PhD in Physical Therapy/Therapist (PhD)

The application deadline for the Sep 2026 intake is Sep 15, 2026, and tuition is 38,401 USD per year.

Physical therapy students at Puget Sound benefit from small classes, personal relationships with professors, and extensive hands-on clinical experiences. The program integrates written and oral communication skills throughout the curriculum. Students gain experience through research, innovative programs, advanced clinical electives, and by providing care in a free community clinic mentored by licensed therapists.

Study areas include critical inquiry, pediatrics, neurology, therapeutic exercise.

Applications are now open for the Class of 2030.

For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 76% of applicants.

Founded in 1888, the University of Puget Sound developed into an independent, residential, predominantly undergraduate liberal arts college. Its flexible curriculum encourages students to explore new subjects and ideas alongside focused study. The university offers more than 1,200 courses across 50 traditional and interdisciplinary areas, as well as five graduate programs.

Academic options include biology, chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, environmental studies and sciences, business and leadership, international political economy, psychology, music, theatre arts, and several language and area studies. Students can also pursue programs such as data analytics, neuroscience, public health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and dual-degree engineering. Experiential learning forms part of the academic experience through internships, studying abroad, and summer research.

The 97-acre residential campus is in Tacoma, placing students in the Pacific Northwest near mountains, the city, and the sea. Approximately 1,500 undergraduates and 175 graduate students study in a community with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. International applicants have a dedicated application route, and admission considers the whole applicant, including academic performance, interests, and community involvement. New and transfer students begin with Passages, a weeklong orientation program that introduces campus and the community while preparing them for academic study. Campus life includes residence halls, suite-style living, campus houses, clubs, sports, and volunteer opportunities.