Rehabilitation Science, Ph.D

Admission

The admission requirements for the Ph.D. are:

1. Completion of a thesis-based M.Sc. degree in rehabilitation or a related field with a minimum of a B+ average. Students in non-thesis-based degrees such as entry-level professional Masters (OT/PT or other health professional degree) or a course-based Masters in a rehabilitation related field may be considered based on a minimum B+ average, combined with evidence of research experience and scholarly writing.
2. Two letters of recommendation from referees attesting to your academic/research abilities.
3. An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
4. A letter (maximum two (2) pages) outlining the proposed training plan (research interests, proposed research project/line of investigation, identified potential supervisors) and previous research experience/training. The letter should also provide an explanation of expectations for financial support including any applications for external funding. Finally, a brief description of tentative future career plans should also be included.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for the Ph.D. are:

• The general regulations for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy appear earlier in the Calendar.
• REHAB 725 / Knowledge Exchange and Translation
    (3 credits)
• An approved Data Analysis or Methods course (3 credits)
• An approved Content Course Relevant to Thesis (3 credits)
• SGS #101  - Academic Research Integrity and Ethics and SGS #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. Ph.D. students are expected to have previously completed Masters level training in research methods, data analysis, and theory. If these have not been completed during Masters level training, then additional courses in research methods/analysis will be required. If a course on the theory of science relevant to Rehabilitation has not been completed at the Master’s level, students will be required to complete REHAB 700 .
• Students may choose additional courses, which may be taken once, approved by the student’s Supervisory Committee.
• Candidates are required to complete and pass the Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination. The Comprehensive Examination will include submission and oral defense of a portfolio designed to demonstrate breadth of knowledge and skills within their field, extending beyond the thesis topic. The candidate will use critical thinking and analysis to complete two components: 1) a scholarly paper prepared for publication and 2) a research protocol prepared for submission to a funding agency. The Comprehensive Examination will normally be completed within 20 months following registration for full time students, and 28 months for part-time students.
• The student will submit and defend a thesis demonstrating an original contribution to Rehabilitation Science. The Supervisory Committee determines when a candidate is ready to write the thesis and proceed to defense. The candidate submits a written thesis and defends it at a Final Oral Examination.