PhD in Physical Therapy/Therapist (PhD)

Tuition is DPT Financial Fact Sheet 2026 (PDF) is available for detailed tuition and fee information.. The deadline to apply for the May 2027 intake is Oct 1, 2026.

Graduates are qualified to practice as licensed physical therapists in clinical settings. The programme prepares students for entry-level practice through a structured curriculum focused on patient care across diverse populations. It emphasizes training for service in rural and medically underserved communities. Students complete 115 credit hours over eight consecutive semesters on the Dahlonega Campus.

The programme requires 115 credit hours distributed across coursework, clinical practicum, and a capstone experience. All students complete the full DPT curriculum; no separate credit breakdown is provided for concentrations.

Graduates enter clinical practice as licensed physical therapists in settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must complete 10 prerequisite courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA, including general chemistry, physics, biology, and statistics. The application requires GRE scores, 100 hours of physical therapy experience, a Casper assessment, and an on-campus interview.

The programme totals about 115 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, eight consecutive semesters starting in summer; program length is 3 years. For international students, tuition is below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 72% of applicants.

The University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, founded in 1873, is a large public institution with around 32,000 students and a vibrant campus life rooted in leadership and service. Offering more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programmes across five colleges, UNG blends a strong liberal arts foundation with career-focused majors. Its picturesque campus in North Georgia delivers a balance of rigorous academics and outdoor living that appeals to many international and domestic students.

UNG places emphasis on leadership development, hands-on learning and community engagement through internships, practicum placements and student organizations. Academic pathways span business, education, arts and sciences, health and technology, supported by faculty committed to mentoring and applied research. The university's size allows for diverse course offerings while keeping student support accessible and personal.

International students benefit from specialized services including orientation, immigration advising and cultural programs that ease the transition to US study. With roughly 2,500 international peers, UNG offers networking opportunities and a welcoming environment for global learners. Career services, cooperative education and alumni networks help graduates pursue employment or further study both in the United States and internationally.