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Rehabilitation Science

Program Overview

Rehabilitation science is the systematic study of promoting, maintaining, or restoring human function, mobility, occupation, and well-being. Using basic and applied methods, the science is focused on phenomena at the level of the cell, person, family, community, or society to develop and evaluate theories, models, processes, measures, interventions, and policies to prevent, reverse, or minimize impairments, enable activity, and facilitate participation. By its very nature, rehabilitation science is multidisciplinary.

The Rehabilitation Sciences Institute​ offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. To capture the full breadth of rehabilitation, the expertise of its faculty and the research of its students, Rehabilitation Science has identified six fields of study:

  • Movement Science
  • Occupational Science
  • Practice Science
  • Rehabilitation Health Services Studies
  • Rehabilitation Technology Sciences
  • Social and Cognitive Rehabilitation Sciences

See video: Explore Graduate Programs at the Faculty of Medicine.


Quick Facts

Domestic International
Application deadline MSc, PhD:

Fall 2024 Entry

Round 1: 15-Jan-2024

Round 2: 15-May-2024

 

 

MSc, PhD:

Fall 2024 Entry

15-Dec-2023

 

Minimum admission average MSc:

B+ average in senior-level courses in the final two years

PhD:

A– from a relevant thesis-based master’s program

Direct Entry: A+/A average (GPA 4.0) in an undergraduate program

MSc:

B+ average in senior-level courses in the final two years

PhD:

A– from a relevant thesis-based master’s program

Direct Entry: A+/A average (GPA 4.0) in an undergraduate program

Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? PhD:

Yes

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? MSc, PhD:

Before

MSc, PhD:

Before

If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? MSc, PhD:

Yes

MSc, PhD:

Yes

Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? MSc, PhD:

Applicant

MSc, PhD:

Applicant

Are any standardized tests required/recommended? MSc, PhD:

NA

MSc, PhD:

NA


Master of Science

Program Description

The MSc program is designed for graduate students who ultimately want research-related careers in health science disciplines. It can also serve as a stepping stone on the pathway to advanced research training for students planning to pursue a PhD in Rehabilitation Science or related fields.

The program is offered in the following fields: 1) Movement Science; 2) Occupational Science; 3) Practice Science; 4) Rehabilitation Health Services Studies; 5) Rehabilitation Technology Sciences; 6) Social and Cognitive Rehabilitation Sciences; and 7) Speech-Language Pathology.

The MSc is mainly taken on a full-time basis. A part-time option is available in exceptional situations and applicants interested in the part-time option should contact the program to discuss this option. Part-time applicants should be aware that it is the student's responsibility to modify their work schedule to accommodate required coursework since course times are not flexible.

 

Fields:
1) Movement Science; 2) Occupational Science; 3) Rehabilitation Health Services Studies; 4) Rehabilitation Technology Sciences; 5) Social and Cognitive Rehabilitation Sciences; 6) Speech-Language Pathology

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants must have graduated with a minimum B+ average in senior-level courses in the final two years of a four-year degree program from a recognized university, with a strong undergraduate science background including a course in research design and/or statistics. The four-year degree may be in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, or a related discipline. Related disciplines include basic sciences, engineering, kinesiology, nursing, psychology, social work, sociology, and physical and health education.

  • Applicants must identify a faculty member who has agreed to serve as research supervisor. The research supervisor is expected to examine a completed thesis and/or manuscripts and university transcripts.

  • Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following tests:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE) with the following minimum scores:

      • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the TWE

      • Internet-based TOEFL (IBT): 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 7.5.

    • Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

    • U of T School of Continuing Studies academic preparation: see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • REH1100H Introduction to Rehabilitation Research (0.5 FCE).

    • REH2001H RSI MSc Seminar — Foundations of Professional Development (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit). Students are expected to attend for one year.

    • 0.5 FCE in research methods or statistics.

    • 0.5 FCE in an area related to the student's thesis.

