPPH 7181, 7282, or 7387 MSD Seminar (select and repeat courses for 9 hours)
HPPH 7360 MSD Research Methods (3 hours)

Selected MSD Courses (18 hours from the following)

HPPH 7181, 7282, or 7387 MSD Seminar (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7360 MSD Research Methods (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum) 
HPPH 7010 Independent Study (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7020 Special Topics (may be repeated for credit; 6 hours maximum)
HPPH 7386 Computer Research Applications

Courses from

• the ASD or CSD concentration
• other Department of Rehabilitation Sciences programs (e.g., DPT, OTD, MAT, or ScD RS)
• other SHP programs (6 hours maximum)
• other TTUHSC departments (6 hours maximum)
• TTU (6 hours maximum)

Elective MSD Courses (12 hours)

Students take approved elective courses to complete the MSD concentration.

Additional Requirements for Graduation

• Completion of a supervised research project concurrent with HPPH 7099 Research.
• Completion of a comprehensive qualifying examination for advancement to candidacy.
• Completion of a doctoral dissertation.

The Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program prepares students to become innovative educators, researchers, and leaders who communicate scholarship effectively, advance knowledge, and contribute to interdisciplinary and interprofessional rehabilitation science through excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly dissemination. Most of our students enter the Ph.D. program with a clinical degree, and graduates teach in professional education programs in Texas and other universities. Some graduates work in the private sector and focus on clinical research careers.

The demand for rehabilitation science faculty is high. New faculty are needed to support the growth of the rehabilitation professions in Texas and beyond. The Texas Workforce Commission projects the number of athletic training, audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology jobs in Texas will increase by 24-37% by 2030. As a result, postsecondary teaching jobs in related health specialties will increase by 31%. Additional information about postsecondary teaching in health specialties is available on the Texas Career Check website.

Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science students have opportunities to conduct collaborative research with faculty and other students while learning to become independent researchers. Student research topics should align with the interests of the program and the resources available. Program faculty are engaged in wide-ranging topics that span anatomical sciences/disorders, communication sciences/disorders and movement sciences/disorders. Selected research areas are listed below. Prospective students are encouraged to contact a potential faculty advisor to discuss common research interests.

Anatomical Sciences and Disorders Research Areas

• Biomechanical Behavior of Anatomical Tissue
• Neurodynamics
• Anatomy Education (undergraduate through doctoral studies)
• Methods of Anatomical Preservation and Dissection
• Anatomical Relationship/Structural Mapping
• Clinical Intervention and Safety
• Innovation of Clinical Devices

Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Areas

• Acquired Neurogenic Disorders
• Applied and Clinical Linguistics
• Audiometric Science
• Auditory Cognition/Processes
• Auditory Integrated Biomedicine
• Behavioral Assessment and Intervention
• Language/Phonology Disorders
• Signal Processing
• Speech/Hearing Science
• Telehealth
• Vestibular System 

Movement Sciences and Disorders Research Areas

• Dysfunction and Pain of Nerve & Musculoskeletal Tissues
• Dysfunction of the Spine & Extremities
• Dysfunction of Balance & Gait
• Rehabilitation Management & Outcomes (neuromusculoskeletal)
• Rehabilitation for Human Performance
• Rehabilitation Education (student, patient, professional)
• Rehabilitation of Sex- & Gender-Based Dysfunctions
• Rehabilitation throughout the Lifespan

Two research Centers in the School of Health Professions support Ph.D. RS program research by providing laboratory space, equipment, and other resources. Ph.D. RS faculty members direct and conduct research in the labs, and students work and train in the labs.

• Center for Speech-Language Hearing Research
• Center for Rehabilitation Research

What do I need to know about the TTUHSC Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science?

Degree/TTUHSC

Why would I want a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science?
The Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program prepares students for teaching and research careers in Anatomical Sciences & Disorders (ASD), Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), and Movement Sciences and Disorders (MSD).

Is TTUHSC an accredited university?
Yes, TTUHSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees. You may look in the SHP Student Catalog for more information.

Application/Admissions Process:

What are the minimal standards for admission?
The admission requirements and standards are the minimal eligibility requirements for consideration and do not guarantee admission to the program. Admission to the program is competitive. Each applicant's file will be evaluated by the program's Admissions Committee. 

What are the admission requirements for the Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program, and what needs to be included in my application?

