Ph.D. in Pysical Therapy - Curriculum

The PhD curriculum includes 66 SH of course and dissertation work. The curriculum provides foundational skills for individuals seeking to contribute to the development of knowledge and to teach future generations of students in physical therapy and related fields. The curriculum provides opportunities to gain advanced knowledge of theory and research related to neuromuscular disorders of human movement, to engage in interdisciplinary learning, and to develop knowledge and skills in classroom teaching.

Students are required to complete a human movement science core (15 SH) which includes laboratory rotations allowing students to engage in research activities with faculty. Courses in reach design and statistics (15 SH) and courses  to prepare for classroom teaching 6 SH) are also required. Students take elective courses (21 SH) and complete their didactic training.  Dissertation research completes the curriculum.  The curriculum is outlined in the table below

The Department of Physical Therapy is also one of the core departments of the Temple Neuroscience Program. Physical Therapy doctoral (Ph.D.) students who are also members of this Program receive a Ph.D. in Physical Therapy with a Specialization in Neuroscience. The Neuroscience Program is a university-wide interdisciplinary program devoted to the study of the nervous system. The object of this Program is to foster interdisciplinary and collaborative research related to the basic, applied, and clinical aspects of neuroscience.