  • Submission of a thesis and completion of an oral examination of the thesis.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S);
15 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

 

Field: Practice Science

Effective January 2021, admissions to the field in Practice Science have been administratively suspended.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants must have graduated with a minimum B+ average in senior-level courses in the final two years of a four-year degree program from a recognized university, with a strong undergraduate science background including a course in research design and/or statistics. The four-year degree may be in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, or a related discipline. Related disciplines include basic sciences, engineering, kinesiology, nursing, psychology, social work, sociology, and physical and health education.

  • Applicants must identify a faculty member who has agreed to serve as research supervisor. The research supervisor is expected to examine a completed thesis and/or manuscripts and university transcripts.

  • Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following tests:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE) with the following minimum scores:

      • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the TWE

      • Internet-based TOEFL (IBT): 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 7.5.

    • Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

    • U of T School of Continuing Studies academic preparation: see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • REH1100H Theory and Research in Rehabilitation Science (0.5 FCE).

    • REH2001Y0 Rehabilitation Presentations and Proceedings (1.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit). Students are expected to attend for one year.

    • 0.5 graduate FCE in research methods.

    • REH3301H Knowledge Translation in Rehabilitation: Foundational Knowledge and Innovative Applications (0.5 FCE).

    • REH3302H Determinants of Rehabilitation Practice (0.5 FCE).

    • REH3303H Rehabilitation Clinical Practicum (0.5 FCE).

    • Students may be required to take extra courses in addition to the degree requirements listed above.

  • Submission of a thesis and completion of an oral examination of the thesis.

  • Minimum of 12 months of full-time study. Students should be aware that the completion of the thesis may take longer.

  • The part-time option is not available in the Practice Science field.

  • Reclassification (transfer). MSc students who demonstrate outstanding potential for advanced research in the discipline may be recommended by their supervisory committee for a reclassification examination which, when passed, allows them to transfer into the PhD program. The examination is normally undertaken following the completion of at least one session and within 18 months of registration in the MSc program.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD program will prepare candidates to have a career as an independent scientist; that is, graduates will feed the demand for rehabilitation scientists in government, industry, or academia in Canada and the global market. Graduates will be expected to acquire autonomy in conducting research and developing an independent research program. The program is designed to provide a broad knowledge of rehabilitation science research as well as advanced research skills and methodologies including acquisition of funding, formulation of research questions, discovery of new knowledge, data collection, analysis and interpretation, scholarly presentation, and publication and translation of knowledge for consumption by appropriate stakeholders.

The program is offered in the following fields: 1) Movement Science; 2) Occupational Science; 3) Practice Science; 4) Rehabilitation Health Services Studies; 5) Rehabilitation Technology Sciences; 6) Social and Cognitive Rehabilitation Sciences; and 7) Speech-Language Pathology.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master’s degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of a BSc degree.

 

Fields:
1) Movement Science; 2) Occupational Science; 3) Rehabilitation Health Services Studies; 4) Rehabilitation Technology Sciences; 5) Social and Cognitive Rehabilitation Sciences; 6) Speech-Language Pathology

 

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants must have graduated with a minimum A– from a relevant thesis-based master’s program, such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Sciences, and Speech-Language Pathology.

  • Applicants must submit the following along with their application: a letter of intent, two confidential reference letters that indicate the applicant’s preparation and competence to conduct research, and curriculum vitae.

  • Applicants may be counselled prior to admission and provided with materials regarding potential PhD supervisors. Applicants must identify a faculty member who has agreed to serve as research supervisor. The research supervisor is expected to examine a completed thesis and/or manuscripts and university transcripts.

  • Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following tests:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE) with the following minimum scores:

      • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the TWE

      • Internet-based TOEFL (IBT): 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 7.5.

    • Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

    • U of T School of Continuing Studies academic preparation: see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 1.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • REH3001H RSI PhD Seminar — Foundations of Professional Development (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit). Attendance is expected during Year 1 of the program.

    • 0.5 FCE in advanced research methods or statistics.

    • 0.5 FCE in an area related to the student's thesis.

  • A candidacy examination, with written and oral components, to be taken in the first 18 months of the program.

  • Completion and defence of a thesis.

  • Students are encouraged to participate in student and faculty research seminars in addition to their regular course requirements.

