Welcome!

Welcome to the PhD in Rehabilitation Science program at Loma Linda University. As the demand for advanced, research-driven education in rehabilitation science grows, our online program is designed to equip professionals with the skills needed to address the challenges of aging populations and chronic health conditions. Our program fosters collaboration among experts in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthotics and prosthetics, communication sciences, respiratory therapy, and dietetics, empowering students to drive research advancements and create innovative, evidence-based solutions in rehabilitation.

The program prepares graduates for careers in independent research, teaching, and administration. It integrates rehabilitation science with Loma Linda University’s values, focusing on leadership and education. Students complete core courses, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation with publishable papers, contributing to the advancement of rehabilitation theory and practice.

Program Overview

Curriculum

  • Rehabilitation Science Core (13 quarter units)
  • Elective Courses (9 quarter units, including 3 units of advanced coursework in speciality area)
  • Education (6 quarter units)
  • Leadership (6 quarter units)
  • Religion (9 quarter units)
  • Research and Dissertation (30-36 quarter units) for a total of 74-87 quarter units beyond the master's degree

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD in Rehabilitation Science, graduates will be able to:

  • Lead the integration of rehabilitation professions within healthcare systems.
  • Commit to delivering whole-person care, emphasizing holistic well-being.
  • Advance rehabilitation science through innovative research and scholarly contributions.
  • Acquire and apply interdisciplinary knowledge from the social and basic medical sciences.
  • Assess, design, and implement community-based, interdisciplinary services.

Admissions Requirements

To apply to the rehabilitation science, PhD program, the applicant must have the following:

  1. Master’s Degree in an allied health profession or related field (e.g., physical therapy, orthotics and prosthetics, occupational therapy, nutrition and dietetics, cardiopulmonary sciences, communication sciences and disorders).
  2. Minimum GPA: 3.0 in academic and professional coursework.
  3. Letter of support from a Loma Linda University research faculty member whose interests align with yours (coordinated by the program director).
  4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing education, work history, certifications, honors, publications, and research experience.
  5. Written work sample such as Term paper, publication, or master’s research project/thesis.
  6. Evidence of participation in a research project, including data collection and a research paper or poster.
  7. Online Interview

Successful candidates will:

  • Have access to a local research lab, if required, to support their research activities.
  • Have a local mentor with relevant expertise to provide direct support and complement the guidance of their LLU faculty advisor/mentor.
  • Ensure access to reliable internet for seamless connection to LLU’s online resources.
  • Be available for regular virtual meetings with LLU faculty for mentoring and support.
  • Engage actively with peers in the program to foster a collaborative and supportive learning community.
  • (Optional) Have the ability to visit LLU’s campus to interact with faculty and utilize campus-based resources.

International Students

International students must also provide:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Minimum score of 80 or higher (or an approved substitute).
  • Foreign transcript evaluation by ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) or WES (World Education Services).

Discipline Accrediting Agency

Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA  94501; telephone 510-748-9001.

Program Contact