Universitywide Graduation Requirements

To complete this program, students must meet all Universitywide graduation requirements .

Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirement

View the College and Liberal Arts and Sciences Distribution Requirements .

Preparation for Physical Therapy

Ohio University offers a unique opportunity to the prospective physical therapist. Recognized for leadership in the development of preprofessional physical therapy curricula since the 1930s, the Department of Biological Sciences, and the Department of Psychology, both in the College of Arts and Sciences, work cooperatively with the School of Rehabilitation and Communication Sciences in the College of Health Sciences and Professions.

Physical therapy programs are offered at the graduate level only. As of January 1, 2002, undergraduate physical therapy programs are no longer accredited. To be eligible for admission to most accredited professional schools of physical therapy, you must first complete the baccalaureate-level preprofessional preparatory coursework and then apply on a competitive basis to a professional school of physical therapy. If you are accepted, the professional program extends for an additional two to three years, culminating in a degree in physical therapy. The optional plans of study available will prepare you to be highly qualified for admission to most schools of physical therapy. However, some professional programs require special prerequisites—either courses or practical experience as a volunteer—before you apply for admission. It is your responsibility to check the admission requirements for programs you wish to attend and, in consultation with your academic advisor, to fulfill any special prerequisites.

Ohio University has the first entry-level doctoral program in the state of Ohio. Although a master’s degree is sufficient to sit for the national licensing examination, the profession has been making a rather rapid transition to the doctoral degree (DPT). At Ohio University, the entry-level doctoral three-year program in physical therapy admits students on a competitive basis. A baccalaureate degree is required for admission to the program. Although a baccalaureate degree in any field is acceptable, as long as the prerequisites have been attained, the most direct routes at Ohio University are the Biological Sciences—Prephysical Therapy  or Psychology—Prephysical Therapy  major in the College of Arts and Sciences. A major in exercise physiology  in the College of Health Sciences and Professions  is also an option.

Application to graduate school should be made in the senior year. The GRE should be taken at the beginning of the senior year, in order to meet requirements for early admission status. Some volunteer experience is possible through Ohio University Therapy Associates.

For additional information, see the Biological Sciences—Prephysical Therapy  or Psychology—Prephysical Therapy  majors in the catalog, and “Physical Therapy” in the College of Health Sciences and Professions  section. Students should consult the Web page (www.ohio.edu/chsp/rcs/pt/) for the most up-to-date information.

Psychology Core Requirements

Complete the following courses for a minimum of 35 hours with PSY prefix:

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• PSY 1010 - General Psychology Credit Hours: 3
• PSY 2110 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 4
• PSY 2120 - Research Methods in Psychology Credit Hours: 4
• PSY 2210 - Physiological Psychology Credit Hours: 3
• PSY 2310 - Cognitive Psychology Credit Hours: 3
• PSY 2410 - Child and Adolescent Psychology Credit Hours: 3
• PSY 2510 - Social Psychology Credit Hours: 3
• PSY 2710 - Abnormal Psychology Credit Hours: 3

Extradepartmental Courses

Complete the following courses:

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• BIOS 1700 - Biological Sciences I: Molecules and Cells Credit Hours: 3
• BIOS 1705 - Biological Sciences I Laboratory Credit Hours: 1
• BIOS 1710 - Biological Sciences II: Ecology, Evolution, Animal Body Systems Credit Hours: 3
• BIOS 1715 - Biological Sciences II Laboratory Credit Hours: 1
• BIOS 3010 - Human Anatomy Credit Hours: 3
• BIOS 3015 - Human Anatomy Lab Credit Hours: 1
• BIOS 3450 - Human Physiology Credit Hours: 3
• BIOS 3455 - Human Physiology Laboratory Credit Hours: 2
• CHEM 1510 - Fundamentals of Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4
• CHEM 1520 - Fundamentals of Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4
• PHYS 2001 - Introduction to Physics Credit Hours: 4
• PHYS 2002 - Introduction to Physics Credit Hours: 4
• PT 2590 - Introduction to Physical Therapy Credit Hours: 2
• SOC 1000 - Introduction to Sociology Credit Hours: 3