Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science

The Exercise and Rehabilitation Science master’s and PhD program is a clinical research program based in the College of Health Sciences’ highly competitive Department of Physical Therapy, which ranks in the top 10 percent of the more than 200 accredited physical therapy programs nationwide. It is also part of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeastern Wisconsin (CTSI), which is funded by the National Institutes of Health. The Exercise and Rehabilitation Science program is one of only a few CTSI programs in the country specifically geared toward clinical research training in physical therapy and rehabilitation science. The doctoral program is suited for practicing physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants and nurses with post-baccalaureate degrees interested in a translational research and clinical research training. The doctor of philosophy builds upon the core competencies of clinical degrees (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical ethics and patient care) with course work in rehabilitation systems physiology, applied neurophysiology, statistics, molecular genetics and research methodology. Students have access to state of the art research techniques in the exercise, rehabilitation and movement disorders research core laboratories housed within the exercise science program and the Department of Physical Therapy. Deliver an effective oral presentation of the dissertation proposal. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of pertinent literature. Identify research questions or problems that are pertinent and significant. Gather, organize, analyze and report data using an appropriate conceptual framework. Adhere to requirements for protection of human subjects.

Students applying to the doctoral program must have successfully completed either a master’s degree in a related discipline or a post-baccalaureate clinical degree (DPT, MPT, MP, MSN, MD, etc.) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale).Copies of all college/university transcripts except Marquette1A curriculum vitae including work history, formal education, continuing education, licensing and certification, professional organizations, honors and awards, publications, presentations and grantsA personal statement of no more than 500 words addressing your purpose for applying to the program, your ability to successfully complete the program and your goals (short and long term)Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s academic, professional, clinical, personal attributes and potential for meaningful graduate study. At least one academic reference must be included.For international applicants only: GRE scores (General Test only).Applicants may wish to submit one example of written work, such as a class project, course assignment, first author publication, grant application, etc. (optional).An interview with the admission committee is mandatory.