  • Residence. Students are expected to be on campus and participating full-time until all program requirements are completed.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

 

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

Transfer applicants must:

  • Be enrolled in the MSc program in Rehabilitation Science. Excellent students with high academic standing (normally a minimum A– average in MSc courses) who have clearly demonstrated the ability to do research at the doctoral level may be considered for transfer to the PhD program. Recommendation of the advisory committee is required.

  • Successfully complete a reclassification transfer exam within 18 months of starting the MSc program.

  • Successfully complete REH1100H Introduction to Rehabilitation Research

  • Successfully complete a research methods or statistics course at the master's level.

  • Be concurrently enrolled in REH2001H RSI MSc — Foundations of Professional Development (Credit/No Credit).

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • REH1100H Introduction to Rehabilitation Research (0.5 FCE).

    • REH3001H RSI PhD Seminar — Foundations of Professional Development (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

    • 0.5 FCE in research methods or statistics.

    • 0.5 FCE in advanced research methods or statistics.

    • 1.0 FCE in an area related to the student's thesis.

  • A transfer examination, with written and oral components, to be taken in the first 18 months of the program.

  • Completion and defence of a thesis.

  • Students are encouraged to participate in student and faculty research seminars in addition to their regular course requirements.

  • Residence. Students are expected to be on campus and participating full-time until all program requirements are completed.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Well-qualified students with excellent research potential holding a BSc degree may be considered for direct admission to the PhD program. These applicants must:

    • Have a minimum A+/A average (GPA 4.0) in an undergraduate program from a recognized university.

    • Have previous relevant research experience, outstanding references, and a personal recommendation from a potential supervisor.

  • Applicants must submit the following along with their application: a letter of intent, two confidential reference letters that indicate the applicant’s preparation and competence to conduct research, and curriculum vitae.

  • Applicants may be counselled prior to admission and provided with materials regarding potential PhD supervisors. Applicants must identify a faculty member who has agreed to serve as research supervisor. The research supervisor is expected to examine a completed thesis and/or manuscripts and university transcripts.

  • Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following tests:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE) with the following minimum scores:

      • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the TWE

      • Internet-based TOEFL (IBT): 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 7.5.

    • Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

    • U of T School of Continuing Studies academic preparation: see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. A minimum of 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • REH1100H Introduction to Rehabilitation Research (0.5 FCE).

    • REH3001H RSI PhD Seminar — Foundations of Professional Development (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit). Attendance is expected during Year 1 of the program.

    • 0.5 FCE in research methods or statistics.

    • 0.5 FCE in advanced research methods or statistics.

    • 1.0 FCE in an area related to the student's thesis.

  • A candidacy examination, with written and oral components, to be taken in the first 2.5 years of the program.

  • Completion and defence of a thesis.

  • Students are encouraged to participate in student and faculty research seminars in addition to their regular course requirements.

  • Residence. Students are expected to be on campus and participating full-time until all program requirements are completed.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD program will prepare candidates for a career in scientific research; that is, graduates will feed the demand for rehabilitation scientists and academic faculty in Canada and the global market. Graduates will be expected to acquire autonomy in conducting research and developing an independent research program. The program is designed to provide a broad knowledge of rehabilitation science research as well as advanced research skills and methodologies including acquisition of funding, formulation of research questions, discovery of new knowledge, data collection, analysis and interpretation, scholarly presentation, and publication and translation of knowledge for consumption by appropriate stakeholders.

The program is offered in the following fields: 1) Movement Science; 2) Occupational Science; 3) Practice Science; 4) Rehabilitation Health Services Studies; 5) Rehabilitation Technology Sciences; and 6) Social and Cognitive Rehabilitation Sciences.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master’s degree or 2) direct entry following completion of a BSc degree.

 

Field: Practice Science

Effective January 2021, admissions to the field in Practice Science have been administratively suspended.

 

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants must have graduated with a minimum A– from a relevant thesis-based master’s program, such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Sciences, and Speech-Language Pathology.

  • Applicants must submit the following along with their application: a letter of intent, two confidential reference letters that indicate the applicant’s preparation and competence to conduct research, and curriculum vitae.

  • Applicants may be counselled prior to admission and provided with materials regarding potential PhD supervisors. Applicants must identify a faculty member who has agreed to serve as research supervisor. The research supervisor is expected to examine a completed thesis and/or manuscripts and university transcripts.

