Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Rehabilitation Science Ph.D.

Rehabilitation Medicine Administration
Medical School
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Rehabilitation Science Graduate Program, 420 Delaware Street SE - MMC 388, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 Phone: 612-625-3966
Email: adamc002@umn.edu
Website: https://med.umn.edu/rehabmedicine/about/divisions/rehabilitation-science
  • Program Type: Doctorate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • Length of program in credits: 60
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • No.
  • Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The mission of the graduate program in Rehabilitation Science is to discover and disseminate rehabilitation knowledge and improve the quality of life, participation, health, performance, and well-being of people in Minnesota and throughout the world. The mission further encompasses the cultivation of premier leaders and researchers in academia, industry, and clinical environments to transform the science and practice of rehabilitation. The program is interdisciplinary, with student and faculty backgrounds in physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, biomedical engineering and a variety of other biology and health care backgrounds. The program’s philosophy is to provide students with a strong foundation in research methodology; a concentrated educational and research experience tailored toward a student’s specific area of interest in rehabilitation science; and a working knowledge of the importance of a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to the scientific process.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Not applicable.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
Bachelor's degree or US equivalent in a related discipline is minimal requirement.
Professional, graduate, or master's degree preferred but not required.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
Applicants must hold a bachelor's or graduate degree, or accredited US equivalent, in a discipline related to rehabilitation; for example, biomedical engineering, kinesiology, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, public health, or speech/audiology. Depending on the educational background of the applicant, admission may be contingent upon completion of selected prerequisite coursework.
Special Application Requirements:
In addition to completing and submitting the University's Graduate School application (which includes submission of a personal statement, diversity statement, and upload of CV/resume), applicants must submit the following materials: transcripts from all institutions attended; three letters of recommendation; and TOEFL and/or IELTS scores for international students. Student must also have an agreed-upon faculty adviser at the time of application. Compatibility of research interest is a major determinant in the student/adviser relationship.
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 88
    • Internet Based - Listening Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Speaking Score: 23
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
36 credits are required in the major.
24 thesis credits are required.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 2 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
Professional Development Coursework (8 credits)
The following Rehabilitation Science courses are required:
RSC 5106 - Introduction to Rehabilitation Science (1.0 cr)
RSC 5306 - Scientific and Professional Presentation (1.0 cr)
RSC 8106 - Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature (2.0 cr)
RSC 8206 - Grant Writing (2.0 cr)
RSC 8306 - Peer Review and Publication (2.0 cr)
Statistics Coursework (6 to 8 credits)
Take the following Public Health or Educational Psychology series. Other statistics courses may be selected with advisor approval.
Public Health Statistics Series
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I (4.0 cr)
PUBH 6451 - Biostatistics II (4.0 cr)
or Educational Psychology Statistics Series
EPSY 8251 - Statistical Methods in Education I (3.0 cr)
EPSY 8252 - Statistical Methods in Education II (3.0 cr)
Electives
Take elective credits, at least 8 credits of which must be from RSC coursework, to complete the 36 course credits required for the degree. Coursework is selected in consultation with the advisor.
