The programs listed provide only postprofessional doctoral (i.e., PhD, ScD) graduate educational and research opportunities for physical therapists. The degrees offered are housed in institutions that either have physical therapist degree programs or are associated with a physical therapist degree program.

The listing of postprofessional doctoral programs may not be all inclusive as new programs are developed or revised or because APTA has not been notified of an existing program. Some degrees may not necessarily be restricted to physical therapist applicants. Additional information about these programs may be obtained by contacting the program director or contact name listed.

To provide information about new PhD and ScD/DSc programs available in physical therapy or to revise current information, please contact academicservices@apta.org.

See other postprofessional degree opportunities

Disclaimer: Inclusion on this list of programs does not indicate approval or endorsement by APTA or the accreditation of these programs of study by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

ALABAMA

University of Alabama at Birmingham
William Thompson
1530 3rd Ave. S., SHPB 384
Birmingham, AL 35294-1212
205-934-3566
Fax: 205-975-7787
Degree(s) awarded:PhD in rehabilitation science; Graduate certificate in health focused patient/client management for physical and occupational therapists

ALASKA

None

ARIZONA

A.T. Still University, Arizona School of Health Sciences
Tracie Rogers, PhD
5850 E. Still Circle
Mesa, AZ 85206
480-219-6000
Fax: 480-219-6164
Email:info@umsaz.org
Degree(s) awarded: MS in Kinesiology; specialty tracks in adaptive sports, corrective exercise and orthopedic rehabilitation, sports conditioning, geriatric exercise science, exercise and sports psychology

ARKANSAS

University of Central Arkansas
Mark Mennemeier, PhD
Department of Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Building
201 Donaghey Ave.
Conway, AR 72035-0001
501-526-7773
Fax: 501-450-5822
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in physical therapy; Pediatric Residency

CALIFORNIA

Loma Linda University
Everett Lohman III, PT, DSc
Sandra Caposio
School of Allied Health Professions
Nichol Hall, Room A-620A
Loma Linda, CA 92350
909-651-5921
Fax: 909-558-0459
Degree(s) awarded:PhD; Postprofessional DPT

The Ola Grimsby Institute
Ola Grimsby, Jr.
Alec Kay
409 S Las Posas Road
San Marcos, CA 92078
1-800-646-6128
Email: dwasheck@olagrimsby.com; office@olagrimsby.com
Degree(s) awarded: PhD, Fellowship of AAOMPT, Doctor of Manual therapy

University of California at San Francisco
Richard Souza, PT, PhD
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
1500 Owens St., Suite 400
Box 0736
San Francisco, CA 94143-0736
415-514-6774
Fax: 415-514-6778
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation science

University of Southern California
Christopher Powers, PT, PhD, FACSM, FAPTA
Carolee Winstein, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
1540 E. Alcazar St., CHP 155
Los Angeles, CA 90089-9006
323-442-2900
Fax: 323-442-1515
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in biokinesiology; MS in Biokinesiology

Western University of Health Sciences
Carrie Rogers
309 East 2nd Street
Pomona, CA 91766
541-259-0461
Fax: 909-469-5570
Degree(s) awarded: PP-DPT

COLORADO

University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus
Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Anschutz Medical Campus
Physical Therapy Program
13121 E. 17th Ave., C244
Aurora, CO 80045
303-724-9139
Fax: 303-724-9016
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation science

CONNECTICUT

University of Hartford
Brian T. Swanson PT, DSc
200 Bloomfield Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860)768-5419
Fax: (860)768-4474
Degree(s) awarded: Certificate in Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Certificate in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Residency Program

DELAWARE

University of Delaware
Samuel C.K. Lee, Ph.D.
Physical Therapy Department
210U STAR Health Sciences Complex
540 S. College Ave.
Newark, DE 19713
302-831-2450
Degree(s) awarded: MS and PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science; PhD in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience  

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The George Washington University School of Medical and Health Sciences
Samar Nasser, PhD, MPH, PA-C
Righteousness El-Berith
The George Washington University
2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20037
202-994-5655
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in translational health sciences

