school of health professions 2021 - 2022 Catalog

Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science (PhD RS)

Program Description

Rehabilitation Science is an interdisciplinary field of study that investigates theories and practices that contribute to improving the quality of life of individuals who have functional limitations caused by health conditions that affect communication and/or movement. The program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and abilities to perform in academic, research, and industrial positions. In addition, the program prepares students to meet demands at local, state, regional, and national levels for doctoral level scholars.

The program offers concentrations in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and Movement Sciences and Disorders (MSD). Students in the CSD concentration can choose specializations in audiology/hearing science or speech-language pathology/speech science. Students in the MSD concentration select academic and research emphases to develop customized areas of expertise.This PhD program is offered only in Lubbock, Texas, and is not a distance education program. Students who do not live in Lubbock are expected to travel to Lubbock when necessary/required.

Admission to the Program

Applications for admission should be submitted by February 1 for the Summer semester, March 15 for the Fall semester, and October 15 for the Spring semester.

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science program is competitive and is based in part on the candidate’s academic record, professional experiences, goals, interests, GRE scores, and potential to substantively contribute to the field of rehabilitation science. The following is required for an individual to be considered for the PhD RS program:

A graduate degree in a rehabilitation science or related discipline is required. Up to 24 credit hours may be transferred from another graduate program in a rehabilitation science discipline and up to 12 hours may be transferred from a graduate program in a related discipline.

  • Official transcripts that reflect the earned degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or higher in the last 60 hours of courses.
  • Competitive GRE scores (official copy with verbal, quantitative, and writing scores)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A letter of intent describing research interests, career goals, and relevant experiences
  • A sample of research writing
  • A current résumé or curriculum vitae

Qualified applicants will be interviewed by at least one member of the PhD admissions committee prior to a formal decision about acceptance into the program.

Ph.D. RS Curriculum

The PhD RS program requires the completion of 86 credit hours, including a 38 hour core curriculum that is required of all students and a 36 hour concentration in Communication Sciences and Disorders or in Movement Sciences and Disorders, plus 12 hours of doctoral dissertation.

REHABILITATION SCIENCE CORE (38 hours)
HPPH 7301      Foundations of Rehabilitation Science

TEACHING (8 hours)
HPPH 7311      Curriculum Design & Teaching
HPPH 7312      Educational Evaluation
HPPH 7113      Teaching Apprenticeship I
HPPH 7114      Teaching Apprenticeship II

RESEARCH DESIGN & STATISTICS (9 hours)
HPPH 7321      Research Design & Statistics
HPPH 7322      Intermediate Statistics
HPPH 7323      Selected Topics in Statistics
or other approved statistics course

TECHNICAL WRITING (6 hours)
HPPH 7331      Writing for Publication
HPPH 7332      Writing for Grants
or other approved technical writing course

RESEARCH METHODS (6 hours)
Students will select from the following courses:
HPPH 7341      Methods in Hearing Sciences & Audiology Research I
HPPH 7342      Methods in Hearing Sciences & Audiology Research II
HPPH 7343      Methods in Speech Sciences & Speech-Language Pathology Research I
HPPH 7344      Methods in Speech Sciences & Speech-Language Pathology Research II
HPPH 7345      Methods in Clinical Anatomy Research
HPPH 7346      Methods in Clinical Behavior Research
HPPH 7347      Methods in Clinical Biomechanics Research
HPPH 7348      Methods in Clinical Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research
HPPH 7349      Methods in Clinical Postural Control Research
or other approved research methods course

RESEARCH (6 hours)
HPPH 7099      Research

CONCENTRATION (36 hours)
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Students in the Communication Sciences & Disorders concentration will take prescribed courses based on an area of specialization (24 hours) related to one of the following areas:
  • Audiology
  • Hearing Science
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Speech Science

and elective courses (12 hours) that will be approved in consultation with the faculty advisor and planning committee.

