Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science Frequently Asked Questions | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science Frequently Asked Questions

Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science

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

Degree/TTUHSC:

  1. 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 Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and Movement Sciences and Disorders (MSD).

  2. 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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 required for applications through the Fall 2024 semester. Effective Spring 2025,
      the GRE will be 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
  3. Where can I find application materials?

    Materials can be found at the SHP Application website.
    Indicate that you are applying for the Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program.

  4. 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.

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

    APPLICATION DEADLINE
      FALL SPRING SUMMER OPEN
    APPLICATION
    DATE
    REHABILITATION
    SCIENCE (Ph.D.)    		 March 15 October 15 February 1 September 1


  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. What are the requirements for international applicants?

    Requirements for International Applicants may be found on the SHP website.

  11. What is the cost of tuition for the Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science program?

    For current tuition rates, please visit this website.

About the Program:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  1. 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 Communication Sciences & Disorders or Movement Sciences & Disorders.Up to 24 hours may be transferred from a compatible graduate program.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.


  6. Other resources: