university of toronto phd rehabilitation science

School of Graduate Studies

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

“I work on the acquisition of Spanish by native Mandarin speakers who also speak English.”

The  Rehabilitation Sciences Institute  offers the following degree programs:

Master of science.

Rehabilitation Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy

Both types of programs are offered in the following  fields of study .

The Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at The University of Toronto will prepare both MSc and PhD candidates for a career in scientific research (i.e. 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 (MSc) and developing an independent research program (PhD).

Overall Program Objectives

Rehabilitation Science

Doctor of Philosophy

Rehabilitation Sciences Programs

Rehabilitation Sciences programs are dedicated to the study of human function and participation and its relationship to health and well-being. Within the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, students can expand their knowledge and earn both professional masters or doctoral-stream graduate degrees in Rehabilitation Sciences. Our professional masters programs enable students to become health professionals in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology.  

Program Overviews

Professional master's degrees, thesis-based degrees.

Professional Rehabilitation Sciences Programs

This information pertains to the MHSc (SLP), the MScOT and the MScPT.

Exploring Your Interests

• Find your interests early  in your undergraduate years by visiting departmental and researchers’ websites and following up on lecture topics that have sparked your interest.
• Find out which undergraduate courses you need for your chosen graduate program and what grades you need for admission.
• Get hands-on experiences. This could be through undergraduate internship courses, research projects, work, or volunteer experiences in your field of interest. 
• Talk to course instructors/professors, lab instructors, teaching assistants, working professionals and graduate students in your area of interest.
• Use the U of T Blue Book  bluebook.utoronto.ca  to find professors.
• Speak with undergraduate and graduate student societies/unions, which often provide information sessions and seminars.
• Visit your career centre and speak to a career counselor about career management, networking, cover letters, resumes and interviews.

Choosing the Right Program

• Find the right fit for you by looking at several programs. 
• Know what you want to get out of the program and understand its admission requirements.

Some questions to consider:

• Is there a clear description of the program available to students?
• What is the average time to completion for students in this program?
• What is the course load?
• How much does the tuition and fees cost?
• What bursaries, internal and external awards are available?
• What kind of clinical, internship or research opportunities exist?
• Are there opportunities for formal student presentation of research?

Admission Requirements

Carefully review the SGS website and department website to make sure you have met all of the admission requirements.

Academic Requirements for Masters Programs

In general, you will need a 4-year bachelors degree from a recognized university, with a minimum of a mid-B average in the final year of study to apply.* 

*Some programs may have additional prerequisites (e.g., coursework) or higher GPA requirements than the minimum SGS requirement. Review the department website carefully. 

Language Requirements

Applicants who have completed their degree at a recognized institution whose language of instruction is not English, are required to provide a recent English-proficiency test scores (less than two years).

Other Requirements

Check with the graduate unit to confirm if a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Casper test is required as part of the program application. Most programs require a minimum of 2 reference letters and may also require your CV and a statement of interest. Some programs may require prerequisite courework, a portfolio of work, or other documented experiences. Check the department website carefully.

How to Apply

• Start applying  at least one year before starting a program . Programs can be competitive and there are a limited number of seats available.
• Keep track of application deadlines on departments websites and on the ORPAS website.
• Contact your referees ahead of time to ask if they would be willing to provide you with a reference.
• For your referees, choose a faculty member and health care professional who know of your interests, research, work and volunteer experiences. Chose people who can provide an evaluation of your work habits, academic and clinical potential and research skills. Make sure you give your referees time to write something meaningful.
• Prepare your supporting documents (e.g., letter of intent, personal statement, resume, etc.).
• Apply through the ORPAS  website.

Health Requirements for Professional Rehabilitation Programs

Applicants are expected to be in a state of health that allows for participation in the academic and clinical programs without posing a risk to oneself or others. Applicants who have been offered admission to the program will be required to submit medical certification that confirms immunization against against polio, diphtheria, tetanus, rebella, measles, mumps, chicken pox and hepatitis B, as well as medical certification confirming a negative tuberculosis test result.  Other vaccines may be required.

