Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Health and Rehabilitation Science (Ph.D.) is an interdisciplinary doctoral program designed to prepare students to become leaders in research, education, and health policy. With concentrations in Pathology and Impairment, Functional Limitations and Health Services, the program promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration and systems-level thinking to address complex health and rehabilitation challenges.

Application Timeline

• Spring 2026: September 1, 2025 – December 1, 2025
• Fall 2026: September 1, 2025 – June 1, 2026

Learning Experience

An individualized learning pathway grounded in research theory, design, methods, analysis, and grantsmanship supplemented by professional development topics and guided by expert mentorship.

About the Program

The Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Science is an interdisciplinary doctoral program designed to prepare students to become leaders in research, education, and health policy. With concentrations in Pathology and Impairment, Functional Limitations and Health Services, the program promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration and system-level thinking to address complex health and rehabilitation challenges.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide both breadth and depth in the field of Health and Rehabilitation Science, with the total number of semester hours determined by the student's academic background at entry. The curriculum is designed to provide focused study in professional and research skills but with sufficient flexibility to meet individual academic and research goals.

The curriculum is composed of four major areas:

• Professional Development Core: Builds a foundation in academic scholarship, theoretical models, academic teaching, and research ethics.
• Research Core: Provides training in responsible conduct of research along with quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including design, analysis, grantsmanship, and scientific writing.
• Concentration Core: Individually tailored to a student's research interests and developed with their primary mentor and the Program Director.
• Dissertation Phase: Culminates in independent research that demonstrates mastery and contributes new knowledge to the field.

Post-Baccalaureate

Requires a minimum of 90 credit hours organized as follows:

• Professional Development Core: 14 credit hours
• Research Core: 19 credit hours minimum
• Concentration Core: 30 credit hours in Pathology & Impairment, Functional Limitations, or Health Services
• Dissertation Phase: 12 credit hours minimum

Post-Master's

Requires a minimum of 53 semester hours organized as follows:

• Professional Development Core: 14 credit hours
• Research Core: 19 credit hours
• Concentration Core: 8 credit hours in Pathology & Impairment, Functional Limitations, or Health Services
• Dissertation Phase: 12 credit hours minimum

Your Path to Admission

Discover key information about application steps and required documentation to help you move forward with confidence.

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must:

• Possess a bachelor's or graduate degree in a relevant discipline or first professional degree
• Possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale in prior academic work
• Demonstrate the likelihood of success in the Ph.D. program and research career based on previous academic work and relevant professional experience
• Demonstrate potential for a successful pairing with a faculty mentor and mentorship team conducting research in the student's area of interest
• Obtain a mentorship agreement with a faculty member

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Complete the application.
2. Submit all supplemental materials.
3. Once all materials have been received and verified, your application will be reviewed.
4. If your application is reviewed favorably, you will receive an invitation for an interview.

Application Requirements

1. Application: All applicants must submit the application.
2. Supplemental Materials: In addition to the application itself, the applicant must complete supplemental materials.

• Letters of recommendation: Submit three recommendations from professionals and/or academics who are familiar with your research aptitude.
• Mentor-Match Agreement Form: This will be provided by the potential faculty mentor or Ph.D. program student services coordinator prior to application.
• Personal statement
• Resume: Applicants must provide an updated resume detailing relevant academic and professional experience.

Funding Your Path Forward

Explore scholarships, fellowships, and aid guidance to support doctoral-level study.

Tuition

Fee Type | Fee ---|--- Application Fee (per application) | $100 Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $500

Full-time

Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual ---|---|---|---|--- In-state Tuition | $6,202 | $6,202 | $6,202 | - Out-of-state Tuition | $6,569 | $6,569 | $6,569 | - Program Fee | $150 | $150 | $150 | -

Part-time

Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual ---|---|---|---|--- In-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $894 | $894 | $894 | - Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $1,486 | $1,486 | $1,486 | - Part-time Student Fee | $861 | $861 | $861 | - Program Fee | $250 | $250 | $250 | -

Cost of Attendance

Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Est. Total ---|---|---|---|--- Direct Costs Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $18,606/$19,707 | $18,606/$19,707 | $18,606/$19,707 | $55,818/$59,121 Fees | $750 | $750 | $750 | $2,250 Health Insurance | $3,780 | $3,780 | $3,205 | $10,765 Direct Costs Subtotal |$23,136/$24,237 |$23,136/$24,237 |$23,136/$24,237 |$68,833/$72,136 Indirect Costs Housing/Food | $27,144 | $27,144 | $27,144 | $81,432 Personal | $2,880 | $2,880 | $2,880 | $8,640 Transportation | $3,240 | $3,240 | $3,240 | $9,720 Books/Required Expenses | $5,630 | $2,860 | $1,360 | $9,850 Indirect Costs Subtotal |$38,624/$38,624 |$36,124/$36,124 |$34,624/$34,624 |$109,642/$109,642 Total - In-state/Out-of-state |$61,760/$62,861 |$59,260/$60,361 |$57,760/$58,861 |$178,475/$181,778

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service.

Career Outlook

With a Ph.D. in Health & Rehabilitation Science, become a researcher, clinician-scholar, educator, or leader tackling complex health challenges and driving systems change.

Program Faculty

• Sara Knox, PT, DPT, Ph.D.: Director, Center for Health Data Innovation & Impact, Board Certified Geriatric Specialist in Physical Therapy, Associate Professor, College of Health Professions, Department of Health Sciences and Research.
• James Krause, Ph.D.: Associate Dean for Research.
• Steven Kautz, Ph.D.: Chair, Department of Health Sciences and Research.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a degree before I enter the program?: Yes, students will have completed a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited institution prior to entering MUSC.
• How many students do you accept each year?: We accept up to six students each year.

Living in Charleston

Charleston offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and modern convenience. With top-rated dining, scenic waterfronts, and endless outdoor activities, the city offers an unmatched quality of life for residents.

Guided by Purpose and Principles

With its foundation in translational inquiry and ethical leadership, the program fosters health equity through mentored discovery.

Objectives

The Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Science program aims to prepare graduates to:

• Conduct independent and collaborative translational research that advances understanding of complex health and rehabilitation challenges across laboratory, clinical, and community settings.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary scholarly and clinical teams by integrating methodological rigor, research ethics, and clinical insight to inform rehabilitation science and practice.
• Lead and inform policy, education, or administration in health and rehabilitation contexts by synthesizing evidence-based inquiry with systems-level considerations.

Competencies

Upon completion of the Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Science program, graduates will be able to:

• Design and implement rigorous research studies that address questions in pathology and impairment, functional limitations, or health services.
• Demonstrate proficiency in statistical analysis, research design, grant preparation, and responsible conduct of research, applying ethical standards throughout scholarly inquiry.
• Translate research findings across the laboratory, clinical, and community domains to improve health and rehabilitation outcomes and inform evidence-based strategies.

Vision

To advance human health and function through rigorous scientific inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of innovative solutions that address complex rehabilitation needs across diverse populations.

Mission

To generate and translate knowledge in health and rehabilitation science by fostering research excellence, ethical practice, and integration of clinical and scientific expertise to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy, and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing innovative ideas, discoveries, and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions, and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.

Accreditation & Recognition

The Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer the Doctor of Philosophy in Health and Rehabilitation Science program.