RSC 5058 - Anatomy for Rehabilitation Science (1.0-6.0 cr)
RSC 5060 - Lower Extremity Anatomy Intensive (2.0 cr)
RSC 5065 - Upper Extremity Anatomy Intensive (2.0 cr)
RSC 5101 - Mathematical Tools for Research Applications in Health, Rehab, and Human Movement Sciences (1.0 cr)
RSC 5135 - Advanced Biomechanics I: Kinematics (3.0 cr)
RSC 5231 - Clinical Biomechanics (2.0-5.0 cr)
RSC 5235 - Advanced Biomechanics II: Kinetics (3.0 cr)
RSC 5281 - Physiology for Physical Rehabilitation (2.0-4.0 cr)
RSC 5294 - Independent Study in Rehabilitation Science (1.0-3.0 cr)
RSC 5300 - Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Function (2.0 cr)
RSC 5310 - Cardiopulmonary Physiology and Rehabilitation (2.0-4.0 cr)
RSC 5402 - The Shoulder in Sports Rehabilitation Science (3.0 cr)
RSC 5404 - Applied Shoulder Anatomy and Biomechanics (1.0 cr)
RSC 5814 - Age, Exercise, and Rehabilitation (2.0 cr)
RSC 5841 - Applied Data Acquisition and Processing (3.0 cr)
RSC 5842 - Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation Science (1.0 cr)
RSC 8130 - Current Literature Seminar (1.0-3.0 cr)
RSC 8135 - Human Kinematics (3.0 cr)
RSC 8170 - Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science (1.0-3.0 cr)
RSC 8185 - Problems in Rehabilitation Science (1.0-3.0 cr)
RSC 8188 - Teaching Practicum (1.0-5.0 cr)
RSC 8192 - Essentials in Rehab Research (3.0 cr)
RSC 8235 - Human Kinetics (3.0 cr)
RSC 8282 - Problems in Human Movement (4.0 cr)
RSC 8332 - Quantitative Research in Rehab Science (2.0 cr)
RSC 8431 - Qualitative Inquiry in Occupational Therapy (2.0 cr)
Thesis Credits
Take at least 24 doctoral thesis credits.
RSC 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral (1.0-24.0 cr)
Joint- or Dual-degree Coursework:
DPT/PhD Students may take a total of 18 credits in common among the academic programs.
 
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RSC 5106 - Introduction to Rehabilitation Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
This is one of a series of seminar courses that prepares students to think critically in reading and discussing the literature in rehabilitation science and to speak and write persuasively on scientific topics. This semester, the seminar will focus on the past, present, and future of rehabilitation science. This course will include lecture presentations from rehabilitation science faculty for the first 50 minutes of the weekly class time, as well as discussion/interaction sessions planned jointly by assigned students and faculty for the second 50 minute session each week.
RSC 5306 - Scientific and Professional Presentation
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
This course will focus on the process and practice of oral presentation of scientific inquiry and discoveries. These skills are essential for scientists in all disciplines, yet often guidelines for optimal scientific presentation are not taught or practiced in an educational setting. Specific areas to be covered in this course include presentation intent, audience analysis, timing, content, keys to effective communication, vocal behavior, and important things to avoid. Context will include conference-style platform or podium presentations, poster presentations, and seminar presentation. The course will involve opportunities to prepare and practice presentation skills and receive constructive feedback in a safe, supportive environment. It is appropriate for students from all disciplines and levels of PhD study.
RSC 8106 - Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
This course will focus on the process of critical review, appraisal, and synthesis of scientific literature. Overview of organizing and writing literature reviews for a traditional dissertation, systematic reviews, and peer review for scientific manuscripts will be included. The course will involve substantive review of the literature and writing in your anticipated area of dissertation work.
RSC 8206 - Grant Writing
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Process of applying for individual National Institutes of Health (NIH) pre-doctoral research training fellowship. Overview of NIH Program Announcement PA-11-111/NIH SF424 individual fellowship application guide required for application will be included. Substantive writing of components of NIH fellowship.
RSC 8306 - Peer Review and Publication
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: OPT No Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
This course will focus on the process of publication in the scientific literature, with emphasis on publication of original research. Overview of organizing and writing for publication, and the peer review process for scientific manuscripts will be included. The course will involve substantive writing practice in your anticipated area of scientific inquiry.