FLORIDA

Nova Southeastern University
Dr. Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez, PT, DPT, PhD
3200 S. University Dr.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328
954-262-1273
Fax: 954-262-1783
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Physical Therapy

University of Florida
David Fuller, PhD
Laura Quintana
Department of Physical Therapy
College of Health Professions
Box 100154
Gainesville, FL 32610-0154
352-273-6085
Fax: 352-273-6109
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation science

University of Miami
Kathy E Roach, PT, PhD
Department of Physical Therapy
Miller School of Medicine
5915 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 5th Floor
Coral Gables, FL 33146-2406
305-284-4535
Fax: 305-284-6128
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in physical therapy

GEORGIA

None

HAWAII

University of Medical Sciences Arizona
Quinell Kumalae
1001 Bishop St., Ste. 1035
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-867-2900
Fax: 844-894-3712
Email:info@umsaz.org
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Rehabilitation Science (on-line); DSc in Movement Sciences (hybrid); Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (on-line)

IDAHO

Idaho State University
Gabe Bargen, PhD
Deanna Dye, PT, PhD
School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences
1311 E. Central Dr.
Meridian, ID 83642
208-282-3992 (office)
Fax: 208-282-4645
Degrees awarded: PhD in rehabilitation sciences

ILLINOIS

Northwestern University Integrated Neuroscience
Ana Maria Acosta, PhD
Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences
645 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60611
312-503-2950
Fax: 312-908-0741
Degree(s) awarded: PhD, with a specialization in movement and rehabilitation science

University of Illinois at Chicago
Alex Aruin, PhD
Mollie Rose
Aaron Keil, DPT
Justin Payette, DPT
Department of Physical Therapy (M/C 898)
College of Applied Health Sciences
1919 W. Taylor St.
Chicago, IL 60612-7251
312-355-0904 (office)
Fax: 312-996-4583
Degree(s) awarded: PhD program in Rehabilitation Sciences, MS program in Healthspan Promotion and Rehabilitation, Doctor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Healthy Living PractitionerTM Certificate, Clinical Rehabilitation and Technology Research Certificate, Technology-Based Health Communication and Promotion Certificate, Residency in Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Residency in Sports Physical Therapy

INDIANA

Indiana University- Indianapolis
Keith G. Avin
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Graduate Program
1050 Wishard Blvd. Rm 3123
Indianapolis, IN.  46202
317.278.9681
Degree(s) awarded: PhD Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

University of Indianapolis
Laura Santurri, PhD, MPH
Colleen Hepner
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Graduate Program
1400 E. Hanna Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46227
800-232-8634, ext. 3502 or 317-788-3502
Fax: 319-335-9707
Degree(s) awarded: DHSc, MS in Aging Studies, MS in Healthcare Administration, Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education, Graduate Certificate in Aging Studies, and Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration. We also offer numerous dual programs, including DHSc/MS-Aging Studies, DHSc/Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education, DHSc/Graduate Certificate in Aging Studies, and DHSc/Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Administration.

IOWA

University of Iowa
Richard K. Shields, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Carol Leigh
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
Graduate Program
1-252 Medical Education Building
Iowa City, IA 52242-1190
319-335-9791
Fax: 319-335-9707
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation science; MA in rehabilitation science

KANSAS

University of Kansas Medical Center
Irina Smirnova, PhD
Patricia Kluding, PT, PhD
3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS 2002
Kansas City, KS 66160-7601
913-588-6799
Fax: 913-588-6910
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation science, Dual DPT/PhD; Dual DPT/MBA; Dual DPT/MHSA; MS in athletic training

KENTUCKY

University of Kentucky
Esther Dupont-Versteegden, PhD
College of Health Sciences
900 S. Limestone
Lexington, KY 40536-0200
859-218-0592
Fax: 859-323-6003
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Rehabilitation and Health Science

LOUISIANA

Louisiana State University Health Shreveport (LSUHS), School of Allied Health Professions
Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD
Clif Frilot, PhD, MBA
1450 Claiborne Ave.
Shreveport, LA  71103
(318)813-2900
Fax: (318)813-2115
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Rehabilitation Science

