Do I have to know what lab and PI I want to work with before applying?
No, you don't! The program includes three lab rotations, and your graduate advisor will help you identify appropriate labs that align with your research interests.
Do I need to be a physical therapist to apply?
You do not need to be a physical therapist to apply. A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in physical therapy, neuroscience, exercise physiology, biomedical engineering, or a related rehabilitation science or professional field is required.
Do you offer a hybrid or online option?
The program is a face-to-face format.
Can I attend part-time?
The program is a full-time program.
How long does the program take to complete?
The program requires a minimum of 96 units to complete. The time needed to complete the degree will vary, depending on students’ training and experience prior to enrolling in the PhD program and the time it takes to complete the dissertation research. However, the mean time to completion of a PhD in Rehabilitation Science for students entering with a bachelor’s degree is currently 3.9 years.
Where can I find a list of courses for the program?
A list of our core courses and foundational courses for both the Neuroscience track and the Biomechanics track can be found in the UCSF General Catalog. Students take these courses during the first two years of the program.
Do students receive stipends?
Students are funded (tuition and fee remission, health insurance, stipend) for the duration of their time in the program as long as they are making adequate progress toward graduation. The program covers the tuition costs and provides a stipend during the first two years of the program. After this point, the expectation is that the student will join the primary research mentor's grant with the same level of support (covering tuition plus a stipend).
When can I apply?
The program admits new students every other year, with the term starting in the fall. The next start term is fall 2025. Applications typically open in September and close in January. Specific dates are posted on the PhD Admissions webpage.