PUBH 6450 - Biostatistics I
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will cover the fundamental concepts of exploratory data analysis and statistical inference for univariate and bivariate data, including: ? study design and sampling methods, ? descriptive and graphical summaries, ? random variables and their distributions, ? interval estimation, ? hypothesis testing, ? relevant nonparametric methods, ? simple regression/correlation, and ? introduction to multiple regression. There will be a focus on analyzing data using statistical programming software and on communicating the results in short reports. Health science examples from the research literature will be used throughout the course. prereq: [College-level algebra, health sciences grad student] or instr consent
PUBH 6451 - Biostatistics II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course will cover more advanced aspects of statistical analysis methods with a focus on statistical modeling, including: ? two-way ANOVA, ? multiple linear regression, ? logistic regression, ? Poisson regression, ? log binomial and ordinal regression, ? survival analysis methods, including Kaplan-Meier analysis and proportional hazards (Cox) regression, ? power and sample size, and ? survey sampling and analysis. There will be a focus on analyzing data using statistical programming software and on communicating the results in short reports. Health science examples from the research literature will be used throughout the course. prereq: [PubH 6450 with grade of at least B, health sciences grad student] or instr consent
EPSY 8251 - Statistical Methods in Education I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 8251/EPsy 8261
Prerequisites: [EPSY 5261 or equiv] or undergrad statistics course
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Statistical Methods in Education I is the first course in an entry-level, doctoral sequence for students in education. This course covers estimation and hypothesis testing with a particular focus on ANOVA and an introduction to multiple linear regression. Prepares students for EPSY 8252/8262. prereq: [EPSY 5261 or equiv] or undergrad statistics course
EPSY 8252 - Statistical Methods in Education II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: EPsy 8252/EPsy 8262
Prerequisites: [8251, 8261 or equiv]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Statistical Methods in Education II is the second course in an entry-level, doctoral sequence for students in education. This course focuses on multiple linear regression and provides an introduction to linear mixed models. prereq: [8251, 8261 or equiv]
RSC 5058 - Anatomy for Rehabilitation Science
Credits: 1.0 -6.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: PT 6058/RSC 5058
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Summer
Study of gross human anatomy through modular lecture/laboratory experiences that include cadaver dissection of extremities, head, neck, back, abdomen, thoracic, pelvic regions with correlation to clinical conditions. prereq: Student enrolled in Rehabilitation Science Program, instr consent, dept consent
RSC 5060 - Lower Extremity Anatomy Intensive
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Summer
Intensive and focused study of lower extremity gross human anatomy for graduate students. The content is presented through lecture and laboratory experiences that include cadaver dissection of human lower extremities with correlation to clinical conditions.
RSC 5065 - Upper Extremity Anatomy Intensive
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Every Summer
Intensive and focused study of upper extremity gross human anatomy for graduate students. The content is presented through lecture and laboratory experiences that include cadaver dissection of human upper extremities with correlation to clinical conditions.
RSC 5101 - Mathematical Tools for Research Applications in Health, Rehab, and Human Movement Sciences
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Quantitative research approaches in health, rehabilitation, human movement sciences. Application examples/practice problems focus of the course. Basic algebra/geometry, solving equations for unknowns, logarithmic transforms, derivatives/integrals, matrix methods, use of macros in research applications. prereq: Basic algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. Pre-calculus or calculus is helpful but not required.
RSC 5135 - Advanced Biomechanics I: Kinematics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: RSc 5135/RSc 8135
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
How to describe/measure movement. Basic/applied biomechanics, pathokinesiology, and rehabilitation literature. Lecture, lab, seminar discussion. Meets with RSC 8135. prereq: instr consent
RSC 5231 - Clinical Biomechanics
Credits: 2.0 -5.0 [max 5.0]
Course Equivalencies: PT 6231/RSC 5231
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Biomechanics. Internal/external forces/structures responsible for normal/abnormal human movement. Joint and tissue mechanics, muscle function, task analysis, and gait mechanics. Lecture and lab practice. prereq: concurrent registration is required (or allowed) in PT 6231, general physics, [intro or short] calculus, anatomy; intensive anatomy course in human cadaver dissection recommended
RSC 5235 - Advanced Biomechanics II: Kinetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Forces that create human motion and are produced within body as a result. Measuring human motion. Clinical movement assessment, Exercise, sport, and activities of daily living. Two-dimensional rigid body dynamics models, forward/inverse dynamics solutions, hypotheses to describe whole body/joint kinetics. Lectures, lab, discussion. prereq: 5135 or equiv or instr consent
RSC 5281 - Physiology for Physical Rehabilitation
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: PT 6281/RSC 5281
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course provides an in-depth presentation of fundamental concepts in tissue and organ system physiology as it relate to general health, aging, and physical exercise. Emphasis is on the following systems: muscle, bone & connective tissue, endocrine, immune, renal, gi, and hematology. Influence of aging on these systems will be addressed as well. prereq: Rehabilitation Science grad student
RSC 5294 - Independent Study in Rehabilitation Science
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Independent exploration into topics related to rehabilitation science. prereq: Rehabilitation science student or program approval
RSC 5300 - Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Function
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course is designed to advance the student?s knowledge on how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions to maintain homeostasis. The student will have a strong understanding of the components of the ANS and how the ANS contributes to blood pressure regulation and control of circulation. Students will read book chapters, journal reviews, and original articles and engage in weekly discussions on topics related to the listed course objectives. In addition, students will have the opportunity to present on specific topics that will be related to their current work.
RSC 5310 - Cardiopulmonary Physiology and Rehabilitation
Credits: 2.0 -4.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course conveys foundational information regarding human basic physiology cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology. In addition, fundamental principles of cardiac and pulmonary systems as it relates to physical therapy and will be known in the clinic to the physical therapist as Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation will be addressed. A focus of this course is on normal and abnormal responses to exercise and the pathophysiology, assessment, evaluation, and rehabilitation of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders.
RSC 5402 - The Shoulder in Sports Rehabilitation Science
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: PT 6402/RSC 5402
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
A three-credit online course for students who are interested in investigating the biomechanical and epidemiological aspects of the shoulder in athletics. The course will explore the unique demands placed on the shoulder in sports that involve throwing, swimming, swinging, and bodily impacts. The course begins with an investigation into sport-specific biomechanics, pathomechanics, and epidemiology and progresses to applied problem solving for rehabilitation and research scenarios. prereq: (1) an undergraduate or graduate human anatomy course and (2) an undergraduate or graduate biomechanics course. It is recommended, but not required, you have an anatomy course including a detailed shoulder anatomy section and a biomechanics course including a detailed shoulder biomechanics section. Consent from course instructor or Rehabilitation Science graduate program is required.
RSC 5404 - Applied Shoulder Anatomy and Biomechanics
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The shoulder is capable of more range of motion than any other joint in the human body. It is involved in virtually any motion that places the hand in space. Subsequently, the shoulder is prone to injury. There are many mechanisms of shoulder injury, and many are related to the anatomy of the shoulder joint and the anatomical relationship to movement. This course will serve as an overview of the anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder joint complex. Students taking this course will have the opportunity to explore the intricate anatomy of the shoulder complex. In doing so, students will create their own anatomical-reference-guide that they will use beyond this class. We will build upon this anatomical knowledge and apply the purpose of these structures in the context of functional movement. Lastly, we will examine how these relationships may be altered during several common surgical techniques.
RSC 5814 - Age, Exercise, and Rehabilitation
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Prerequisites: Rehabilitation science student or program permission
Typically offered: Every Fall
Overview of normal physiological responses to exercise in the elderly. Comparison of exercise-induced responses of physiological systems throughout aging process. Focuses on importance of exercise from rehabilitation perspective. Offered Fall semesters of even-numbered years. prereq: Rehabilitation science student or program permission
RSC 5841 - Applied Data Acquisition and Processing
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
This course will introduce students to collecting and processing biomedical time series data. Students will gain experience using data acquisition hardware common in many laboratories, as well as related software for acquisition of the data and digital signal processing. Data sources will include electromyography (EMG), wearable sensors, motion capture, and data from other systems based on the background and interests of students in the class. The overall goal of this course is to provide students with the necessary, fundamental skills to run a successful experiment, troubleshoot errors, and produce high quality data sets. prereq: prefer students to have completed general physics, introductory of short calculus
RSC 5842 - Teaching and Learning in Rehabilitation Science
Credits: 1.0 [max 1.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Introduction to the roles of an academic educator and the basic principles of adult education, active learning, course design, and teaching in academic environments.