• Completed and submitted online application
• Official transcripts from all universities attended (whether or not a degree was earned)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional but recommended.
• Graduate degree in Audiology, Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, or other related field
• GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of coursework
• Letter of intent specifying the area of interest
• Writing sample (Copy of master's thesis OR research paper)
  • Interview with at least one faculty member
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) scores, if English is the second language
• Resume
• Proof of appropriate immunizations against infectious diseases

When will I learn of my application status?
We will attempt to notify prospective students of their application status at least 2 months prior to the
beginning of the semester.

When are the deadlines for applying to the TTUHSC Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program?

Is a graduate degree absolutely required for admission?
Yes, a graduate degree is required for admission. However, a clinical degree is not required. Applicants with a strong interest in rehabilitation science, including those without a clinical background, are encouraged to apply.

Is every applicant required to have an interview?
All applicants with a competitive application will have an interview. Applicants with minimum qualifications may not qualify for an interview. Qualified applicants will be notified via email or telephone to schedule their interview.

What is a competitive GPA for the Ph.D. RS program?
Qualified applicants will have a 3.0/4.0 GPA in their last 60 hours of coursework. Competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

What TOEFL and/or IELTS scores are expected in order to be competitive for admission to the Ph.D. RS program?
International applicants attending school on a visa who are internationally trained in a non-English speaking country must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) scores . Minimum acceptable scores for the TOEFL are 79 on the internet-based test and 550 on the paper test. The minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5. This test is waived only for graduates of U.S. universities or universities in countries in which the native language is English. TTUHSC’s institution code for the TOEFL is 6851. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for only 2 years.

What are the requirements for international applicants?
Requirements for International Applicants may be found on the SHP website.

What is the cost of tuition for the Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program?
View current tuition rates.

About the Program:

How many students are enrolled in the Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program?
The Ph.D. program's typical enrollment is about 20 students. We admit approximately 1-3 students per year. 

What is the average duration of the Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program?
On average, full-time students complete the Ph.D. program's coursework in 3 years (9 semesters) and the dissertation in 1 year. The length of the program varies from student to student due to the individualized course of study. Thus, the number of years one spends in the Ph.D. program depends to a large extent on the student's goals.

Do you offer a part-time or distance learning Ph.D. program?
Students may enroll part-time and this option might be desirable in some circumstances. However, stipends are not available for part-time students, and total time in the program will be extended. The Ph.D. program is only offered in Lubbock, Texas, and is not a distance education program, but up to 33 hours may be taken online. Students who do not live in Lubbock are expected to travel to Lubbock when necessary. Contact the program director for specific questions.

Now that I've been accepted, what information do I need to know?

Orientation

When will I receive my orientation information regarding course registration, immunization requirements, parking permits, TTUHSC ID badge, required online training, etc.?
All necessary information regarding registering for classes and the orientation process will be emailed to you approximately 2 months before beginning the program

When do I need to be in compliance with all of my immunizations?
Your immunization records must be in compliance 10 days prior to the first day of class each semester. Information regarding immunization requirements will be sent electronically to students who are accepted into the program. If you have any questions about immunization requirements or the status of your immunizations, please contact the Office of Institutional Health at (806) 743-3019.

Coursework

What are the course requirements for the Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program?
The program requires 86 semester credit hours, including graduate transfer hours. All students take a 44-hour core curriculum and select a 42-hour concentration in Anatomical Sciences & Disorders (ASD), Communication Sciences & Disorders or Movement Sciences & Disorders. Up to 24 hours may be transferred from a compatible graduate program.

How do I decide which classes to take for my individualized degree plan?
New students should consult the general plan of study form, program director, and their concentration coordinator to select courses in their first semester and until the official plan of study is approved. For more details about Ph.D. courses, please visit the TTUHSC SHP Catalog and contact the program director.

Is funding available for Ph.D. students?
The Ph.D. program offers Teaching Assistantship (TA) and Research Assistantship (RA) positions for full-time students, although the number of assistantships is limited and competitive. An assistantship position requires a 20 hours/week commitment, but offers a competitive stipend, tuition reduction, and partial fee waivers.

Are students required to take a comprehensive exam?
Yes, each student is required to pass a comprehensive qualifying examination after completing all coursework and the research project, and before starting on the dissertation.

In what research areas are faculty members actively engaged?
See the Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science Research and the Center for Rehabilitation Research websites for more information.

Other resources:

• SHP Catalog
• TTUHSC Handbook