MAINE

None

MARYLAND

University of Maryland
Kelly Westlake, P.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Joyce Johnson
100 Penn St., Suite 115
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-706-5919
Fax: 410-706-6387
Degree(s) awarded:PhD and DPT/PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston University
Terry Ellis, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
635 Commonwealth Ave., Room 519
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-7571
Fax: 617-353-9463
Degree(s) awarded:PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences

MGH Institute of Health Professions
Damary Gutierrez
36 1st Ave.
Boston, MA 02129
617-726-8008
Fax: 617-643-6340
Degree(s) awarded: Interdisciplinary PhD in rehabilitation sciences

MICHIGAN

Andrews University 
Kim Ferreira, PT, PhD
Elizabeth Oakley, PT, DHSc
School of Rehabilitation Sciences 
8515 East Campus Circle Drive
Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0420
269-471-6033
Fax: 269-471-2866
Degree(s) awarded: DScPT, Transitional DPT. ( tDPT is on-campus for internationally trained PTs)

Oakland University 
Kristine Thompson, PT, PhD
Lori Boughner
School of HealthSciences 
433 Meadow Brook Rd 
Rochester, MI 48309-4475
248-364-8660
Fax: 248-370-4287
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Human Movement Science; Certificates in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy; Orthopedics, Oncology Rehabilitation; Teaching and Learning

University of Michigan - Flint
Cathy Larson, PT, PhD
Physical Therapy Department
Rm. 2157 WSW Building
303 E. Kearsley St.
Flint, MI 48502-1950
810-762-3363
Fax: 810-766-6668
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in physical therapy/Dual DPT/PhD in PT

MINNESOTA

University of Minnesota
Brendan J. Dougherty, PT, PhD
Rich Adamczak
420 Delaware St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-3966
Fax: 612-625-4274
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation science; PT/PhD joint program

MISSISSIPPI

None

MISSOURI

Washington University
Catherine Lang, PT, PhD
Jennifer Brown
4444 Forest Park Blvd.
Campus Box 8502
St Louis, MO 63108-2212
314-286-1400
Fax: 314-286-1410
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Movement Science

MONTANA

None

NEBRASKA

None

NEVADA

University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Daniel Young, PT, DPT, PhD
Jessica Allen
4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453029
Las Vegas, Nevada 89154
702-895-3072
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in interdisciplinary health sciences; rehabilitation sciences

NEW HAMPSHIRE

None

NEW JERSEY

Seton Hall University
Genevieve Pinto Zipp, PT, EdD
Interprofessional Health Sciences Campus
123 Metro Boulevard
Nutley, NJ 07110
973-275-2076
Fax: 973-275-2370
Email: shms@shu.edu
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Health Sciences with specializations in Movement science, health professions leadership and speech science; Doctor of physical therapy; MS in athletic training, speech-language pathology, physician assistant, occupational therapy, healthcare administration PhD in health sciences

NEW MEXICO

None

NEW YORK

New York University
Wen K. Ling, PT, PhD
Smita Rao PT, PhD, Marilyn Moffat PT, PhD
Physical Therapy Department
380 Second Ave., 4th Floor
New York, NY 10010
212-998-9400
Fax: 212-998-4190
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in physical therapy; MA in physical therapy, with a concentration in pathokinesiology, DPT/Doctor of Physical Therapy for Practicing Physical Therapists

State University of New York at Buffalo
Michael R. Brown, PT, PhD, DPT, OCS, Cert MDT, COMT, FAAOMPT
Physical Therapy, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences
410 Kimball Tower
3435 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079
716-829-3217
Fax: 716-829-3217
Degree(s) awarded: DPT, PhD / Rehabilitation Science

NORTH CAROLINA

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Vicki Mercer, PT, PhD
Erik Wikstrom, PhD, ATC or Mike Lewek, PT, PhD
Division of Physical Therapy
Bondurant Hall, Suite 3000
CB #7135
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7135
919-966-4708
Fax: 919-966-3678
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Human Movement Science

East Carolina University
John D. Willson PT, PhD
Department of Physical Therapy
East 5th Street
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
252-744-6241
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences

