How To Apply

The Division of Rehabilitation Science requires applicants to fill out the Graduate School application for admission, which is accessed and submitted online.  Rehabilitation Science does not require a separate internal application.  See below for more detailed information on completing and submitting the Graduate School application.

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications by December 1 for the following Fall semester (September start). Applicants not meeting the December 1 deadline will still be considered for admission, however, meeting the December 1 deadline will ensure the applicant is maximizing potential funding opportunities. Funding consideration will only be given to those students participating full-time. Full-time is fully engaged in the graduate student experience.

Faculty Advisor 

In addition to the online Graduation School application, all applicants must have an agreed upon faculty advisor prior to matriculation. Only faculty holding a PhD may serve as an advisor. Applicants should identify a faculty member who best matches applicant’s area of research interest. Selection of, and consent from, an advisor is essential. In consultation with an advisor, students complete the curriculum at the student’s discretion and pace. This makes the student/advisor relationship especially important. In advance of formal submission of the online Graduate School application, applicants should contact faculty regarding the possibility of the faculty member serving in the advisor role. 

Prerequisite Information

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to rehabilitation science, such as: biomedical engineering, kinesiology, medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, public health, speech/audiology etc. International students must hold a comparable foreign degree from an accredited program.

Depending on the educational background of the applicant, admission may be contingent upon completion of selected prerequisite coursework (anatomy, physics etc). If you are unsure whether your bachelor’s degree is applicable, please contact Rehabilitation Science directly.  An undergraduate GPA of 3.0, and, if applicable, a graduate school GPA of 3.0 is preferred. The GRE is not required. If you plan to pursue quantitative aspects of research such as biomechanics or rehabilitation engineering, potential mentors may require you to demonstrate quantitative thinking ability, which could be identified through coursework (e.g., calculus, physics) or the quantitative GRE score.

Submission of the Online Graduate School Application

Access Graduate School Application Here

What you should include by application section (click here for a print-friendly version):

Program Selection

  • University of Minnesota Campus = University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

  • College/School = Medical School

  • Medical School Programs = Rehabilitation Science PhD or MS

  • How did you hear about this program? = Optional

Term Selection 

  • Select your proposed term of entry from the drop-down list.

Biographical Information

  • Provide the information requested.

Personal Background

  • Provide the information requested.

Biomedical Sciences PhD Programs

  • Selection of Academic Interests is required.

  • If you have Research Experience, include as requested.

Academic History 

  • Report of post-secondary institutions attended is required. Upload transcripts as instructed. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.

Test Scores

  • GRE not required (see Prerequisite Information above)

  • For non-native English speakers, self-report of a test of English language is required. If you have questions regarding whether or not you need to report a test of foreign language, please refer to the "minimum English Language requirements" found in this section. TOEFL and IELTS are preferred. Official confirmation of scores will be required if successfully admitted.

Employment

  • Indicate current or most recent employment. Limit to three entries. Where possible, include employment most relevant to Rehabilitation Science.

Materials 

  • Personal Statement is required.

  • Diversity Statement is required.

  • Extenuating Circumstances Statement is not required but applicants are welcome to submit if the applicant feels helpful/necessary.

  • Resume/CV is optional. We encourage submission of Resume/CV.

  • Do NOT submit Writing Sample.

  • Do NOT submit Description of Research. Narrative on your desired research should be a part of your Personal Statement.

  • Nothing needed for the section titled Graduate Program Additional Materials.

Recommendations

  • Three letters of recommendation are required. When you submit your recommender information, your recommender will receive and email with instruction on submitting their recommendation. Let your recommender know their letter should be no longer than two pages.

Signature 

  • Signature is required. Payment of a fee is required for application to be official and for an application review to take place.

Contact

Rich Adamczak
Program Coordinator
adamc002@umn.edu
Phone: 612-625-3966
Fax: 612-625-4274

Mailing Address

Rehabilitation Science Program
MMC 388
420 Delaware St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455