BS in Exercise Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy
Program Overview
The University of Hartford offers a combined Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program. This accelerated 3+3 option allows students to complete both degrees in six years, with a focus on career-ready education through internships, research, and state-of-the-art facilities. Graduates have a high employment rate and strong job outlook, with a median salary of $98,101 in 2022.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Direct Entry to the DPT Program
This program offers a combined Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Career-Ready Education
- Gain experience through internships in sports medicine, personal training, and strength and conditioning
- Work with UHart's athletic teams
- Conduct research with faculty mentors
Outline:
Accelerated 3+3 Option
This option allows you to complete the bachelor's degree in three years and the DPT degree in three years, enabling you to start your career sooner. To complete this accelerated option, students take classes in the summers after freshman and sophomore years.
Course Requirements
The undergraduate phase of the combined BS/DPT program requires a minimum of 120 credits. A sample of courses is listed below:
Science Courses (45 credits):
- Introduction to Exercise Science
- Public Health
- Strength and Conditioning
- Exercise Physiology
- Injury Care and Prevention
- Career Readiness Internships I and II
- Introductory Biology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Medical Microbiology
- College Chemistry
- Mechanics, Heat and the Body
- Electives - 12 credits
General Education Courses (28 credits):
- Academic Writing
- Precalculus with Trigonometry
- Business and Professional Communication
- Introduction to Psychology
Careers:
- Personal satisfaction: Physical therapists can have a profound impact on people’s lives. Helping people recover from their injuries, lessen pain, and improve their quality of life is very satisfying. Physical therapy consistently ranks high in “best jobs” lists.
- High salaries: The median pay for physical therapists was $98,101 in 2022 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Variety: You can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to outpatient clinics, patients’ homes, schools, sports and fitness facilities, workplaces, and nursing homes.
UHart DPT Student Outcomes
- 100% Employment rate within 1 year of graduation
- 100% Two-year average ultimate pass rate on the national PT licensure exam (2022, 2023)
- 12:1 Student-faculty ratio
Other:
Admission Requirements
Freshman applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in late September. If you are a high school student interested in the physical therapy program, you should complete courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics with an A or B-grade point average. The University of Hartford implemented a test-optional policy in 2018 for applicants who believe that their SAT or ACT scores are not representative of their academic achievements and potential. All students are welcome to apply as test-optional and should indicate so on their application.
The Hursey Center
The Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions provides beautiful physical therapy labs and classroom spaces. Take a look!
GPA Requirements
Students on the combined BS/DPT track will be required to maintain the following GPAs: 3.0 overall and in science courses by the end of semester three, 3.1 overall and in science courses by the end of semester five, 3.2 overall and in science courses by the end of semester seven. Students who do not meet these requirements will lose their direct entry into the DPT program but are able to remain in the undergraduate program to complete the BS in Exercise Science.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For full-time undergraduate students applying to the combined BS in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, financial aid programs are available. In addition to its own funds, the University of Hartford participates in all Federal Title IV Programs and Federal Family Education Loan programs. Residents of Connecticut and those states with reciprocal agreements with the State of Connecticut may also be eligible to receive state scholarships or grants.
Program Contact
Combined BS/DPT Program Contact: Linda Yamamoto Exercise Science Program Director Department of Health Sciences 768.4390 lyamamoto@hartford.edu
Accreditation
The University of Hartford, including the Exercise Science program within the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, is accredited by the Board of Higher Education of the State of Connecticut and by the New England Commission of Higher Education.