RSC 8130 - Current Literature Seminar
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Critical review of literature to evaluate efficacy of selected physical therapy interventions. prereq: Grad student in PT or rehabilitation science major or instr consent
RSC 8135 - Human Kinematics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: RSc 5135/RSc 8135
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
How to describe/measure movement. Basic/applied biomechanics, pathokinesiology, and rehabilitation literature. Lecture, lab, seminar discussion. Meets in conjunction with RSC 5135. prereq: [Rehabilitation science student or program permission], instr consent
RSC 8170 - Special Topics in Rehabilitation Science
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Topics vary by semester. Papers required.
RSC 8185 - Problems in Rehabilitation Science
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Research practicum on selected topic. Use of systematic literature search. Critical analysis of scientific literature. Specific measurement systems. Data collection/reduction methods of on-going or new research projects. Preparing/defending research reports.
RSC 8188 - Teaching Practicum
Credits: 1.0 -5.0 [max 5.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Supervised experience in teaching/evaluation. Effective use of instructional materials in lecture/lab courses. Students create learning objectives for teaching unit(s), conduct a review of current literature on topic, prepare/deliver presentations, compose test questions. Offered by individual arrangement with faculty. prereq: [Rehabilitation science student or program permission], instr consent
RSC 8192 - Essentials in Rehab Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
The goals of this course are to develop abilities to critically evaluate peer-reviewed literature. It will also enable students to identify and apply appropriate statistical procedures, and interpret the meaning of statistical analyses. Finally, it will give students an opportunity to present the aims, methods, intended analyses, and preliminary results of their own research. Additionally, students will meet individually for 2 hours every month with the lecturer to work on the method section of a paper related to their PhD project. This paper will be critically reviewed and graded as end-evaluation for this class. prereq: instr consent
RSC 8235 - Human Kinetics
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: RSC 5235/RSC 8235
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Forces that create human motion or are produced within body as a result of motion. Measuring kinetics of motion. Clinical movement assessment. Measuring/analyzing exercise, sport, and activities for transfer of forces within body. Two-dimensional rigid body dynamics. Forward/inverse dynamics. Hypotheses for whole body/joint kinetics. Lectures, lab experiments, discussion. Meets with RSC 5235. prereq: [5135 or equiv] or instr consent
RSC 8282 - Problems in Human Movement
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: [Rehabilitation science student or program permission], #
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Fundamental principles of neurophysiology, neurology, motor control, and motor learning as a basis for therapeutic intervention in motor dysfunction. prereq: [Rehabilitation science student or program permission], instr consent
RSC 8332 - Quantitative Research in Rehab Science
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Summer
This course guides students in learning how quantitative evidence is developed, disseminated, and used. Students become critical consumers of research and evidence-based practitioners by learning to analyze and critique quantitative studies and by developing and implementing their own research questions, specifying rigorous methodologies, applying appropriate statistics, and knowledgeably interpreting results. This course is the second in a three semester sequence that covers general principles of research, quantitative, and qualitative methods. It includes the University?s online training to cover topics associated with developing research questions, specifying rigorous methodologies, applying appropriate statistics, and knowledgeably interpreting results.
RSC 8431 - Qualitative Inquiry in Occupational Therapy
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Learners will explore the epistemological, ethical, methodological approaches, and procedures associated with qualitative inquiry. This knowledge will be applied when evaluating evidence, designing a proposal for a qualitative study in clinical therapies, specifically occupational therapy, and conducting and analyzing a small study.
RSC 8888 - Thesis Credit: Doctoral
Credits: 1.0 -24.0 [max 100.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Thesis credit: doctoral. prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer, 24 cr required; RSC doctoral student who has successfully passed the prelim written exam, dept consent