Admissions Criteria

Application: GradCAS
Deadline for complete GradCAS applications: June 1, 2024
Classes begin: August 19, 2024

The LSU Health Shreveport PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program accepts applications for admission via GradCAS, the Centralized Application Service for graduate programs. Applicants should send all application materials (e.g., transcripts, GRE) directly to GradCAS. Applicants should NOT send any application documents directly to the Program or LSU Health Shreveport.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

In the School of Allied Health Professions’ admissions and recruitment processes, we pursue diverse cohorts of students in each program to enhance the learning experiences of all of our students, and foster an open and welcoming environment that promotes inclusion, respect, and compassion.

LSU Health Shreveport adopts a definition of diversity that embraces a broad spectrum of human expression and characteristics that include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender/gender identity, social and cultural attributes, abilities, sexual orientation, religion, rural or metropolitan background, military or veteran status, and age. In addition, diversity also includes life experiences, record of service, and other talents and personal attributes that enhance the work and learning atmosphere. We are dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse community through the recruitment, enrollment, hiring, and retention/graduation of students, faculty, staff, and leadership who meet this definition of diversity.

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The following are the minimum admission requirements for application to the PhD in Rehabilitation Science Program:

1. Baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university in occupational therapy, physical therapy, communication disorders (speech-language pathology or audiology), engineering, exercise science, neuroscience, medicine, nursing, or other health-related professions. 
    
2. Recommended minimum 3.0 overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all previous coursework. 
    
3. Recommended minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score above the 50th percentile for all categories. The GRE score will be utilized as one component of the candidate’s overall application but will not be utilized to exclude candidates. The GRE requirement will be waived for candidates with earned doctorates.
   • Send official scores to GRE DI code: 4817 (Louisiana State Univ HSC-Shreveport School of Allied Health Professions GradCAS)
      
4. Three strong evaluation references, with at least one from a clinical or research mentor, and one from an academic source. 
    
5. Current curricular vitae or resume.
    
6. A written essay that provides evidence of appropriate goals of study, professional growth, and commitment to research, with special emphasis on interest in research that is being conducted at LSU Health Shreveport.
    
7. Interview with faculty that shows passion and commitment to research and professional growth in Rehabilitation Science.

Each application will be reviewed by the Admission Committee to identify individuals with strong commitment and aptitude to perform research related to Rehabilitation Science, along with strong academic preparation and professional-leadership potential.

Preference will be given to candidates with a license to practice either OT, PT, SLP, or Audiology, since a major goal of the program is to enhance the capacity of faculty candidates for these clinical rehabilitation programs.