Movement Sciences & Disorders
Students in the Movement Sciences & Disorders concentration will take the following prescribed courses (24 hours):
HPPH 7581      Gross Anatomy
HPPH 7482      Pathophysiology
HPPH 7383      Biomechanics
HPPH 7384      Neuroscience
HPPH 7385      Motor Control in Orthopaedics
HPPH 7386      Computer Methods in Rehabilitation Science Research
three research seminar courses from the following:
HPPH 7191      Seminar in Clinical Anatomy Research
HPPH 7192      Seminar in Clinical Behavior Research
HPPH 7193      Seminar in Clinical Biomechanics Research
HPPH 7194      Seminar in Clinical Postural Control Research
HPPH 7195      Seminar in Clinical Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research
and elective courses (12 hours) that will be approved in consultation with the faculty advisor and planning committee.

Doctoral Dissertation (12 hours)
HPPH 8000 and 8001       Doctoral Dissertation

Additional Requirements for Graduation
  • Successful completion of a supervised research project concurrent with HPPH 7099 Research
  • Successful completion of a comprehensive qualifying examination for admission to candidacy after the completion of coursework and the supervised research project



  • HPPH 7010 Independent Study (1-9:0:1-9,F)

    This course involves an independent project designed to meet the student's needs. Possible experiences include a library research project or paper, course/laboratory review, teaching materials preparation, administration or teaching participation, laboratory manual development, or an administration, teaching, clinical or research activity.

  • HPPH 7020 Special Topics (1-3:0:1-3,F)

    Selected topics of interest in rehabilitation science.

  • HPPH 7099 Research (1-9:0:1-9,F)

    Students will participate in rehabilitation science research while under faculty supervision.

  • HPPH 7113 Teaching Apprenticeship I (1:0:1,F)

    Students will participate in the teaching of a course in rehabilitation science while under faculty supervision.

  • HPPH 7114 Teaching Apprenticeship II (1:0:1,F)

    Students will participate in the teaching of a course in rehabilitation science while under faculty supervision.

  • HPPH 7191 Seminar in Clinical Anatomy Research (1:1:0,F)

    Selected topics in clinical anatomy research explored through reading and discussion.

  • HPPH 7192 Seminar in Clinical Behavior Research (1:1:0,F)

    Selected topics in clinical behavior research explored through reading and discussion.

  • HPPH 7193 Seminar in Clinical Biomechanics Research (1:1:0,F)

    Selected topics in clinical biomechanics research explored through reading and discussion.

  • HPPH 7194 Seminar in Clinical Postural Control Research (1:1:0,F)

    Selected topics in clinical postural control research explored through reading and discussion.

  • HPPH 7195 Seminar in Clinical Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research (1:1:0,F)

    Selected topics in musculoskeletal rehabilitation research explored through reading and discussion.

  • HPPH 7301 Foundations of Rehabilitation Science (3:3:0,F)

    This course introduces students to rehabilitation science as an academic discipline including historical perspectives, philosophical approaches, and contemporary research needs. Additional topics may include teaching, research, and administration issues that are relevant to the professional development of an academic scholar in rehabilitation science.

  • HPPH 7311 Curriculum Design and Teaching (3:3:3.5,H)

    This course discusses the theories and applications of curriculum design, emphasizing applications to entry-level and post-professional rehabilitation science educational settings. Students are exposed to core theories, principles and applications that relate to teaching rehabilitation science students and professionals.

  • HPPH 7312 Educational Evaluation (3:2:3,H)

    This course will discuss educational evaluation theory and tools, emphasizing methods of objective and performance-based evaluation. Students will learn to draft specific evaluation measures used in an educational setting.

  • HPPH 7321 Research Design & Statistics (3:3:0,F)

    Introductory concepts of research design and statistics for rehabilitation scientists.

  • HPPH 7322 Intermediate Statistics (3:3:0,F)

    Intermediate concepts of statistics for rehabilitation scientists. Prerequisite: HPPH 7321 or approval.

  • HPPH 7323 Selected Topics in Statistics (3:3:0,F)

    Selected topics in statistics for rehabilitation scientists. Prerequisite: HPPH 7322 or approval.

  • HPPH 7331 Writing for Publication (3:3:0,F)

    This course will increase understanding of scientific manuscript preparation suitable for publication in rehabilitation science journals.

