Rehabilitation Science

The Rehabilitation Science PhD program is offered in collaboration with faculty from both UC San Francisco and San Francisco State University (SFSU). The program's non-traditional approach takes in a broad perspective of basic and clinical sciences in the areas of musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation. The highly interdisciplinary nature of UCSF enables the program to expand learning opportunities and enrich the collaborative science research experience for our students. Backed by outstanding faculty at both institutions, as well as state-of-the-art research facilities and world-class clinical expertise at UCSF, the program is a preeminent center of learning and discovery in rehabilitation science.

Specialization Areas

A central goal of the program is to capitalize on the interdisciplinary nature of UCSF and offer an academic experience that integrates multiple disciplines. PhD students select one of the following specialized training areas:

Musculoskeletal biomechanics
Musculoskeletal biomechanics is one of the foundations of rehabilitation science. Within this specialization, new investigators are trained on the latest advancements in the field and are prepared for careers in research in academia and industry.

Neuroscience
The neuroscience track offers a clinically-focused pathway addressing neural injury and neurodegenerative disease, as well as a lab-based translational research pathway. New investigators in the lab utilize clinically relevant models of neurodegeneration to address mechanisms underlying activity-based restoration of function.

The Rehabilitation Science program office is located at the Mission Bay campus. Visit the program website for more information.

The Rehabilitation Science PhD program is offered by the UCSF Graduate Division, administered by the UCSF School of Medicine, and delivered by faculty members in the UCSF School of Medicine and at San Francisco State University.