The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in physical rehabilitation science requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. The program is designed to advance a student's ability to independently develop and carry out research that establishes the scientific basis for prevention, evaluation, and treatment of impairments, functional limitations, and disability. The curriculum is flexible enough to accommodate research focusing on basic, applied, or clinical studies in the rehabilitation sciences. Students have access to the program's research laboratories (see Facilities in this section of the Catalog).

Graduates who complete the program are prepared for academic appointments that emphasize research, scholarship, and teaching. They possess:

• theoretical and scientific knowledge to perform basic, applied, or clinical-level original research that leads to scientific presentations, publication in peer-reviewed journals, and competition for extramural funding through scientific grant writing;
• breadth of knowledge in exercise physiology, biomechanic, neuroscience, or motor control specialty areas as they relate to impairment, functional limitation, and disability; and
• theoretical and practical skills required for college or university teaching at the professional entry and advanced graduate levels.