Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy

The Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Therapy program is designed to meet the global demand for qualified faculty and researchers in physical therapy education while fostering academic leadership in the field. This full-time program, typically completed in three to four years, also offers part-time options for individuals aiming to build careers in teaching and research. By focusing on key areas such as academic leadership, instruction, and research dissemination, the PhD in Physical Therapy program equips students with advanced knowledge and skills.For individuals holding a DPT or tDPT degree, a minimum of 45 additional credits is required to earn the PhD in PT degree, while those whose highest degree is a master's in physical therapy must complete at least 55 credits. The 40-credit core curriculum includes subjects such as teaching and educational leadership, research design and methods, statistics and critical review of literature, PhD seminar, movement analysis and instrumentation, motor control and motor learning, and PhD dissertation work. Depending on prior academic qualifications, an additional 5 or 15 credits are tailored to align with the student's specific academic and professional goals.By integrating theory and practice, graduates gain the expertise to apply evidence-based strategies in physical therapy practice, education, and research. The program’s core courses provide a strong foundation for leadership in academic and research environments, while elective courses further enhance students' readiness for success in teaching and scholarly endeavors.

Applicants seeking admission to the PhD in Physical Therapy program must meet specific academic and professional requirements. Candidates should hold either a doctoral or master’s degree in Physical Therapy or a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy accompanied by a master’s degree in a health-related field from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent institution internationally. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale is required, along with a valid Physical Therapy license or registration. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate prior research experience at the undergraduate, graduate, or other academic levels and ensure that their research interests align with faculty expertise and availability.Prerequisite coursework must also be completed, including a three-credit course covering research design, methods, critical analysis of literature, and the role of evidence-based practice. For dual DPT/PhD in PT applicants, this requirement is fulfilled by PTP 820 – Quantitative Research Methods (4). Another prerequisite is a three-credit course in statistical analysis, focusing on common statistical procedures in quantitative research and data analysis using statistical software, satisfied by PTP 821 – Statistical Analysis for Quantitative Research (4) for dual DPT/PhD in PT applicants. Additionally, students must complete PTP 681 – Teaching, Learning and Health Education (2) or an equivalent course.