The PhD Thesis Program in Rehabilitation Sciences is offered on both a full and part-time basis.

The Doctorate in Rehabilitation Science will provide occupational therapists, physiotherapists and graduates from other appropriate disciplines (e.g., kinesiology, gerontology), an opportunity for advanced education and research in Rehabilitation Science.

The appropriate foundation for PhD graduate level entry is:

a.       Completion of a MSc program in rehabilitation or a related field (thesis option) with a minimum of a B+ average.

b.      Exceptional students enrolled in the McMaster Masters Thesis Program in Rehabilitation Science are able to apply to transfer to the PhD after meeting all the course requirements of the MSc and demonstrating adequate research potential as determined by the student’s supervisory committee.

c.       Completion of an entry-level professional Masters (OT or PT or health related professionals degree) or a course-based Masters in a rehabilitation related field with a minimum of a B+ average and evidence of scholarly activities such as publications or research.

All completed applications that meet the general requirements of the University and Program are assessed by the Rehabilitation Science Admissions Committee. Interviews may be required to complete our assessment of applicants and to match candidates with potential supervisors.

If the Admissions Committee approves the application, a recommendation is submitted to the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies (Health Sciences) for approval. Successful candidates will receive a letter of offer from the Assistant Registrar of the School of Graduate Studies. All applicants are expected to respond within the specified time to the School of Graduate Studies when accepting or declining an offer. Applicants who cannot be placed will receive notification from the Chair of the Admissions Committee.

To apply to the PhD Thesis Program in Rehabilitation Science, you will need to complete the online application and submit the application fee.  You will also be required to send the following items in support of your application by the deadline.

1. An official transcript of all university and post secondary experience.
2. Two confidential letters of recommendation from referees attesting to your academic/research abilities (available here)
3. An up-to-date curriculum vitae
4. A two page letter outlining the following:
   1. Research interests
   2. Suitability for the PhD Program in Rehabilitation Science including academic/research preparation for doctoral studies
   3. Identified potential supervisor(s)
   4. Expectations for financial support including any applications you have made for external funding
5. For those applicants from non-thesis based MSc programs (c above), evidence of scholarly writing of the candidate which could include TWO of the following:
   1. an accepted first authored peer reviewed paper
   2. a scholarly paper written as part of a course requirement
   3. a peer reviewed grant as a PI
   4. an accepted abstract for a national or international peer reviewed presentation,  either poster or podium [limit of one]
6. Declaration of Employment (available in Word) or (available in PDF)
7. Evidence of English proficiency where required (equivalent of TOEFL of 100 on the new internet based test, 600 on the paper test or 250 on the computerized test).
   
   

   The online application for both domestic and international applicants is available through the School of Graduate Studies.
   
   CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE

February 28^th- Deadline for September Admission

NOTE: All application documents must be submitted by February 28th

Please ensure all application documents are sent to:

Linda Wilson (REHAB)
Health Sciences Graduate Programs Office
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West, MDCL 2235
Hamilton, ON   L8S 4K1