PhD Career Opportunities

Our PhD Program is designed to develop and prepare students to become extraordinary researchers, educators, and leaders in the field of rehabilitation science.


A PhD prepares you for employment as:

  • A post-doctorate fellow at various research institutions
  • A business development manager/director
  • A technical advisor for public policy in your field of expertise

A PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences prepares you for employment as:

  • A faculty-researcher in fields such as Physical Therapy, Oncology, Health Sciences, Rehabilitation, Gerontology, etc
  • A researcher within the biomedical and technology industry
  • A clinician within the discipline of Rehabilitation Sciences

Our past graduates currently hold positions as:

  • Tenure-track faculty
  • Clinical researchers
  • Postdoctoral Scholars

Alumni Spotlights

Katelyn Kotlerak, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Katelyn received her Ph.D. in Communication Disorders in 2019 from ECU. She currently serves as a tenured-track Assistant Professor in the Communication Disorders Department at the University of Wyoming. Specializing in craniofacial and velopharyngeal disorders, Dr. Kotlarek’s current research projects include improving surgical and speech outcomes for individuals born with cleft palate. In addition to her role as a researcher, Dr. Kotlarek also teaches courses in anatomy and physicolofy of speech, swallowing, and hearing, acourstics of speech and hearing, and dysphagia.

Vikram Dayalu, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Vikram received his Ph.D. in Communication Disorders in 2004 from ECU. He currently serves as Department Chair and Associate Professor in Seton Hall University’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology. He also oversees the Fluent and Dysfluent Speech Laboratory. His current research projects include the study of sensory modalities and its influence on the speech production. In addition to his administrative and research duties, Dr. Dayalu also teaches courses in fluency disorders and speech science.