The interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Occupation and Rehabilitation Science offers graduate training in research dedicated to assisting people of all ages and abilities to perform and participate in everyday occupations as a source of lifelong meaning, development, health, and well-being. The program was created to meet the national demand for Ph.D.-trained scientists and educators in occupational therapy and related disciplines. Graduates typically pursue post-doctoral education or academic careers in higher education; additional career opportunities exist in industry and government.
Please contact the Occupational Therapy Department for further details by calling (970) 491-6253 or emailing the department at otinfo@colostate.edu.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin and the Department of Occupational Therapy.
Program Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Integrate relevant knowledge from occupational science and rehabilitation science and apply that knowledge to problems that people face in performing and participating in everyday occupations and contexts across the lifespan.
- Design and implement research that draws upon a synthesis of occupational and rehabilitation science to advance understanding of human performance and participation.
- Disseminate knowledge of human performance and participation through scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journals.
- Write and submit competitive grant proposals.
- Design and implement learning experiences grounded in sound teaching and learning theories that are supported with evidence.
- Effectively participate in interdisciplinary research teams.
- Mentor students and research assistants.
Institutional Learning Objectives
The CSU Occupation and Rehabilitation Science Ph.D. Program was designed to develop well trained scientists in the interdisciplinary study of occupation and rehabilitation sciences. Our Program Learning Objectives (see above) align with the CSU's Institutional Learning Objectives by supporting clinicians on their pathway to teaching, mentoring, and participation in interdisciplinary research teams. Thus, we emphasize a foundation in understanding occupation and rehabilitation science and the application of science to research supporting performance and participation in everyday occupations; research experiences include grant writing, study design, team interdisciplinary science, dissemination, and mentoring of research assistants (Collaboration, Responsibility, Communication, Creativity, Reasoning).
Additionally, our Ph.D. students will gain skills in sound teaching and learning theories and in mentoring students and research assistants (Collaboration, Communication, Reasoning, Creativity). Our students will be prepared as educators and researchers to further the science and education of occupational therapists across the world.
Effective Fall 2024
Ph.D. course requirements include a minimum of 72 credits:
Entry A: For students enrolled in the OTD at CSU and wishing to continue to the Ph.D. in Occupation and Rehabilitation Science at CSU, up to 18 credits of the CSU OTD degree will apply toward partial fulfillment of the required 72 credits. OT 735, OT 745, OT 755 will be included in the Research Methods and Statistics Core. Capstone courses OT 769 and OT 789 can be transferred as electives.
Entry B: For students who submit a previously earned clinical graduate degree in occupational therapy or related field, up to 18 credits may be accepted toward partial fulfillment of the required 72 credits. All potential credits accepted toward partial fulfillment of the requirements below must be approved by the student’s graduate committee, the Department of Occupational Therapy, and the Graduate School.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation and Rehabilitation Science Core | ||
| OT 692 | Occupation and Rehabilitation Sci Seminar I 1 | 4 |
| OT 701 | Occupation and Rehabilitation Science III | 3 |
| OT 710 | Teaching Occupation and Rehab Science | 3 |
| OT 784 | Supervised College Teaching | 1-4 |
| OT 786A | Practicum: Research | 1-9 |
| OT 792 | Occupation and Rehabilitation Sci Seminar II 2 | 4 |
| OT 796 | Group Study | 1-6 |
| Research Methods and Statistics Core | ||
| HDFS 592 | Grant Writing--Research/Program Development | 1-3 |
| or NB 771 | Writing, Submitting, and Reviewing Grants | |
| OT 735 | Occupational Therapy Research Process I | 3 |
| OT 745 | Occupational Therapy Research Process II | 3 |
| OT 755 | Occupational Therapy Research Process III | 3 |
| Advanced statistics 3 | 6 | |
| Directed Electives 4 | 12-15 | |
| Select one group from the following: | 9 | |
Group A: the following courses can be transferred into the PhD program: | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Capstone Project and Experience Development | ||
| Capstone Experience | ||
Group B: courses to be approved by the student’s graduate committee, the Department of Occupational Therapy, and the Graduate School. | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| OT 799 | Dissertation | 15 |
| Program Total Credits: | 72 | |
A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Students will register for two credits of OT 692 for two semesters during the first half of the PhD program.
- 2
Students will register for two credits of OT 792 for two semesters during the second half of the PhD program.
- 3
With approval of graduate committee, select six credits of advanced statistics.
- 4
Students must consult with their primary advisor in selecting elective courses.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |