Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster is recognized internationally for research in occupational therapy and physiotherapy. With 34 graduate faculty members participating in the program, 23 of core are eligible to supervise students. Some of the highlights of Rehabilitation Sciences include:

Research strengths

Our research strengths include the areas of children's rehabilitation research, movement science, stroke assessment and treatment, sports injury management, musculoskeletal disorders associated with aging.

Significant areas of research include occupational performance, health promotion and aging, functional assessment, and work and function.

Community ties

Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster is actively involved with the surrounding community. This program has strong ties with clients in the areas of child health, employment and disability, and mental health and aging.

Collaborative clinical research

Collaboration with faculty in other departments include the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster, as well as external collaborations with the Universities of Toronto and Waterloo.

MSc Rehabilitation Sciences

There are two options for a masters degree in rehabilitation sciences

MSc Thesis Option (Full-time or part-time)

This is designed for rehabilitation scientists to develop knowledge and evaluation skills to contribute to development in the area of Rehabilitation Sciences (particularly in occupational therapy and physiotherapy) through leadership and research.

The course based program is designed for occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other health professionals who have a baccalaureate degree and are eligible to practice in their discipline, but who want advanced knowledge and an opportunity to enhance their qualifications. This distance education option offers great flexibility as it is part-time and web-based.

Post-Graduate Certificate

The School of Rehabilitation Science in partnership with the University of British Columbia, offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation Science, delivered through web-based distance education. For further information about this program including Admission and Registration Requirements, please refer to the Post-Graduate Certificate website.  

PhD Rehabilitation Sciences

This program educates rehabilitation scientists who will become experts in rehabilitation science, advance rehabilitation research and transfer new knowledge into practice and policy. This competency based program trains students in research design and methods, grantsmanship, scientific writing, knowledge exchange and translation, and teaching/learning strategies.

 Research Areas

Well-developed areas of research focus are as follows:

Childhood Disability and Participation
Through the CanChild centre for Childhood Disability Research

Work and Participation in Society

 Persons with or without disabilities are studied for the effects of environmental factors on functioning and well-being