Upcoming Application Deadlines
Residential Pathway
The final deadline for the Fall 2025 cohort is December 2, 2024.
Hybrid Pathway
The final deadline for the Summer 2025 cohort is March 21, 2025.
USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Residential Pathway
Live near campus. Attend classes on University of Southern California’s campus and complete clinical experiences in the greater Los Angeles area or across the nation.
Hybrid Pathway
Continue living at home. Attend classes online and on USC’s campus and complete clinical experiences in your community or across the nation.
USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, a top-ranked school of physical therapy by U.S. News & World Report’s list of best graduate physical therapy (PT) schools, offers its premier Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree in both residential and hybrid pathways.
Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), USC’s DPT programs feature a renowned faculty of scientists and clinicians, world-class facilities and a diverse and talented student body. USC graduates are prepared to provide patient-centered, evidence-based care and to become leaders in the physical therapy profession.
Changing Healthcare to Meet the Needs of Society
Physical therapists are the movement specialists, putting them on the front lines to be able to detect cerebral palsy in infants as young as 3 to 5 months. Early interventions with cerebral palsy are crucial, vastly improving long-term outcomes for babies born with cerebral palsy. The USC Division of Biokinesiology Motor Development Lab is focused on creating these early intervention strategies to improve the lives of those diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
USC Fit Families
Since 2004, USC Fit Families has taken aim at health inequity in neighboring communities with weekly fitness courses meant to educate children and their families about the importance of physical activity to their health and well-being. With community partners by their side, the physical therapists and physical therapy students aim to get families moving regularly to avoid systemic health crises across Southern California.
Diversity and Anti-Racism
The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy is committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment for all members of our learning community. Doctor of Physical Therapy students are able to participate as leaders and learners in our work as an anti-racist organization. We work to create a place for all to belong inside of the classroom through inclusive learning practices and outside of the classroom through our Physical Therapy Multicultural Leadership Alliance, student-led affinity groups, and Division-wide events engaging in perspective taking and celebrating our diversity.
Learn more about our commitment to diversity and anti-racism.
DPT Program
Residential Pathway
Students in the residential pathway of the DPT program engage in a mix of small and large group learning to optimize engagement and connection on USC’s Health Sciences Campus. In addition to student-centered learning on campus, students engage with our state-of-the-art digital learning platform to prepare for class, and have the opportunity to volunteer in rehabilitation research laboratories on campus. Clinical education experiences occur in the Los Angeles region and across the nation. Campus life is vibrant, immersive, and joyful as students prepare to become doctors of physical therapy.
DPT Program
Hybrid Pathway
Students in the hybrid pathway of the DPT program engage in small group,12:1 student: faculty ratio, online learning combined with intensive immersion experiences in our fully equipped campus learning laboratories. In addition to student-centered learning online and on campus, students engage with our state-of-the-art digital learning platform to prepare for class, and have the opportunity to volunteer remotely or in person in rehabilitation research activities. Clinical education experiences occur in students’ local communities and across the nation. Digital campus and immersion experiences provide students with the ability to form strong connections with peers and faculty. Student life is connected, immersive, and exciting as students prepare to become doctors of physical therapy.
Ready to Become a Physical Therapist?
Take the next step toward earning your Doctor of Physical Therapy with USC. Learn more about our DPT program below.
1 Best Physical Therapy Programs. U.S. News & World Report. September 2024.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference