The Ph.D. program in Rehabilitation Science is a unique interdisciplinary program. Students take a core of classes with other students from the Departments of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Communicative Disorders. The focus is on developing expertise in research and education in the broad interdisciplinary rehabilitation science field, while expanding one's individual area of specialization. Dissertation research has addressed research needs in such areas as geriatric discharge destinations; the impact of spirituality on health; effective methodologies for teaching empathy; counselor attitudes and suicide; life care planning and prediction of personal care assistance, and others.