Graduate/Doctoral Admissions
The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) offers a Master of Science degree program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with specific concentrations (please refer below to Admission Requirements for program listings) and a Coordinated Master's in Dietetics (CMD). Please submit the SHRS Online Application for these graduate programs. Applicants to the PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science and Communication Science and Disorders, and the Doctor of Clinical Science in Medical Speech Language Pathology (CScD), are also required to submit this application. Please view information on program admission requirements and deadlines below and submit all documents in a timely manner.
The following programs use the Centralized Application Service (CAS): MA/MA in Communication Science & Disorders, Doctor of Audiology, Master of Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics. Please refer to the department web page for more information on applying through the Centralized Application Service.
Admissions Criteria
- Completion of a baccalaureate degree.
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students who do not have a minimum GPA of 3.0 may still be considered for admission if they can provide supporting evidence regarding their eligibility.
- Completion of specific program admission and prerequisite requirements (please see below).
- It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete all admission requirements prior to enrollment.
Application Process
The following are required for the SHRS Online Application:
- Application fee of $50 – You may make your payment for the application fee online or elect to pay by check or money order. Make check or money order payable to the University of Pittsburgh. *You will be prompted to choose your payment type at the end of the application process.
- Three Letters of Recommendation are required for all grad programs. These recommendations should be from college level instructors or employers/professionals who have supervised your work in a paid or volunteer capacity. These individuals should be able to comment on your academic, professional and interpersonal abilities. People submitting recommendation letters on your behalf may send their letters to our admissions office electronically through our application system. For those people who wish to submit their letter of recommendation on paper, please forward them a copy of our Recommendation Form and follow the directions for paper recommendations.
- Statement of Purpose/Essay
- Transcript(s) – Submit official transcript(s) from each college or university you have attended even if only one course was taken at that particular college or university. Course(s) posted for advanced standing on transcripts are not considered official. Please mail to the SHRS Office of Admissions, 4020 Forbes Tower, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.
- GRE*: Please arrange to send your scores to the University of Pittsburgh – the institution code is 2927. For information to take this test, please visit www.gre.org or call 1-800-473-2255.
*The GRE is not required of all SHRS grad programs. Please see individual department web pages to determine if this is required for the program you are applying for.
After your application is complete, it is submitted to the Department's Admissions Committee for review. Most admissions decisions are available 4-6 weeks after your application is complete. We request applicants to monitor the status of their application by logging into their application. You will receive an electronic notification once your application is complete. Your decision letter will also be sent through your online application account. Therefore, please retain your online application pin number and password to access all admission communication.
Admission Requirements and Application Deadlines
Please view link for specific admission requirement and application deadline for the program you are applying:
Communication Science and Disorders (MA-SLP/AuD) January 1, fall only
Coordinated Master's in Dietetics (CMD): March 15, fall only
Master of Science degree program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with concentrations in:
Health Care Supervision and Management: *Rolling admission process.
Health Information Systems: *Rolling admission process.
Occupational Therapy: *Rolling admission process.
Neuromuscular or Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy: *Rolling admission process. Fall term admission only.
Rehabilitation Counseling: *Rolling admission process.
Rehabilitation Science and Technology: *Rolling admission process.
Sports Medicine: January 15 (Athletic Trainers seeking GA positions), March 15, fall only.
Wellness and Human Performance: *Rolling admission process.
Master of Occupational Therapy *Rolling admission process. Summer term admission only.
Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics: *Rolling admission process. Fall term admission only.
Physician Assistant Studies *Rolling admission process. Spring term admission only.
Doctor of Physical Therapy *Rolling admission process. Summer term admission only.
Doctor of Clinical Science in Speech Language Pathology (CScD) *Rolling admission process.
PhD program in Communication Science and Disorders: *Rolling admission process.
PhD program in Rehabilitation Science: *Rolling admission process.
*The Rolling admission policy means that there is no application deadline; admission is offered on an ongoing basis to qualified students until the class is filled. For most SHRS programs, class size is limited and therefore we encourage students to apply as early as possible. International applicants should adhere to application deadlines.
*Please note that some SHRS programs require you to complete clinical education/internships/practicum or supervised practice at facilities external to the University. Many facilities require a criminal background check, an Act 33/34 clearance, and a drug screen to determine whether you are qualified to participate in the clinical education. Additionally, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.