Exercise and Rehabilitation Science

Master of Science and PhD

The Exercise and Rehabilitation Science master’s and PhD program is a clinical research program based in the College of Health Sciences’ highly competitive Department of Physical Therapy, which ranks in the top 10 percent of the more than 200 accredited physical therapy programs nationwide. It is also part of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeastern Wisconsin (CTSI), which is funded by the National Institutes of Health. The Exercise and Rehabilitation Science program is one of only a few CTSI programs in the country specifically geared toward clinical research training in physical therapy and rehabilitation science.

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Access to Milwaukee-based partnerships

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeastern Wisconsin is a major partner with Marquette’s Exercise and Rehabilitation Science program. Marquette’s participation in this consortium expands opportunities for academic, medical and clinical research within Milwaukee. Students will have access to CTSI partner institutions for collaborative research opportunities, patient populations and advanced course work.

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Earn your master's degree in 2 years

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Program Details - MS

The master of science program in exercise and rehabilitation science:

  • Is a two-year, intensive program.
  • Focuses on enhancing the knowledge base in rehabilitation science with thesis and non-thesis options.
  • Includes core curriculum in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, rehabilitation science, statistics and advanced electives.
  • Prepares students for careers in this rapidly developing and exciting field.

Who is this program for?

Designed for individuals with an interest in clinical research or future plans to pursue a post-baccalaureate clinical degree.

A master’s degree may strengthen a pre-professional student’s application for entry into physical therapy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy or medical school. Students may choose from a variety of areas of emphasis for their degree including:

  • Community wellness
  • Exercise physiology
  • Neuro control of movement
  • Movement disorders
  • Sports medicine, including biomechanics or performance enhancement

Program highlights

  • Open to those with a related science major interested in strengthening their core undergraduate major with advanced course work in research and rehabilitation science.
  • Students gain clinical and translational research experience in the Exercise, Rehabilitation and Movement Disorders Research Complex and also engage in community-based projects.
  • Students interested in the non-thesis project option benefit from departmental interests in pediatric obesity, community wellness in underserved populations, strength and conditioning in geriatric and other special populations (such as cancer and multiple sclerosis patients) and elite athlete populations, among other topics.

Thesis options

Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. Students interested in an MS in clinical research must successfully defend a thesis consisting of a translational research project by the end of their second year. Those students pursuing a non-thesis track must present a scholarly paper in their second year.

Learning Outcomes - MS 

Students graduating from the MS program will be able to:

  • Deliver an effective oral presentation of the thesis or project.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of pertinent literature of the chosen topic.
  • Gather, organize, analyze and report data as appropriate for the project and as defined by mentor.
  • Adhere to requirements for protection of human subjects.
  • Interpret results in a way that relates to the research findings and adds to understanding in the field.
  • We anticipate that students who graduate from the EXRS-MS program at Marquette will be able to make a contribution to scholarship or clinical practice in the field of rehabilitation medicine.

Admission Requirements - MS

See application details tab below for application requirements and details. Students are admitted to the program after completion of a bachelor’s degree in a science or athletic training major with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Current Marquette undergraduate students studying in a related field with a 3.0 GPA or better may apply for the accelerated degree program (ADP) during their junior year for admission into the master’s program for their senior year.


Students in the Exercise and Rehabilitation Science program typically begin their studies in the fall of each academic year. Admission is on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early. 


Earn your PhD in exercise and rehabilitation science

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Program Details - PhD

Immerse yourself in an exercise and rehabilitation science research curriculum that consists of:

  • 24 credits of basic science course work accepted from your post-baccalaureate clinical degree
  • 70 total credits that can be completed in four years (full-time students)
  • Core course work in rehabilitation systems physiology, applied neurophysiology, statistics, molecular genetics and research methodology
  • Individually selected advanced electives

Who is this program for?

The doctoral program is suited for practicing physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants and nurses with post-baccalaureate degrees interested in a translational research and clinical research training.

  • The doctor of philosophy builds upon the core competencies of clinical degrees (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical ethics and patient care) with course work in rehabilitation systems physiology, applied neurophysiology, statistics, molecular genetics and research methodology.
  • Students have access to state of the art research techniques in the exercise, rehabilitation and movement disorders research core laboratories housed within the exercise science program and the Department of Physical Therapy.

Research includes the use of EMG, motion analysis, biomechanics, isokinetic dynamometry, fMRI, body composition, bone mineral density, diagnostic ultrasound, and acute/chronic exercise training to explore mechanisms of dysfunction and develop theories for restoring function in people with movement disorders. 

Movement disorders cross age, gender and all ethnic boundaries and include:

  • Populations with multiple sclerosis
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Traumatic brain injury
  •  Stroke
  • Cancer survivors
  • Pediatric obesity
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Chronic pain syndromes 

Learning Outcomes - PhD

Students graduating from the PhD program will be able to:

  • Deliver an effective oral presentation of the dissertation proposal.
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of pertinent literature.
  • Identify research questions or problems that are pertinent and significant.
  • Gather, organize, analyze and report data using an appropriate conceptual framework.
  • Adhere to requirements for protection of human subjects.
  • Interpret results in a way that relates to the research findings and adds to understanding in the field.
  • We anticipate that students who graduate from the EXRS-doctoral program at Marquette will demonstrate commitment to advancing the values of scholarship in their own careers and in the mentorship of others. 

Admission Requirements - PhD

See application details tab below for application requirements and details. 


