Mentorship by exceptional faculty and exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary research and collaboration: these are among the many advantages that draw students to our PhD program in Rehabilitation Sciences. In this interdisciplinary field, we engage in research focused on understanding the factors that promote activity, function, and participation in daily life among people who have disabilities or are at risk of developing them. Our PhD program prepares students—with and without professional degrees—for academic careers in research and teaching.

Outstanding faculty and research facilities

At BU, you will interact closely with accomplished, internationally respected faculty members across the University in both didactic training and mentored research. These researchers include prominent leaders in occupational therapy and physical therapy, with expertise in movement science, developmental psychology, public health, and psychiatric rehabilitation.

You will have access to state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities at Boston University and beyond. Our faculty collaborate extensively with BU colleagues in biomedical engineering, psychology, public health, and medicine, as well as with local schools, and other community programs—offering a wealth and diversity of research opportunities.

Mentorship model

We believe students can best prepare for independent research and scholarship through the guidance of a strong mentor. For that reason, our PhD students must commit to full-time, consistent involvement in ongoing research conducted by a mentoring faculty member. Your mentor will guide you not only in research but also in planning your coursework, focusing your specialization and dissertation topic, and helping you prepare for a research career. We invite you to review the list of our faculty mentors and explore their individual research areas.

Questions?

For questions about the Boston University PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences program or the application process, please email us at rehabsci@bu.edu.