NORTH DAKOTA

None

OHIO

The Ohio State University
John A. Buford, PT, PhD
Ashley McCabe, MS
Graduate Studies
School of Allied Medical Professions
453 W. 10th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210-1234
614-292-5921
Fax: 614-292-0210
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Ohio University
Dustin Grooms PhD
Grover Center W283
1 Ohio University
Athens OH 45701-2979  
740.593.0130
Fax: 740.593.0289  
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Translational Biomedical Sciences with tracts in clinical research, rehabilitation, neuroscience, biomechanics and others

University of Cincinnati
Pierce Boyne, PT, DPT, PhD 
Michael Riley, PhD
Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
3225 Eden Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45267
(513) 558-7503
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

OKLAHOMA

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Sandra Arnold, PT, PhD
Lynn Jeffries, PT, DPT, PhD, PCS; Elizabeth Hile, PT, PhD, NCS, CLT
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health   
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
1200 N. Stonewall Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
405-271-2131
Fax 405-271-2432
Degree(s) awarded: DSc in rehabilitation sciences; PhD in Allied Health Sciences, with emphasis in Rehabilitation Sciences

OREGON

None

PENNSYLVANIA

Arcadia University
Phil McClure, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Kathleen Fortier PT, DPT, MBA 
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
450 S. Easton Road
Glenside, PA 19038
215-572-2863
Fax: 215-517-2342
Email: malloyma@arcadia.edu , shahk@arcadia.edu 
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Movement Science, Transitional DPT, Orthopaedic Residency and Musculoskeletal Certificate, Certificate in Healthcare Leadership and Management

Drexel University
Clare Milner, PhD
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
1601 Cherry St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19102
267-359-5550
Fax: 267-359-5576
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in health and rehabilitation sciences

Messiah University
Karl Bergmann, PT, ScD
One Univeristy Ave
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717-796-1800 ext. 2625
Degree(s) awarded: DSc in Physical Therapy

Slippery Rock University
Dallas Jackson, PhD, CAPE
126 Morrow Field House
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
724.738.4251
Degree(s) awarded: MS in Lifelong Wellness through Innovative Leadership – Adapted Physical Activity Concentration

Duquesne University
Christopher R. Carcia, PT, PhD
Program in Rehabilitation Science
John G. Rangos Sr.
School of Health Sciences
Department of Physical Therapy
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
412-396-5545
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation science

Temple University
Carole Tucker, PT, PhD
Department of Physical Therapy
College of Allied Health Professions
Jones Hall
3401 Ontario St.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
215-707-4877
Fax: 215-707-7819
Degree(s) awarded: Interdisciplinary PhD

Thomas Jefferson University
Jane Fedorczyk, PT, PhD
901 Walnut St. Suite 600
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-503-6387
Fax: 215-503-2950
Degree(s) awarded:Advanced practice certificate in hand and upper limb rehabilitation

University of Pittsburgh
G. Kelley Fitzgerald, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Tara Hankin, PT, MS, SCS, CSCS
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Department of Physical Therapy
Bridgeside Point 1, 100 Technology Drive, Suite 210
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3130
412-383-6643 or 412-383-4619
Fax: 514-398-6360
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation sciences, Post professional Master of Science Degrees, Post-professional certificate programs.

RHODE ISLAND

None

SOUTH CAROLINA

University of South Carolina
Sheri P. Silfies, PT, PhD
Blatt PE Center
1300 Wheat St.
Columbia, SC 29208
(803) 576.7261
Fax: 803-777-0558
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Exercise Science with a focus in Rehabilitation Sciences, Applied Physiology or Health Aspects of Physical Activity

Medical University of South Carolina, College of Health Professions
Rebecca Barry
Health & Rehabilitation Sciences PhD Program
Department of Health Sciences and Research 
77 President St., MSC 700
Charleston, SC  29425
843-792-3328
Fax: 843-792-1538
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in health and rehabilitation sciences

SOUTH DAKOTA

University of South Dakota
Kory Zimney, PT, DPT, PhD
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD 57069
605-658-6500
Fax:605-667-6745
Email: health@usd.edu
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Health Sciences (PhD)

TENNESSEE

None

TEXAS

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Brad Allen, PT, ScD
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
School of Health Professions
3601 4th St., MS 6294
Lubbock, TX 79430
432 703-5463
Fax: 806-743-2515
Degree(s) awarded: ScD rehabilitation sciences

