University of Colorado, Denver

Rehabilitation Science (PhD)

The Rehabilitation Science PhD program is designed for students interested in advancing research that improves the lives of individuals with disabilities or health conditions. It offers a flexible, interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to focus on areas like motor control, aging, neurorehabilitation, assistive technology, or sports and injury. The program emphasizes developing strong research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to apply scientific methods to real-world problems. Students work closely with faculty on projects that can range from clinical applications to community health initiatives, preparing them to become leaders in academic, clinical, or industry settings.

The program combines coursework, research experiences, and mentorship to foster independent scholars. It values a collaborative environment that supports innovation and diversity in thought. Students are encouraged to engage with community partners and explore translational research that can have tangible impacts. Throughout the program, students build a broad understanding of rehabilitation sciences while developing specialized expertise. This prepares them to contribute to advancing evidence-based practices and to influence policies and programs that improve rehabilitation outcomes across diverse populations.