Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science
Program Description
The Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science (MSRS) Program is a master’s degree for physical therapists, occupational therapists, or other rehabilitation professionals who have completed their professional training outside the United States of America. MSRS courses are taught in a face-to-face format by current faculty in the Department of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Physical Therapy, and Department of Occupational Therapy; faculty with expertise from other departments will also be involved as needed. This degree is designed so that students can complete all requirements to graduate in a 12-month period. Students will begin the program in the fall (late August) and complete the program in summer of the next year (mid-July). Students will be allowed to matriculate into the program only during the August start time and are encouraged to complete the degree within one year (full time). Students must take the minimum number of credits to satisfy F-1 or J-1 visa status. Students will participate in an original research project with small group of classmates; this project is not equivalent to a thesis. The MSRS Program does not require a clinical or teaching internship where treatment or assessment of patients is expected. Off-campus experiences are intended to provide an opportunity to observe rehabilitation practice in diverse settings within the U.S.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science Program is to provide internationally trained rehabilitation professionals with an evidence-based and clinically-focused curriculum intended to increase knowledge of and exposure to U.S.-based practice.
Program Learning Outcomes
The objectives of the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science degree include:
- Students will synthesize a plan for applying knowledge of diverse clinical specialty areas to rehabilitation practice in their home country.
- Students will identify, evaluate, and apply current rehabilitation literature when making evidence based clinical decisions.
- Students will demonstrate fundamental scientific writing and research skills for producing new knowledge in rehabilitation science.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate in a professional manner.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MSRS 505 | Scientific Writing in Rehabilitation Science | 4 |
| MSRS 515 | Evidence-Based Practice in Rehabilitation | 4 |
| MSRS 550 | Adult Neurological Conditions and Practice | 4 |
| MSRS 560 | Pediatric Conditions and Practice Environments | 4 |
| MSRS 610 | Industrial Rehabilitation and Practice Environments | 4 |
| MSRS 620 | Gerontology Conditions and Practice Environments | 4 |
| MSRS 630 | Adult Orthopedic Conditions and Practice Environments | 4 |
| MSRS 650 | Research Project and Applications in International Practice | 4 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Science Program Admission
The minimum criteria for admission are:
- Undergraduate degree in occupational therapy or physical therapy from a university outside the U.S. Students with a Bachelor degree in Rehabilitation Science will also be considered if their degree included a clinical internship.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in undergraduate degree based on credential evaluation by an outside agency or evaluation by admissions staff in the International Admissions office at CUW.
- TOEFL or IELTS exam scores. For the TOEFL, Concordia University requires a minimum score of 213 (computer-based), 79 (internet-based), or 550 (paper-based). A minimum score of 6.5 (overall band score) on the IELTS is required (minimum score of 6 in all areas). Students completing an approved ESL program may be exempt from taking the TOEFL or IELTS.
Complete the online application (www.cuw.edu/apply) and submit the following items:
- Application fee of $50.00 USD online or send money order or cashier’s check
- Official transcripts from all schools attended. If the transcripts are not in English, please have them translated into English and attested
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
- A brief, typed resume (please include any previous clinical experience)
- A one-page statement of purpose stating why you would like to enroll in the MSRS Program at CUW
- Two (2) reference letters from previous teachers and/or employers
- A bank statement with the balance converted into U.S. dollars. If a relative or parent is sponsoring you, please submit their letter of support along with their bank statements. If a company is sponsoring you, please have that company write a letter of support and provide a financial statement from the company on company letterhead. If your degree would be financed by a scholarship, please provide proof of scholarship
- While there is no requirement for standardized testing such as GRE or Miller Analogies, students who have taken these exams may submit results to strengthen their application
Note: The program does not accept Rehabilitation Science transfer credits.