Program Eligibility

Only those students who seek to obtain a Ph.D. degree will be admitted to the therapeutic science program. The admission committee will review each applicant’s preparation for doctoral-level work.

Preparation should include basic training in statistics and design and completion of an empirical research study or thesis. If an applicant does not have adequate preparation for doctoral-level work, he or she must develop satisfactory research skills prior to formally enter the program.

The admissions review will also consider the fit between the student's research interests and expertise of faculty in the therapeutic science program.

Other factors we take into consideration in the application process are:

• Applicant's leadership experience.
• Potential to contribute significantly to knowledge generation.
• Knowledge transfer through research, teaching or service.
• The extent to which the applicant's interests and goals correspond to those of the available faculty.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into KU's therapeutic science doctoral program, the following are required:

Degree

A bachelor of science and a master's degree are required. Students with degrees in fields other than occupational therapy are encouraged to apply. Students with degrees from a university outside the U.S. may be considered provided they meet the requirements equivalent to those from a program in the U.S. as listed above.

Grade point average

An overall minimum 3.0-grade point average (on a 4.0-scale) is required.

International Students

An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. Please review the information for international students before applying.

English language proficiency

All applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency through either the TOEFL or IELTS testing systems. The test must have been taken within two (2) years of the first semester of enrollment. Results must be provided directly to KU Medical Center by the testing service using ETS school code 6895. Photocopies of scores will not be accepted.

Technical standards

Review the expectations for our program.

Vaccine and Clinical Site Requirements

Matriculated students will need to provide an immunization profile prior to participating in curricular and/or clinical experiences required by the program. Please read the information found at the bottom of the program's curriculum page and be sure that you understand these requirements.

Background check

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires all incoming students to pay for a background check. You pay this one-time fee directly to the company performing the background investigation. You will be asked to provide information and make the payment once you have been officially accepted into the program. For more information, please see the School of Health Professions background check instructions.

Computer requirements

Students in this program are required to have a computer that meets the minimum software and hardware requirements.

No GRE required

Given the interdisciplinary nature of the therapeutic science program, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.