Doctor of Philosophy in Therapeutic Science

Therapeutic Science is an interdisciplinary doctoral program involving faculty across a variety of departments and schools at KU. This program is part of a growing trend to provide interdisciplinary doctoral-level training addressing issues related to disability. The doctoral program in Therapeutic Science is administered through the Department of Occupational Therapy Education in the KU School of Health Professions.

This program is designed for graduate students with interests in disability and quality of life requiring an integrated, interdisciplinary course of study that cannot be provided by existing programs. Typically, applicants will already have obtained a graduate degree (or accumulated 24 research-related course credits at the graduate level) and have a professional credential or identity (e.g., occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, licensed clinical social worker, clinical psychologist, special educator). Many are likely to be working in their chosen field related to issues of disability, but now seek to generate knowledge for understanding disability and improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Recognizing the value of insights gained through application of theoretical knowledge in work place settings, the curriculum purposely is flexible to allow students to pursue this program of study while working professionally.

The Master of Science in Occupational Therapy is available to occupational therapists with a bachelor's degree to transition to the Therapeutic Science PhD program.