  • Well-qualified students with excellent research potential holding a BSc degree may be considered for direct admission to the PhD program. These applicants must:

    • Have a minimum A+/A average (GPA 4.0) in an undergraduate program from a recognized university;

    • Have previous relevant research experience, outstanding references, and a personal recommendation from a potential supervisor.

  • Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following tests:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE) with the following minimum scores:

      • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the TWE

      • Internet-based TOEFL (IBT): 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 7.5.

    • Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

    • U of T School of Continuing Studies academic preparation: see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. A minimum of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • REH3100H Advanced Rehabilitation Research Issues or equivalent (0.5 FCE) if an equivalent was not taken at the master's level.

    • REH3001Y0 Advanced Rehabilitation Presentation and Proceedings (1.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit). Attendance is expected during the first two years of the program. Students remain enrolled and are encouraged to attend until completion of the degree.

    • REH3301H Knowledge Translation in Rehabilitation: Foundational Knowledge and Innovative Applications (0.5 FCE).

    • REH3302H Determinants of Rehabilitation Practice (0.5 FCE).

    • REH3303H Rehabilitation Clinical Practicum (0.5 FCE).

    • An advanced research methods course (0.5 FCE).

    • Students may be required to take extra courses in addition to the degree requirements listed above.

  • A comprehensive examination, with written and oral components, to be taken in the first 18 months of the program.

  • Completion and defence of a thesis.

  • Students are encouraged to participate in student and faculty research seminars in addition to their regular course requirements.

  • Residence. Students are expected to be on campus and participating full-time until all program requirements are completed.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

0 Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

 

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Well-qualified students with excellent research potential holding a BSc degree may be considered for direct admission to the PhD program. These applicants must:

    • Have a minimum A+/A average (GPA 4.0) in an undergraduate program from a recognized university;

    • Have previous relevant research experience, outstanding references, and a personal recommendation from a potential supervisor.

  • Applicants must submit the following along with their application: a letter of intent, two confidential reference letters that indicate the applicant’s preparation and competence to conduct research, and curriculum vitae.

  • Applicants may be counselled prior to admission and provided with materials regarding potential PhD supervisors. Applicants must identify a faculty member who has agreed to serve as research supervisor. The research supervisor is expected to examine a completed thesis and/or manuscripts and university transcripts.

  • Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following tests:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE) with the following minimum scores:

      • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the TWE

      • Internet-based TOEFL (IBT): 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 7.5.

    • Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

    • U of T School of Continuing Studies academic preparation: see General Regulations, 4.3 English-Language Proficiency.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. A minimum of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • REH3100H Advanced Rehabilitation Research Issues or equivalent (0.5 FCE) if an equivalent was not taken at the master's level.

    • REH3001Y0 Advanced Rehabilitation Presentation and Proceedings (1.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit). Attendance is expected during the first two years of the program. Students remain enrolled and are encouraged to attend until completion of the degree.

    • REH3301H Knowledge Translation in Rehabilitation: Foundational Knowledge and Innovative Applications (0.5 FCE).

    • REH3302H Determinants of Rehabilitation Practice (0.5 FCE).

    • REH3303H Rehabilitation Clinical Practicum (0.5 FCE).

    • REH1100H Theory and Research in Rehabilitation Science (0.5 FCE).

    • REH1120H Research Methods for Rehabilitation Science (0.5 FCE).

    • REH1130H Theory and Research in Occupational Science or REH1140H Theory and Research in Physical Therapy (0.5 FCE).

    • An advanced research methods course (0.5 FCE).

    • Students may be required to take extra courses in addition to the degree requirements listed above.

  • A comprehensive examination, with written and oral components, to be taken in the first 2.5 years of the program.

  • Completion and defence of a thesis.

  • Students are encouraged to participate in student and faculty research seminars in addition to their regular course requirements.

  • Residence. Students are expected to be on campus and participating full-time until all program requirements are completed.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

0 Course that may continue over a program. Credit is given when the course is completed.

Joel Goodwin

“I hope one day I will be able to give back to others as they have given back to me.”

Joel Goodwin
PhD Student, Forestry
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