Physical Therapy (PhD)
Upcoming online open house: June 23, 6.30 pm EST. Register here
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| Entry Term | Application Due Date |
| Fall 2025 | June 30, 2025 |
| Winter 2026 | October 31, 2025 |
About the Program
Program Objective
To prepare leaders in the profession of physical therapy who can serve as change agents in the profession to address health issues through the life span, negotiate/advocate services for clients, educate clients and students, consult with organizations, and contribute to the profession through research.
Target Applicant
This program is for physical therapists interested in obtaining skills needed for academic/research careers.
Delivery
The distance hybrid program allows students to participate from anywhere in the world. Delivery depends on the semester and what courses you are taking:
- There is no required on-campus time during the summer semester, except for students choosing to take certain elective courses.
- There is no required on-campus time during the fall semester. For core courses offered in the fall, there are 2-4 days of online synchronous time (typically in October) that you can complete from anywhere without traveling to Florida.
- Students may have to come to our Fort Lauderdale campus in the winter semester (typically in March), for 2-4 days, depending on course selection and cohort:
- First-year students are offered two choices in their first winter semester: (a) take winter classes online and not come to campus until their second year, or (b) come on-campus for one class their first winter. This provides increased flexibility as students are acclimating to their first year in the program.
- All second-year students have an on-campus visit in their winter semester.
- The only other time students are required to visit campus is to take the comprehensive exam.
- The dissertation process is entirely online, including the dissertation defense.
Admissions and Curriculum Information
Please use the left-side menu, PhD PT section (top menu if browsing on a phone), to explore more details about our program including how to apply, admissions criteria, and curricular plan.