Rehabilitation Science, M.Sc.

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General Regulations for Admissions

The general regulations for the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees appear under the Regulations for Master’s and Ph.D. Degrees near the beginning of this Calendar.

For foreign applicants whose native language is not English, evidence of proficiency in the use of the English language is required. The most common evidence is the Test of English. The minimum university requirements are outlined in the General Regulations of the Graduate School ; preferred standards for admission into the SRS degrees are:

Paper Based TOEFL: Minimum score of 600 with a minimum speaking score of 45 and minimum of 50 in the other areas.
Computer Based TOEFL: Minimum score of 250 with a minimum oral score of 45.
Internet Based (iBT) TOEFL: Minimum total score of 92 with a minimum writing score of 22.

M. Sc. Degree

M.Sc. Course-based Option

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the M.Sc. course-based option are:

Graduation from a Physical or Occupational Therapy Entry Level Degree Program; or a four-year health relevant degree program with a minimum of a B+ average in the final year of the program.
Two (2) academic references. In addition, applicants have the option of providing one (1) work-related reference.
Written application outlining clinical interests and experience, learning expectations and goals.
Applications should include official transcripts, a CV, evidence of professional affiliations and official TOEFL documentation if required.

Course Requirements

The following are the course requirements of the online Masters of Rehabilitation Science program. Student complete, with at least a B- standing, a minimum of three (3) required graduate half courses and five (5) electives. The elective components of the program are customized to the learners needs and may consist of a course-based only option, or a scholarly/research paper option.

Mandatory Courses

The following are the core mandatory (online) courses:

Course-based Only Option

Course-based Only Option - Five (5) elective courses are selected in addition to the (3) core mandatory courses. These typically are selected from the RS online course offerings, but may include face-to-face courses on campus where students are able to attend these.

Scholarly/Research Paper Option

Scholarly/Research Paper Option - Three (3) elective courses are selected in addition to the three (3) core mandatory courses. In addition, two (2) credits are obtained by completion of a mentored scholarly work. The two (2) choices for this work are: REHAB 730 - a scholarly paper that demonstrate integrative thinking while addressing an issue in rehabilitation; or REHAB 735 a supervised research project that provides experiential learning in rehabilitation research and writing of a research paper.

Online Modules

Online modules taken by all graduate students:

M.Sc. Thesis Option

Admissions Requirements

The admission requirements for the M.Sc. thesis option are:

Graduation from a Physical or Occupational Therapy Entry Level Degree Program; or a four-year health relevant degree program with a minimum of a B+ average in the final year of the program.
Two (2) academic references. In addition, applicants have the option of providing one work-related reference.
A letter (maximum (2) two pages) outlining the proposed training plan (supervisor and research area), research interests and experience; and long term career goals.
Applications should include official transcripts, a CV, evidence of professional affiliations and official TOEFL documentation if required.

Course Requirements

Complete, with at least a B- standing, a minimum of four graduate half courses:

An approved Research Methods Course (e.g. REHAB *707 );
An approved Data Analysis course (e.g. REHAB *714 )
REHAB *700 ; and
An additional approved course (e.g. REHAB *701 , REHAB *702 , REHAB *703 , REHAB *704 , REHAB *711 , REHAB *712 )
SGS #101
- Academic Research Integrity and Ethics and
SGS and #201
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Training (online modules taken by all graduate students)
The School of Rehabilitation Science has a series of research rounds, workshops, and seminars given by rehabilitation scientists. Regular attendance at these seminars is required.
The student’s Supervisory Committee may require students to take additional courses
Students may choose additional courses, which may be taken once approved by the student’s Supervisory Committee

Complete a research thesis on an approved rehabilitation science issue and defend the thesis at a final oral examination.

Transfer Process

(from a M.Sc. to Ph.D. program)

Exceptional students enrolled in the McMaster M.Sc. thesis option in the Rehabilitation Science Program can apply to transfer to the Ph.D. after meeting all the course requirements of the M.Sc. and establishing a thesis plan consistent with a PhD. The application must first be approved by the student’s Committee. Then, a written application is submitted to the SRS Admissions Committee, followed by an oral presentation; at which time a decision on transfer is made.