Police Record Checks for Professional Rehabilitation Programs

Check with the department website for details on what type of police record check and/or vulnerable sector screening is required.

Funding Information

You are advised to apply for awards prior to acceptance into the program. In addition to financial aid, you may apply for other financial opportunities, such as teaching/research assistantships. Take some time to review our section on Funding for Professional and Clinical Students .

What if I Don't Get In?

Given the level of competition in graduate programs, it is important to have a backup plan.  Make your application stronger and reapply in the next session.  Contact the program admission staff and/or faculty to talk about ways to make your application stronger.

For information on our Rehabilitiation Sciences MSc & PhD programs, please visit the Rehabilitation Sciences MSc & PhD page. 

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School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Calendar

Rehabilitation sciences, rehabilitation sciences: introduction, faculty affiliation, degree programs, rehabilitation science.

MSc and PhD

• Movement Science;
• Occupational Science;
• Practice Science (admissions have been administratively suspended);
• Rehabilitation Health Services Studies;
• Rehabilitation Technology Sciences;
• Social and Cognitive Rehabilitation Sciences;
• Speech-Language Pathology.

Collaborative Specializations

The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

• Rehabilitation Science, MSc, PhD
• Speech-Language Pathology, MSc, PhD
• Rehabilitation Science, MSc

Rehabilitation sciences is a multidisciplinary, integrated science dedicated to the study of human function and participation and its relationship to health and well-being. Using basic and applied methods, the science is focused on phenomena at the level of the cell, muscle/brain, 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.

The academic activities of students in the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI) cover the full breadth of rehabilitation sciences with over 100 RSI faculty who are distributed throughout the University of Toronto, including teaching hospitals and research institutes.

Contact and Address

Web: www.rsi.utoronto.ca Email: [email protected] Telephone: (416) 946-8582 Fax: (416) 946-8762

Rehabilitation Sciences Institute University of Toronto Rehabilitation Sciences Building Room 160, 500 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7 Canada

Rehabilitation Science: Graduate Faculty

Full members, members emeriti, associate members, rehabilitation sciences: rehabilitation science msc.

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 .

Completion Requirements

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

REH1100H   Introduction to Rehabilitation Research .

REH2001H   RSI MSc Seminar — Foundations of Professional Development . 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.

Rehabilitation Sciences: Rehabilitation Science MSc; Field: Practice Science

Field: practice science.

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

REH1100H   Theory and Research in Rehabilitation Science .

REH2001Y Rehabilitation Presentations and Proceedings . 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 .

REH3302H   Determinants of Rehabilitation Practice .

REH3303H   Rehabilitation Clinical Practicum .

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

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.

Rehabilitation Sciences: Rehabilitation Science PhD

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.

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.

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.

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

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 .

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

REH3001H RSI PhD Seminar — Foundations of Professional Development . Attendance is expected during Year 1 of the program.

0.5 FCE in advanced research methods or statistics.

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.

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).

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

REH1100H Introduction to Rehabilitation Research .

REH3001H RSI PhD Seminar — Foundations of Professional Development .

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.

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

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.

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

REH3001H   RSI PhD Seminar — Foundations of Professional Development . Attendance is expected during Year 1 of the program.

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.

Rehabilitation Sciences: Rehabilitation Science PhD; Field: Practice Science

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

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

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

REH3100H Advanced Rehabilitation Research Issues or equivalent if an equivalent was not taken at the master's level.

REH3001Y Advanced Rehabilitation Presentation and Proceedings . 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 .

REH3302H Determinants of Rehabilitation Practice .

REH3303H Rehabilitation Clinical Practicum .

An advanced research methods course (0.5 FCE).

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

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

REH1100H Theory and Research in Rehabilitation Science .

REH1120H Research Methods for Rehabilitation Science .

REH1130H Theory and Research in Occupational Science or REH1140H Theory and Research in Physical Therapy .

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

Rehabilitation Sciences: Rehabilitation Science MSc, PhD Courses

Since not all courses are offered each academic year, the department should be consulted each session as to course offerings .

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