PhD Research in Physical Therapy

This program is open to licensed physical therapists holding a master's degree in physical therapy. Established in 1970 as the first post-professional doctoral program of its kind in the United States, the Ph.D. program emphasizes pathokinesiology research including the measurement of human motion and issues in motor control as they apply to people with physical disabilities. The goal of this doctoral program is to prepare critical thinkers and independent researchers so as to further expand the knowledge base of the physical therapy profession. Through an integrated approach, students will enhance their capacities to critically review scientific literature, formulate questions, devise hypotheses, and test those hypotheses using valid and reliable research designs.