  • HPPH 7332 Writing for Grants (3:3:0,F)

    This course is designed to increase understanding of internal/external funding mechanisms and to provide training to Ph.D. students in grant preparation and funding opportunities. Topics include discussion about various types of external and internal funding opportunities, focusing on NIH and NSF funding, components of grant proposals, currently available grant writing resources, ethical issues related to grant writing, and budgeting and planning skills.

  • HPPH 7341 Methods in Hearing Sciences and Audiology Research I (3:0:3,F)

    Methods and laboratory techniques in the area of hearing science and/or audiology research.

  • HPPH 7342 Methods in Hearing Sciences and Audiology Research II (3:0:3,F)

    Methods and laboratory techniques in the area of hearing science and/or audiology research.

  • HPPH 7343 Methods in Speech Sci and Speech-Language Pathology Research I (3:0:3,F)

    Methods and laboratory techniques in the area of speech science and/or speech-language pathology research.

  • HPPH 7344 Methods in Speech Sci and Speech-Language Pathology Research I (3:0:3,F)

    Methods and laboratory techniques in the area of speech science and/or speech-language pathology research.

  • HPPH 7345 Methods in Clinical Anatomy Research (3:0:3,F)

    Methods and laboratory techniques in clinical anatomy research.

  • HPPH 7346 Methods in Clinical Behavior Research (3:0:3,F)

    Methods and laboratory techniques in clinical behavior in rehabilitation research.

  • HPPH 7347 Methods in Clinical Biomechanics Research (3:0:3,F)

    Methods and laboratory techniques in clinical biomechanics research.

  • HPPH 7348 Methods in Clinical Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research (3:0:3,F)

    Methods and laboratory techniques in clinical musculoskeletal research.

  • HPPH 7349 Methods in Clinical Postural Control Research (3:0:3,F)

    Methods and laboratory techniques in clinical postural control research.

  • HPPH 7361 Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders (3:3:0,F)

    This course is designed to prepare students for understanding and conducting research in speech, language, and hearing sciences. Topics may include how to conduct and write a literature review, how to critically evaluate research, how to present research findings at professional meetings, and how to apply research findings in evidence-based practice.

  • HPPH 7362 Advanced Auditory Research (3:3:0,F)

    Seminar devoted to the understanding of frontier knowledge in the area of auditory research and to applying the knowledge in developing and performing research projects. May be repeated as topic varies.

  • HPPH 7363 Seminar in Language and Culture (3:3:0,F)

    Selected topics on language and culture will be explored through reading of current research in the field. Topics include psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, dialects, language variations, bilingualism, multicultural and multilingual communication, speech perception and production, and language development. May be repeated as topic varies.

  • HPPH 7364 Seminar in Speech Perception (3:3:0,F)

    Seminar devoted to the area of understanding speech. Topics will include research and clinical application of speech perception studies. May be repeated as topic varies.

  • HPPH 7365 Advanced Auditory Research II (3:3:0,F)

    Seminar devoted to the understanding of frontier knowledge in the area of auditory research and to applying the knowledge in developing and performing research projects. May be repeated as topic varies.

  • HPPH 7366 Seminar in Pediatric Audiology (3:3:0,F)

    Selected studies in infant, child, and adolescent audiology. Studies can include areas such as diagnostic audiology, aural rehabilitation in children, and educational audiology. May be repeated as topic varies.

  • HPPH 7367 Seminar in Neural Bases of Adult Communication Disorders (3:3:0,F)

    Seminar devoted to the study of the impact of neurological impairments on the speech, language, cognition, and swallowing abilities of adults. Topics will include the neural basis of dysarthria, apraxia of speech, aphasia, dementia, and dysphagia in adults. Links will be made between neural basis and clinical behavior, as well as evidence based practice interventions.

  • HPPH 7368 Seminar in Cross-disciplinary Communication Sciences Research (3:3:0,F)

    Selected studies in communication sciences, offering the opportunity to cross-disciplinary interaction between faculty and students. Studies can include speech-language pathology, audiology, speech science, hearing science, or related fields.

  • HPPH 7369 Seminar in Treatment for Adult Neurogenic Disorders (3:3:0,F)

    Seminar devoted to discussing and critically evaluating strategies for people with neurogenic communication disorders. Emphasis will be placed on evaluating efficacy of contemporary intervention techniques with individuals who have adult neurogenic communication disorders.

  • HPPH 7370 Seminar in Advanced Vestibular Issues (3:3:0,F)

    Seminar devoted to the area of understanding vestibular and balance issues. Topics include discussions about the physiological basis of the vestibular/balance system, pathophysiology of disorders, methods and evaluation of vestibular rehabilitation, and research in these areas.

  • HPPH 7371 Seminar in Brain and Language (3:3:0,F)

    The focus of this seminar is to learn about central issues in brain and language research. Emphasis will be placed on what is known about neurological basis of aphasia. Students will focus on the relationship between brain and language in terms of their scientific and methodological aspects.

  • HPPH 7372 Seminar in Speech Analysis (3:3:0,F)

    Seminar focused on analysis of speech from the perspective of production and/or perception. Analysis methods may include acoustic, physiological, linguistic, or perceptual approaches to the speech signals of normal speakers or clinical populations (children or adults), depending upon the interests of the students.

  • HPPH 7373 Analysis and Processing of Speech Signals (3:3:0,F)

    Computational analysis and synthesis of speech signals will be covered. Topics may include digital signal processing with MATLAB; analysis of frequency and temporal properties of phones, words and sentences; coding for speech recognition; speech quality analysis; and building speech-based stimuli for experiments.

  • HPPH 7374 Seminar in Dysphagia (3:3:0,F)

    Seminar focused on discussing and critically evaluating strategies for individuals with dysphagia. Evaluation strategies will be examined for validity, and intervention strategies will be evaluated for efficacy.

  • HPPH 7383 Biomechanics (3:3:0,F)

    Biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system and integrated human movement with clinically relevant applications.

  • HPPH 7384 Neuroscience (3:3:0,F)

    Functions and pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS) as a basic science course in the neurorehabilitation curriculum. The emphasis will be on "systems-level neuroanatomy, "i.e., functional neuroanatomy (e.g., motor and sensory pathways) and regional neuroanatomy (e.g., organization of spinal cord, brainstem, cerebral cortex, etc.). In addition, information processing by neurons will be addressed by coverage of axon physiology, synaptic neurotransmission and plasticity. The course will first survey the anatomical organization of the CNS, then sensory and motor functions of the CNS, and finish with a description of a number of neurological disorders that have clinical relevance to rehabilitation clinicians.

  • HPPH 7385 Motor Control in Orthopaedics (3:2:3,H)

    This course will address theory and application of motor control and learning principles to orthopaedic clinical practice. This course will emphasize motor control strategies associated with musculoskeletal function, and motor control dysfunction associated with orthopaedic pathologies. This course will integrate concepts from exercise science and experimental psychology for the explanation of relevant issues concerning motor learning and control for the orthopaedic patient. Additionally, patient management strategies derived from these priniciples will be discussed.

  • HPPH 7386 Computer Methods in Rehabilitation Science Research (3:3:0,F)

    This course provides an introduction to problem solving and custom program development in MATLAB for rehabilitation science research.

  • HPPH 7482 Pathophysiology (4:4:0,F)

    This course provides a survey of clinical pathophysiology and covers key concepts related to the function and biological control of cells, tissues, organs, and body systems as well as structural and functional changes in cells, tissues and organs that underlie human disease. Basic principles of pathophysiology are addressed with focus on the cause, development, progress, and consequences of diseases related to the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, immune, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and other body systems.

  • HPPH 7581 Gross Anatomy (5:6:10,F)

    An integrated study of gross human anatomy embodying gross morphology and coordinating with developmental and histological aspects of the body. Included is regional dissection with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems.

  • HPPH 8000 Doctoral Dissertation (1-9:0:1-9,F)

    Research for an advanced degree. The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rehabilitation Science is a research degree and is conferred only after recognition of high achievement in independent scientific research and scholarship.

  • HPPH 8001 Doctoral Dissertation (1-9:0:1-9,F)

    Research for an advanced degree. The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Rehabilitation Science is a research degree and is conferred only after recognition of high achievement in independent scientific research and scholarship.