PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences

33 core credits are required. 9 credits of electives (typically three additional 3-credit courses) are required and can be fulfilled by taking RS 990 (Independent Study) or by approval of transfer credit for courses taken at other institutions per prior arrangement with each student's Academic Advisory Committee.

The dissertation phase of the program will be initiated after passing a Qualifying Examination, which typically is scheduled after students have completed 6 consecutive semesters of coursework.

Students are required to register for a 1-credit continuing student course (RS 998) for each semester during the dissertation phase of their program.

Dissertation Details

The dissertation comprises a series of papers formatted and submitted for publication to peer-reviewed journals along with an introductory chapter and an overall conclusions chapter.

This approach is modeled after the format that has been used successfully for some time in several European and Scandinavian countries and is being increasingly adopted by academic departments in the United States as a way to facilitate the publication of dissertation research.

The final product must be successfully presented and defended orally before a Dissertation Committee comprising faculty with expertise in areas related to the dissertation topic.

Student performance in the didactic courses in the core curriculum and elective coursework will be primarily evaluated using traditional approaches including formal testing, projects/problem sets, and/or written assignments/term papers. Students must maintain a B (80%) average in these courses to continue in the PhD program. Mentored experiences in teaching and research will be assessed on a pass-fail basis.

The PhD program in Rehabilitation Sciences at MGH Institute of Health Professions trains scientists to conduct research in health and rehabilitation-related fields. Applicants may be clinicians in a health or rehabilitation field (e.g., physical or occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, medicine) or scientists, engineers, or other professionals seeking advanced graduate study and interprofessional research training. A graduate degree (MS or MA) or graduate-level clinical degree (e.g. DPT, SLPD, OTD) is required.

Applicants are required to submit a transcript from each college and/or university attended, even if a degree was not received from that institution. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted throughout the application process, and official transcripts will only be required prior to enrolling in the program.

The Office of Admission strongly encourages the use of online electronic transcript ordering which can be sent directly via email to admissions [at] mghihp.edu (admissions[at]mghihp[dot]edu). If this is not an option and your institution does not participate in electronic transcript delivery, please request official transcripts be sent to the mailing address listed below:

Admission Office
MGH Institute of Health Professions
36 First Avenue
Boston, MA 02129

Applicants that have earned a degree from a non-US institution are required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from one of the following NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) members: Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., SpanTran: The Evaluation Company, World Education Services (WES), or the Center for Educational Documentation. If you earned your bachelor's degree outside of the U.S. this credential evaluation must document the minimum equivalency of a US baccalaureate degree or higher.

Interest, Preparation, and Goals Statements

Applicants will respond to a collection of short answer questions related to program choice, research interests, preparation for doctoral studies, diversity, and inclusion (each one paragraph, 250-300 words maximum per question. Please upload one document, with all questions answered, to your application).

1. Describe the reasons you have chosen to apply to our PhD Program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP).
2. Describe your specific area(s) of research interest and how these interests align with your proposed Research Mentor.
3. How have your academic, personal, and/or work experiences influenced your decision to pursue a PhD?
4. How will completion of a PhD at the IHP assist you in reaching your professional goals?
5. What personal characteristics will you bring to PhD studies that will contribute to your success in the program and to achieving your professional goals? Include your perceptions of the ways you may enrich the diversity of thought and perspective at the IHP and/or contribute to the experience of the IHP as a welcoming and inclusive place to learn.

Recommendation Letters

Applicants will be asked to send recommendation request forms to (2) references, one academic and one academic/professional preferred through the application system. The proposed research mentor will be asked to send a third letter of recommendation to Admissions once the application is complete.

Resume or CV

Applicants are required to submit a current resume or CV.

Is the GRE required for admission?

No. This test is not required for admission.

Is a research mentor required for all students?

Yes, we require agreement from a qualified and approved research mentor. See our list of potential PhD mentors or research opportunities for listings of open opportunities. You may also view our current IHP faculty to identify people with common interests to explore mutual interests, the availability of faculty members to mentor incoming students, and potential doctoral fellowship funding.

Where can I find more information on the admissions requirements and program particulars?

If you have any questions related to the application process we also strongly encourage you to contact the admissions [at] mgihp.edu (subject: PhD%20in%20Rehabilitation%20Sciences%20application%20process) (Office of Admission) who in coordination with the PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program, will be happy to assist.

What is your mailing address?

MGH Institute of Health Professions
Office of Enrollment Services
36 1st Ave.
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129

Corporate funding is available from many companies and businesses that have created scholarships, fellowships, and tuition reimbursement/remission programs for their employees. Employees of Mass General Brigham, for example, can access the organization’s tuition assistance program. 

Student loans are also available via two primary sources, federal and private loans. For federal student loans, graduate students may borrow funds from the federal government under two loan programs—the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Perkins Loan Program—based on their eligibility (e.g., financial need, credit load, etc.).  Private loans are available from various financial institutions (e.g., banks and credit unions) in the form of unsecured educational loans to graduate students. These loans must be repaid with interest. The interest rates, loan amount, and repayment terms are based on the credit worthiness of the borrower.

Part time employment may be another source of income for graduate students who apply for and gain jobs during their training. These jobs could be with the IHP as a Graduate Assistant or outside of that entity if the program and its workload permits/accommodates work outside of school. Some PhD students enrolled at the MGH Institute have worked part-time within Mass General Brigham.  Another option would be working as a Teaching Assistant or Term Lecturer; these positions would be obtained through the specific department of your specialty.

In Massachusetts, college students enrolled 75% or more are required by law to have health insurance. This includes all students who have matriculated in a degree-granting program, such as the PhD program, and all international students on a J1 or F1 Visa. Students will be automatically charged and enrolled in the MGH Institute’s student health insurance plan but may submit a waiver request if they have another insurance plan that meets the required waiver criteria. 

There are several options to explore when looking for the best health insurance option to meet your needs. First, students under 26 years of age may elect to stay covered on a parent’s plan. Some students, alternatively, obtain coverage through a spouse or partner’s health insurance plan. 

All students at the MGH Institute can enroll in MGH IHP's student health insurance plan, which is carried by Commercial Casualty Insurance Company and administered by University Health Plans.  The student health insurance plan offers medical insurance, and there is additional coverage for optional student vision and dental plans. For Ph.D. students who receive MGH Institute Research Fellowship Awards, they can request credits to help offset the costs of the Institute’s student insurance plan.   

Students who live in Massachusetts can also enroll in an individual or family plan through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Many students qualify for low-priced plans, so you are encouraged to complete an online application through the Health Connector to see if you qualify for MassHealth, tax credits to help pay premium costs, or ConnectorCare plans.