University of Southern California's

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

About the Division

The University of Southern California (USC) is one of the premier private research universities in the world. The central mission of USC is the development of human beings and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. The principal means by which this mission is accomplished are teaching, research, artistic creation, professional practice and selected forms of public service.

The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy was founded in 1945. Since its inception, USC has been a pioneer of the physical therapy profession and a leader in both physical therapy research and education. Currently ranked as the #1 program in the nation by US News & World Report, the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy continues to be a prestigious center of excellence for the clinical practice, education, and research of physical therapy. With physical therapy becoming one of the fastest growing medical professions, the Division understands how important it is to be on the forefront of innovative knowledge, research, and experience.

The Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy offers multiple degree programs allowing graduates the opportunity to choose an educational program that will expose them to cutting-edge research and scientific advancements, in turn creating innovators in the physical therapy profession. Our largest degree program is the three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy. In addition, the Division offers a Ph.D. in Biokinesiology, one of the nation’s first Ph.D. degrees in physical therapy education.

Students are exposed to a variety of research experiences. Basic science and clinical research enrich both faculty and students. Knowledge derived from laboratory studies provides a unique dimension to the classroom experience, as well as contributing to a scholarly environment. Students have the opportunity to work in labs assisting with studies in developmental motor control, cardiopulmonary medicine, cellular muscle physiology, development of ingestive behaviors, clinical electrophysiology, human motion analysis, computational neuroscience, adult motor control and learning, neural plasticity, as well as exercise physiology. As a result, students are well prepared to excel in their field, both educationally and professionally.

Why the DPT?

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at the University of Southern California prepares graduates to be autonomous practitioners, capable of evaluating and treating patients without the need for referral from another practitioner, but ready to work in collaboration with other health professionals. The Doctor of Physical Therapy is the authoritative practitioner in the diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction.

• For more information about the DPT degree, visit the APTA website.

  The History Behind the USC DPT
  

• In 1998, the University of Southern California awarded the DPT degree to graduates of the program in physical therapy. USC has been a leader in the transition to doctoral level education in physical therapy. The need for a primary care practitioner who can diagnose and treat the causes of movement dysfunction and the increased scientific and evidence base for physical therapy are forces for the dramatic shift to a doctoral degree as the primary preparation for a professional degree in physical therapy.

  Why Should I Come to USC?
  

• "The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at USC is one of the premier programs in the country. This distinction derives from a mission that includes the advancement of physical therapy education, practice, and research. Because of this, students in our program benefit from a dynamic learning environment where patient care and research are actively integrated. Faculty are national and international leaders engaged in teaching and research with a focus on increasing the quality and understanding of physical therapy practice and science.