There is a significant demand for physical therapists who have attained the additional doctor of philosophy degree to serve as core faculty in academic positions to educate DPT students and to serve as physical therapists with clinical expertise and research experience to expand the knowledge base of the profession.

Admission to the DPT/PhD program is a two-step process. The first step is to be admitted to the DPT program. Students interested in being considered for the PhD in exercise science degree program in the school of exercise and rehabilitation sciences will then apply to that program prior to completion of the DPT program. This process will follow the established procedures for application to the school of exercise and rehabilitation sciences' doctoral program. 

Students may apply up to 18 credits of their DPT program for credit in the Ph.D. program.  Please contact the physical therapy program or the program director for the graduate program in exercise science for more information on the dual degree.