Overview

Education

The combined Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy and Engineering (DPT/PhD(Eng)) gives students a unique opportunity to receive training as both PhD level engineers and licensed physical therapy doctors (DPT). Students meet dual degree requirements in less time than if degrees were pursued separately.

Graduates from the Physical Therapy and Engineering program at Northwestern University are expected to become new leaders in engineering, rehabilitation sciences, physical therapy and in device development for the study and restoration of human function both in the academic, governmental, healthcare and industry environments.

Students interested in the dual degree program are required to apply to each program separately and acceptance into the program is contingent upon acceptance into both programs.

Programme Structure

First Year: Core Engineering Coursework; pre-requisite course for DPT; selection of primary research lab

Second Year: Development of dissertation proposal; preparation for qualifying examination and/or proposal defense; advancement to PhD candidacy at the end of the second year
Third Year: 1st Year DPT Training; execution of preliminary study (typically one of the dissertation aims); 1st clinical experience
Fourth Year: 2nd Year DPT Training; defense of preliminary study; 2nd clinical experience
Fifth Year: Completion of DPT Training; final long-term clinical experiences; PT Licensure; clinical practice placement; continuation of PhD work
Sixth-Seventh Years: Part-time clinical practice; progress towards completion of PhD

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 84 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

More details

DPT:

August 1st: Early Decision Deadline
October 1st: Preferred Application Deadline
December 1st: Firm Application Deadline

Language

English

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Evanston, United States

Disciplines

Physics Physiotherapy General Engineering & Technology View 190 other PhDs in Physics in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Admitted students must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree — or an equivalent non-U.S. degree — from a regionally accredited institution.

TGS will accept applications from international students with 3-year bachelor's degrees.

You may be considered for admission before you finish your undergraduate degree, but you must complete that degree before you enroll at Northwestern.

In general, to apply to The Graduate School (TGS), you will be required to:

Submit an application online.

Pay an online application fee by credit card.

Submit your Statement of Purpose.

Upload your transcript or academic record.

Submit your test scores (if required by your admitting program).

Upload two to three Letters of Recommendation.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

9344 USD / year

≈ 9344 USD / year
Out-of-State

9344 USD / year

≈ 9344 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9344 USD / year

≈ 9344 USD / year

Living costs

Evanston

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Physical Therapy and Engineering.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Education

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Evanston

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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