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Admissions
This is an upper-division program, to learn more about these programs, click here.
Application
Application Opens
October 6, 2025
Application Closes
Application Closed
Application System
- Current University of Pittsburgh undergraduates: Complete the SHRS Upper-Level Transfer Application (ULTA) application.
- Transfer students: Complete transfer application and pay the application fee through the main Pitt Admissions office followed by the ULTA application.
Prerequisites
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and prerequisite science and math GPA of 2.5 (based on 4.0).
- Science and math GPA is calculated using scores from any course taken in the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math including higher-level classes. Repeated classes are averaged.
- 60 credits are required to begin the program.
- Students who have completed a minimum of 54 credits may be eligible.
Prerequisite Coursework:
Grade of C- (C for transfer), 3 credits minimum unless otherwise noted.
- Foundations of Biology 1, BIOSC 0150 or BIOSC 0715
- Foundations of Biology 1 Lab, BIOSC 0050, 0057 or 0058
- General Chemistry 1 and Lab, CHEM 0110, CHEM 0710
- Introduction to Physics, PHYS 0110, PHYS 0174 or PHYS 0475
- Introduction to Psychology, PSY 0010
- Seminar in Composition*, 1 course
- Writing Intensive, 1 course. ENGCMP 0440 or 0540 is recommended.
- Oral Communication, 1 course. COMMRC 0520 preferred; 0310, 0500, 0510, 0530 acceptable.
- College Algebra, 1 course. MATH 0031 or higher math required. Exemption accepted.
- Statistics, 1 course. STAT 0200 or STAT 1000, 1100 required.
- Diversity*, 1 course
- Literature*, The Arts*, Historical Analysis*, Creative Work* or Philosophical Thinking and Ethics*, 1 course
- Social Sciences*, 1 course
- Cross-Cultural Awareness*, Global Issues* or Specific Geographic Region*, 1 course. ANTH 0780 recommended.
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended are required.
Students planning to apply to graduate professional programs in health sciences are recommended to complete most of the prerequisite courses for those graduate programs (e.g. Physics II, Biology II, Chemistry II, etc.) prior to admission to the Rehabilitation Science program. Anatomy and Physiology (prerequisites for many professional health science programs) are included in the Rehabilitation Science curriculum.
*See the General Education and Graduation requirements from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.
Transcripts
Applicants are required to provide transcripts from all U.S. universities, colleges or other higher education institutions attended.
Admitted students will need to submit official transcripts to the SHRS Admissions Office prior to enrolling in classes.
Experience
The program is looking for students who:
- Are motivated, inquisitive compassionate helpers by nature
- Have previous experience in health care
- Are excited learners ready for an academic challenge
- Have other compelling goals, interests and experiences
Personal Statement
Submit a personal statement that describes how the applicant’s lived experiences have inspired their interest in a health care field.
This statement should reveal the applicant’s personality, values, character and creativity, and describe how those experiences would promote empathy and a sense of belonging for future patients and colleagues in the applicant’s chosen field. Applicants may also include sharing how these experiences contribute to promoting compassion and wellness in health care. Essays should be approximately 500-750 words in length and single or 1.5 spaced.
Application Review Process
Admission to the program is competitive. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
Admission is based on a holistic review of all information presented in the candidate’s application including the academic record, personal statement and resume. Applications are reviewed by an admissions committee consisting of faculty in the Rehabilitation Science program.
Once the application review process starts in early January, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is full.
Other Requirements
Submit a resume that includes professional experience (positions held, internships, research, clinical observations), volunteer/community service, leadership and experiences that highlight your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
