Ph.D. in Occupation and Rehabilitation Science About the Program
Our program was created to meet the national demand for Ph.D. trained scientists and educators in occupational therapy and related disciplines.
Our interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Occupation and Rehabilitation Science (ORS) offers graduate training in research that is dedicated to assisting people of all ages and abilities perform and participate in everyday occupations as a source of lifelong meaning, development, health, and well-being.
Students and faculty mentors in the ORS program investigate human performance and participation in everyday occupations from the perspectives of occupational science and rehabilitation science. Core research areas include:
- Cognitive, motor, sensory, and neurophysiological performance
- Everyday occupation, disability, rehabilitation, and health
- Education from an occupation and rehabilitation science perspective
Ph.D. in Occupation and Rehabilitation Science Career Objectives
Upon graduation, students typically pursue academic careers in research and higher education, although additional career opportunities exist in industry and government.
Our ORS Ph.D. degree is intended to meet the needs and career goals for individuals with the following types of experience and education:
- Individuals with a bachelor’s or graduate degree in occupational therapy
- Individuals with a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a field related to occupational or rehabilitation science*
- Students who have been accepted into or are currently enrolled in our CSU master of occupational therapy (M.O.T.) or master of science (M.S.) in occupational therapy program.
*Related degrees might include: Other allied health disciplines, biomedical science or engineering, anthropology, education, etc. If you have questions please contact the Ph.D. program director.