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
C. Roger James, PhD
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
School of Health Professions
3601 4th St., MS 6223
Lubbock, TX 79430
806-743-3226 or 806-743-4524
Fax: 806-743-2189
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation science

Texas Woman's University (Dallas)
Mary Thompson, PT, PhD
Ann Medley, PT, PhD
School of Physical Therapy
5500 Southwestern Medical Ave.
Dallas, TX 75235-7299
214-689-7700
Fax: 214-689-6583
Email: PT@twu.edu
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in physical therapy; certificate in women's health physical therapy

Texas Woman's University (Houston)
Katy Mitchell, PT, PhD
Wayne Brewer, PT, PhD
School of Physical Therapy
6700 Fannin St.
Houston TX 77030
713-794-2048
Fax: 713-794-2071
Degree(s) awarded:PhD in physical therapy

University of Texas Medical Branch
Soham Al Snih, MD, PhD
Division of Rehabilitation Sciences
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-1137
409-266-9691
Fax:409-772-8931
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation sciences

University of Texas at El Paso
Christina Sobin, PhD
Elena Acosta, MPH
1851 Wiggins
El Paso, TX 79968
915-747-7256
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in interdisciplinary health sciences

UTAH

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions
Admissions
561 E. 1860 S.
Provo, UT 84606
866-780-4107 or 801-734-6832
Fax: 801-375-2125
Email: info@rmuohp.edu
Degree(s) awarded: PhD (multiple awarded)

VERMONT

None

VIRGINIA

Old Dominion University
Harry Zhang
Danny Russell
Harold Riethman
School of Community and Environmental Health
Norfolk, VA 23529-0288
757-683-4960
Fax: 757-683-5674
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in health services research;PhD in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation; PhD in Biomedical Sciences

Virginia Commonwealth University
Sheryl Finucane, PT, PhD
Department of Physical Therapy
Box 980224
900 E. Leigh St
Richmond, VA 23298-0224
804-828-0234
Fax: 804-828-8111
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation and movement science; PhD in health-related sciences

WASHINGTON

Tracy Jirikowic, PhD
Carolyn Baylor, PhD
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
1959 NE Pacific St.
Box 356490
Seattle, WA, 98195-6490
206-598-5338
Fax: 206-685-3244
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in rehabilitation science

WEST VIRGINIA

None

WISCONSIN

Bellin College
Eric Chaconas, PT, DPT, PhD
Jonathon Weiss, PT, DPT
3201 Eaton Road
Green Bay, WI 54311
920-433-6699
Fax: 920-433-1922 
Degree(s) awarded: DScPT in physical therapy, OMPT Fellowship

Marquette University
Kathleen Lukaszewicz, PT, PhD
Physical Therapy Department
PO Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881
(414) 288-3382
Fax: 414-288-5987
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in Exercise and Rehabilitation Science; PT/PhD combined track

University of Wisconsin - Madison
Jenny Schroeder
Deidre Vincevineus
Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
2112 Health Sciences Learning Center
750 Highland Drive
Madison, WI 53706
608-262-3768
Fax: 608-262-7864
Degree(s) awarded: PhD in clinical investigation

WYOMING

None

International

CANADA

McGill University
Laurie Snider, Liliane Asseraf-Pasin
Laurie Snider, Sara Saunders
Isabelle Gélinas, Anouk Lamontagne
School of Physical and Occupational Therapy
3654 Promenade Sir WIlliam Osler
Montreal, QC H3G 1Y5
CANADA
514-398-4500
Fax: 514-398-6360
Degree(s) awarded: B.Sc. PT (B.Sc. Rehabilitation Science in Physical Therapy); M.Sc. PT; B.Sc. OT (B.Sc. Rehabilitation Science in Occupational Therapy); M.Sc. OT;M.Sc. (Thesis) in Rehabilitation Science; M.Sc. (Non-Thesis) in Rehabilitation Science; Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Rehabilitation Science; Graduate Certificate in
Chronic Pain Management; Graduate Certificate in
Driving Rehabilitation