Exploring research and applied learning in Ohio State’s MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program

Discover how MSHRS students at Ohio State choose between the Research Track (thesis) option or the Advanced Practice (non-thesis) option to advance their careers in health and rehabilitation sciences.
05/11/2026
9 min read

At The Ohio State University, the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (MSHRS) program, available in both in-person and fully online formats, offers students the flexibility to tailor their graduate experience to their professional goals. A defining feature of the program is the ability to choose between two distinct culminating pathways: the Research Track […]

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At The Ohio State University, the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (MSHRS) program, available in both in-person and fully online formats, offers students the flexibility to tailor their graduate experience to their professional goals. A defining feature of the program is the ability to choose between two distinct culminating pathways: the Research Track (thesis) option or the Advanced Practice (non-thesis)option.

Students who pursue the Research Track (thesis) option engage in rigorous, faculty-guided research, ultimately producing a scholarly thesis that contributes to the broader field of health and rehabilitation sciences. In contrast, students in the Advanced Practice (non-thesis) option complete an applied project designed to translate evidence into practice, often addressing real-world challenges within clinical, community, or organizational settings.  

Below is a curated list of OhioLINK-published theses from graduates of the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The Ohio State University. These examples can help prospective students see the types of research topics students pursue in the Research Track (thesis) option of the program as well as the Advanced Practice (non-thesis) option, respectively.  

Examples of Thesis projects from Ohio State MSHRS Students

The Research Track (thesis) option emphasizes research design, data analysis, and scholarly dissemination. Students work closely with faculty mentors to investigate meaningful questions, often contributing new insights to clinical practice, public health, or human performance.  

1. Determining Repetitive Head Impact Exposure in Youth Tackle Football Based on Five Data Cleaning Methods

By: Samantha DeAngelo (2025)

2. Healthcare Service Use Patterns Among Autistic Adults: A Systematic Review with Narrative Synthesis

By: Daniel Gilmore (2021)

3. Building Cadet Power: Upper and Lower Body Development in Corrections Academy Training

By: Adrian Jourdan (2025) 

4. Real-Time Examination of Factors that Influence Obstetric Sonographer Workload

By: Katherine Ann Smith (2024)

5. BMI and Body Composition in Division I Athletes

By: Isabella Simpson (2021)

6. Exploration of Diabetes Knowledge, Risk, and Perception of Type 2 Diabetes Among Young Adults in the United States

By: Emily Crouch (2021)

7. Examination of the Knowledge and Perceptions of Millennials Regarding the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate

By: Marguerite Catanzaro (2021)

8. The Effects of Delivering Inhaled Epoprostenol on Prolonging Mechanical Ventilation in Post-Operative Cardiac Surgery Patients

By: Melissa Klug (2022)

9. Potential Screening Tool and Dietary Factors Contributing to Low Testosterone and Low Energy Availability in Male Runners

By: Bryce Jordan (2022)

How these examples help prospective students

Reviewing past theses provides valuable insight into what students in the Research Track (thesis) option accomplish throughout the program. These projects demonstrate how students:  

  • Develop focused research questions and hypotheses   
  • Conduct systematic reviews, clinical studies, or experimental research   
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data   
  • Produce a scholarly thesis comparable to a peer-reviewed journal article   
  • Contribute meaningful knowledge to the field of health and rehabilitation sciences   

For students interested in research, academia, or evidence-based clinical advancement, the Research Track (thesis) option offers a strong foundation in scientific inquiry and dissemination.  

Examples of Non-Thesis projects from Ohio State MSHRS students  

While thesis projects focus on generating new knowledge, the Advanced Practice (non-thesis) option emphasizes applying existing evidence to real-world challenges. These projects often take the form of program development, clinical guidelines, quality improvement initiatives, or educational interventions.  

Because Advanced Practice (non-thesis) projects are typically implemented within organizations or clinical settings, they are not commonly archived in OhioLINK. However, they play an equally important role in preparing graduates to lead change, improve outcomes, and translate research into practice.  

(Note: Since Advanced Practice (non-thesis) projects are not archived in OhioLINK, if you are interested in reading a complete non-thesis project please fill out an inquiry form and you will be connected with an Enrollment Advisor who can help you.)  

1. Complexities of Nutrition Support in the Early Days of a Pandemic: A Case Series

By: Angela Parillo, RD, LD, CNSC (2021)

2. Stigma-Reducing Training Program for Respiratory Therapy Students

By: Breanna Pope, B.S., RRT (2019)

3. The Effects and Application of Electrical Stimulation and Robotic Assisted Interventions on the Hemiplegic Shoulder Following Neurological Injury

By: Chandler Lowe, BS (2020)

4. Retrospective Analysis of a Women’s Imaging Department Volume and Referral Sources

By: Hilary Erin Grigsby (2020)

Choosing the right path

Whether students choose the Research Track (thesis) or the Advanced Practice (non-thesis) option, both pathways are designed to build advanced skills that translate directly into career growth. The thesis track is ideal for those interested in research, doctoral study, or publishing, while the non-thesis track supports professionals looking to implement change, lead initiatives, and apply evidence in real-world settings.  To learn more about which path is right for you, check out this article.

Together, these options reflect the flexibility and depth of the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program—empowering students to align their academic experience with their long-term career goals.  

If you’re unsure which path fits you best, our Enrollment Advisors can help you align your choice with your long-term goals. Reach out to us to learn more or, if you’re ready, start your application today.

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