ATTENTION: Orientation and Semester I (Summer 2023) start dates are still to be determined.
- The application cycle for Summer 2023 program entry will open October 1, 2022.
- The deadline for submitting applications is December 15, 2022 for Cal State Apply and December 21, 2022 for the Interfolio Supplemental Application.
- The deadline for submitting official GRE scores and official transcripts to SDSU Graduate Admissions is January 12, 2023.
- Tentatively, Bachelor’s degree must be awarded prior to first semester start on May 26, 2023.
Bachelor’s Degree
- Baccalaureate degree must be from an accredited college or university.
- You may obtain your degree in any area of study so long as the minimum requirements needed to apply are met; however, a background of coursework in the natural sciences is strongly recommended. A background in exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics or athletic training is also preferable.
- A minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) with at least a 3.00 GPA in all upper division and any graduate study combined.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Allowance
- SDSU DPT will accept all lecture and laboratory courses completed via online/virtual for Spring, Summer, Fall 2020, Spring, Summer, Fall 2021, Spring, Summer, Fall 2022, and Spring 2023 semesters only, although in-person labs are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
- At the present time, Credit (from Credit/No credit classification) or Pass (from Pass/Fail classification) grades will be accepted in lieu of letter grades for Spring, Summer, Fall 2020, Spring, Summer, Fall 2021, and Spring 2022 semesters only (NOT Summer 2022). Credit or Pass grades will be credited as being completed but no grade value will be included in the final pre-requisite or overall GPA determination. Thus, provided the option to take a course for a letter grade, a letter grade would generally benefit the student’s pre-requisite GPA and overall application.
Prerequisite Coursework
Course prerequisites MUST be completed by the end of the spring semester (or quarter) PRIOR to commencing the program.
These include:
| Area | Requirement | Courses/Topic | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Science | two semesters/three quarters, each with lecture and laboratory | one general biology and one upper-division biology | Introductory and upper level course such as embryology, developmental biology, histology, immunology, or microbiology are recommended. Exercise Physiology cannot be used to fulfill this requirement. Both the lower and upper level Biology courses need to have a lab. |
| Anatomy/ Physiology | two semesters/three quarters, each with lecture and laboratory | human anatomy and physiology | The prerequisite courses used for the human anatomy and physiology requirements can not also be used for the general and upper level Biology course requirements. Exercise Physiology will not fulfill the physiology requirement. Combined courses are accepted, but you must take the complete series. Both courses and both labs must be completed within 5 years of application to DPT program. |
| Chemistry | two semesters/three quarters, each with lecture and laboratory | general chemistry | No introductory/survey classes will be accepted. One upper-division chemistry course with laboratory may be used in lieu of one general chemistry course (e.g., organic chemistry). |
| Physics | two semesters/three quarters, each with lecture and laboratory | general physics | No introductory/survey classes will be accepted. One upper-division physics course with laboratory may be used in lieu of one general physics course. |
| Psychology | two courses | one general psychology and one upper-division psychology | Recommended upper level courses include abnormal, child development, or life span. |
| Statistics | one course | Recommended courses include biometry, biostatistics, quantitative analysis, research methods and design or hypothesis testing, general college statistics. | |
| English writing | one course | English composition or an upper level writing course |
No more than two prerequisite courses can be taken during the spring semester (or quarter) prior to commencing the program. All prerequisite coursework must be completed with at least a “C”(2.0) letter grade and a GPA of at least 3.00.
Observation Hours
- A minimum of 100 observation hours must be completed under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
- Observation in two or more different types of physical therapy settings (e.g. pediatric and orthopedic, rather than two different orthopedic settings) is highly recommended.
- While no direct verification will be required, the admissions committee may contact the supervisors to verify observation hours of applicants who are being strongly considered for being admitted to the program.
- Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- SDSU still desires that students meet the 100 minimum observation hours of experience. Although paid or volunteer experiences might be limited due to recent corona virus pandemic, SDSU currently believes that there will eventually be ample time to obtain hours by the December 21 Supplementary application deadline. Applicants unable to meet the 100 minimum hours may submit a letter requesting an exception. The letter should briefly explain why they were unable to meet the requested minimum hour requirement.
Technical Requirements for Admittance and Program Participation
Qualified applicants must also be able to meet the physical requirements of the program’s Technical Standards for Admission.
- Review the SDSU DPT Program Technical Standards for Admission (pdf) which applicants are expected to meet in order to participate in the DPT program and in professional practice.
- Clinical Education Requirements also include complying with the SDSU student code of conduct, nondiscrimination policies, including diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, and vaccination requirements, including, but not limited to, measles/mumps/rubella, tetanus/diphtheria (TDap), Provaricella (chicken pox), hepatitis B, and COVID-19 (seasonal flu vaccinations are highly encouraged). Non-compliance with these and any other University or agency policies may delay the student’s ability to graduate on time, may require a leave of absence, may require the student’s withdrawal from the program, or may lead to dismissal from the program.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Minimum combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 300, and minimum Analytical Writing score of 4.0.
- Only scores from previous 5 years will be valid. However, GRE scores used for a completed Master’s degree may be used. The GRE is not required for applicants with verified PhD degrees.
- Must be completed with scores available before the application deadline.
Letters of recommendation
- Three confidential letters of recommendation from professionals attesting to the ability, scholarship and aptitude of the candidate for a rigorous full-time DPT program. At least one letter must be from a licensed physical therapist with whom the applicant had a professional association thereby can appropriately evaluate the applicant’s potential as a student in the physical therapy program, and one letter must be from a professor for a course which the applicant completed. The third letter of recommendation can be from a licensed physical therapist, academic instructor for a course which the applicant completed, or an individual that the applicant worked, volunteered, served or participated with in a professional environment or setting.