Students applying to the doctoral program must have successfully completed either a master’s degree in a related discipline or a post-baccalaureate clinical degree (DPT, MPT, MP, MSN, MD, etc.) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale).

Students enrolled in the program typically begin their studies in the fall of each academic year. Admission is on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Earn a Combined PT/PhD in exercise and rehabilitation science

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Program Details – PT/PhD

The combined PT/PhD degree track is for students currently enrolled in the Marquette Physical Therapy program. For MUPT students, they are eligible to apply for the combined PT/PhD program in the Fall of their second year of study. For details about the combined PT/PhD program, please click here.


Take the next step towards your future


  • Request Information
  • Admission Requirements
  • Application Details
  • Application Deadline
  • Faculty
  • Financial Aid
  • Our Students

Learn more about Marquette's exercise and rehabilitation science.

Graduate Program Recruiter

Tim Carter

phone: (414) 288-7139

Director of Graduate Studies

Dr. Marie Hoeger Bement

phone: (414) 288-3382   


 


Email the Graduate School

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To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following:

M.S. program requirements:

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent must be completed prior to starting graduate school.
  • Completed coursework in anatomy and physiology.
  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
  • Demonstrated English proficiency for non-U.S. citizens.

Ph.D. program requirements:

A bachelor's and master's degree in a related discipline or a post-baccalaureate degree in a clinical profession (physician assistant studies, physical therapy, doctor of medicine, nursing, speech-language pathology, etc.) from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent must be completed prior to starting graduate school.

Application Requirements

Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application

  • A completed online application form and fee.
  • Transcripts:
  • A curriculum vitae including work history, formal education, continuing education, licensing and certification, professional organizations, honors and awards, publications, presentations and grants
  • A personal statement of no more than 500 words addressing your purpose for applying to the program, your ability to successfully complete the program and your goals (short and long term)
  • Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s academic, professional, clinical, personal attributes and potential for meaningful graduate study. At least one academic reference must be included.
  • For international applicants only: GRE scores (General Test only).
  • For international applicants only: a minimum acceptable score on the iBT TOEFL exam of 90 overall, with minimum section scores of 25 for listening and speaking, and minimum scores of 20 for reading and writing, or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.
  • Applicants may wish to submit one example of written work, such as a class project, course assignment, first author publication, grant application, etc. (optional).
  • An interview with the admission committee is mandatory.

1Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record. 

2Upon admission, an official course-by-course transcript/academic record evaluation must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record. 

Students typically begin their studies in the fall of each academic year. This program has rolling admission, which means you may apply any time before the following dates but applicants are encouraged to apply early.

  • Fall term admissions – August 1 (June 1 for international applicants)

Applicants who wish to be considered for merit-based financial aid (graduate assistantships/fellowships) should be aware of the merit-based financial aid deadlines. To be considered for merit-based financial aid, all applicant materials must be received by the Graduate School by February 15.

Kathleen Lukaszewicz, MPT, PhD

Director of Graduate Studies, Clinical Assistant Professor- Physical Therapy

(414) 288-3382 | Email Kathleen


Paula E. Papanek, PhD, MPT, FACSM 

Associate Professor and Director of Exercise Science

(414) 288-5069 | Email Paula


Marie Hoeger Bement, MPT, PhD

Associate Professor- Physical Therapy

(414) 288-6738 | Email Marie


Allison Hyngstrom, PT, PhD
Department Chair, Associate Professor-  Physical Therapy

(414) 288-7161 | Email Allison


Sheila Schindler-Ivens, PT, PhD

Associate Professor- Physical Therapy

(414) 288-7282 | Email Sheila

Faculty Research Page


Alexander V. Ng, PhD, FACSM

Associate Professor- Exercise Science

(414) 288-6209 | Email Alexander

Daniel Pinto, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT

Assistant Professor- Physical Therapy

(414) 288-4495 | Email Daniel

Faculty Research Page


Sandra Hunter, PhD, FACSM

Professor- Exercise Science

(414) 288-6673 | Email Sandra

Faculty Research Page


Kristof Kipp, PhD, CSCS

Assistant Professor

(414) 288-6661 | Email Kristof


Kristi Streeter, PhD

Assistant Professor

(414) 288-1624 | Email Kristi

Faculty Research Page


Chris Sundberg, PhD

Assistant Professor

(414) 288-5607 | Email Chris

Faculty Research Page


Jacob J. Capin, PT, DPT, PhD, MS

Assistant Professor

Email Jacob

Faculty Research Page



 

Affiliated Faculty

Michael Danduran, MS

Clinical Assistant Professor

(414) 288-6685 | Email Michael


Sarah Grace Dalton, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor, Speech Pathology and Audiology

(414) 288-1407 | Email Sarah



Samuel Nemanich, Ph.D., MSCI

Assistant Professor

(414) 288-3243 | Email Samuel


Christopher F. Geiser, MS, PT, LAT, ATC

Program Director-  Athletic Training Clinical Associate Professor

(414) 288-6210 | Email Christopher


Jenya Iuzzini-Seigel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Assistant Professor, Speech Pathology and Audiology

(414) 288-1528 | Email Jenya





Research assistantships within the Exercise Rehabilitation Health Science program are available to a limited number of doctoral candidates. Assistantships include a full tuition scholarship, stipend for living expenses, and subsidized medical insurance. Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.

Financial aid is available for master’s students in the form of tuition credits and stipends. In addition, teaching opportunities are available for master’s students in their second year of study to help offset the cost of the program. Apply early! Any financial awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis.