Admission requirements
Completion of core courses
- All prospective students must successfully complete the core required courses before entering the DPT program. At the time of application, students may have up to three core courses to be completed with no more than two core courses planned for the spring semester.
- All offers of acceptance to the program are conditional upon successful completion of core requirements and maintenance of the minimum GPA requirements.
Completion of 40 observation hours
- Observation hours must include at least two types of settings such as a hospital, out-patient clinic, school, nursing home, rehab setting or pediatrics.
- This information will be requested on the Activities and Awards Questionnaire when you apply.
Essential skills
In order to complete the doctoral program, students must possess certain essential skills and be able to perform essential physical functions involved in the practice of physical therapy. Review Essential Functions and Technical Standards.
Regular admission
Applicants who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and have a 3.0 GPA in the core courses and the last 60+ hours of graded, completed college coursework may apply for regular admission.
Advanced (early) admission
Applicants who will have completed three years of residential coursework on a college campus (minimum of 90 credit hours) by the beginning of the professional phase of the PT program may apply for advanced (early) admission.
Applicants who enter without a bachelor’s degree must have satisfied the MU general education requirements and taken two writing intensive courses. Applicants admitted without a degree will receive a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Professional Physical Therapy at the completion of the first year.
To be eligible to apply for advanced (early) admission, students must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 GPA in the core courses.
Admission cycle
The Department of Physical Therapy does not utilize PTCAS. Applications are completed online through the MU Graduate School application process. Applications are typically available Aug. 1 and due Sept. 30.
Application materials
Regular admission: Applicants who will have completed an undergraduate degree prior to starting the PT program.
Advanced (early) admission: Applicants who have completed 90 hours of undergraduate coursework and meet all other eligibility criteria.
In addition to uploading unofficial transcripts, applicants must submit the following.
- Activities and Awards Questionnaire
- Distinct Experiences and Attributes Essay. The confidentiality of your response is a priority in the review process. See below for essay prompt and requirements.
- Contact information for two recommendations (professor and supervisor/employer)
Essay prompt
Describe significant experiences that have influenced your personal, academic or professional development. Explain the skills, perspectives, qualities or characteristics gained from those experiences and how they will contribute to your success as a student and future health care professional.
Essay requirements
This essay should be no more than 500 words. Include information that you believe would help the admissions committee better understand your preparation for professional education and a career in health care, but that is not fully reflected elsewhere in your application. You may expand upon experiences referenced in other parts of the application; however, the essay should not simply repeat or summarize your Activities and Awards Questionnaire. Instead, focus on experiences that have meaningfully influenced your personal, academic or professional development.
Describe one or more experiences that have shaped who you are today. Explain the insights, skills, qualities, perspectives or characteristics you gained from those experiences and how they may influence your success as a student and future health care provider. Be specific, reflective and provide examples when appropriate.
Examples of experiences may include, but are not limited to, leadership roles, caregiving responsibilities, employment or military service, community involvement, significant life experiences, educational opportunities, cultural experiences, challenges overcome or other experiences that contributed to your development. The strongest essays clearly demonstrate self-awareness, reflection, personal growth and the ability to connect past experiences to future contributions in health care.
Interviews
In-person interviews are a required part of the application process. Applications will need to be available for 2–3 hours during the interview weekend. Appointments are arranged with PT staff.
Tentative interview dates for 2027: TBD