Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Northwestern University

Programme overview

Programme celebrating 100 years that prepares future physical therapists to work in diverse clinical and community settings. Admission uses a holistic review of academic achievement, life experiences, personal attributes and passion for physical therapy.

Faculty: Feinberg School of Medicine | Department: Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences | Intake: Classes begin September 7 (2026-2027) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

DPT: bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution completed by the entry date (first week of September) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale); prerequisite courses with C or higher (semester hours): anatomy and physiology 8 with lab, biological sciences 8, chemistry 8 with lab, physics 8 with lab, behavioral sciences 6 including introductory psychology, statistics 3, calculus 3, composition/writing 3. GRE not required. Minimum three letters of reference through PTCAS, including one from a supervising physical therapist and one from a college instructor. Verified observation hours in a PT setting required (most successful applicants report at least 50). International applicants: TOEFL iBT 100 or paper 600, exempt with a degree from an English-instruction institution. Deadlines 2026-27: early action August 1, preferred October 1, firm December 1; $50 supplemental fee; interviews typically not required.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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