Admission Criteria
- Evidence of academic accomplishment. The minimum academic standard for admission is a B average, or GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, in a program resulting in the award of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equivalent degree and standing from a comparable foreign institution.
- A bachelor’s degree (minimum) in a relevant discipline, field of study, or profession (e.g., biology, engineering, exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiology, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy).
- Previous coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and statistics.
- Official TOEFL or Duolingo scores when a student’s first language is not English. The minimum required TOEFL score is 80; the minimum required Duolingo score is 115.
- A personal statement (1 page).
- Three letters of reference.
Application Procedure
The department seeks individuals who will bring their scholarship, motivation, and commitment to the program. Applicants must have a complete application on file in the Admissions Office to be reviewed for admission. Applications are due on December 1st of each year for enrollment in the following fall semester if seeking a graduate assistantship. Otherwise, applications are accepted on a rolling basis up to April 1st for fall semester admission.
Because admission depends on identifying a faculty member able to serve as the applicant's primary advisor, applicants should first review faculty research interests (see Faculty Research) and then email one or two potential advisors whose work closely aligns with their own interests to confirm that the faculty member is accepting PhD students and to briefly gauge fit. A short email inquiry is sufficient at this stage. Applicants who are unsure whom to contact are welcome to email the Program Director (see Program Contacts) for help in identifying potential faculty mentors.
All applications must include:
- A completed online application: https://www.graduate.umaryland.edu/Admissions/PhD-Program-Applicants/
- A clear statement of research interests and career goals (1 page). This statement is very important for the admissions committee to determine whether the program is a good match with the applicant’s interests and goals, and vice versa. The statement must include career interests and goals, reasons for pursuing a PhD in Physical Rehabilitation Science, specific research interests and how they match the interests of identified faculty member(s), and any additional knowledge, skills, and/or experiences relevant to PhD training.
- A curriculum vitae.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended.
- Three letters of reference written by individuals familiar with the candidate’s academic and work experiences who can speak to the applicant’s ability to conduct research at a graduate level.
- Official TOEFL or Duolingo scores when a student’s first language is not English. TOEFL information is available at http://www.ets.org/toefl. The institution code is 5848 and the department code is 48.
- International applicants: two official native-language transcripts (or mark sheets) and two official transcripts translated into English from each college or university attended. Documents must list subjects and grades. Students whose universities issue only one set of official records must provide certified, notarized (raised-seal) copies of those records.