Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy, Academic Leadership
Messiah University’s post-graduate Doctor of Science in physical therapy (DSc in PT) is for candidates with a Doctor of Physical Therapy or Master of Physical Therapy degree who are seeking preparation and a credential appropriate for academic positions in their field. The academic leadership concentration is designed for those seeking or currently serving in higher education teaching or administrative positions.
Academic Leadership overview
Messiah’s post-graduate Doctor of Science in physical therapy (DSc in PT) degree concentration in academic leadership is a 58-credit program designed for practicing physical therapists that can be completed in four to five years. Coursework is online, with optional on-campus intensive courses, and includes advanced PT content, pedagogical skills and understanding of higher education processes, leadership courses and research.
- 58-credit program with a flexible 4- to 5-year completion
- Fast-track start to dissertation is possible
- DSc in PT academic leadership concentration can be completed fully online or with an optional weeklong on-campus course
- Faculty include experienced PT clinicians and educators as well as experts in higher education, leadership, health care and academic research.
- Messiah University is the only institution within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and one of the few Universities in the U.S. to offer a DSc in PT program.
- Flexible start dates six times per year
- Interprofessional learning opportunities with graduate students in Messiah’s nursing, higher education and business and leadership programs
Academic, research or clinical positions in physical therapy:
- Tenure-track professor
- Research associate
- Director of residency or fellowship programs
- Professional development leader
- Clinic director
Messiah University's Doctor of Science in physical therapy program is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education. It is the highest accrediting authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for degree-granting colleges and universities located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and several other locations internationally.
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Programs related to Academic Leadership
Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
Academic Leadership tuition cost
No-fee tuition
Know what you are paying for with Messiah’s no-fee tuition. With our graduate programs, the cost per credit is what you pay – there are no hidden fees for labs, courses, services or technology. We put the true cost of your program upfront so that you can accurately compare and plan for your graduate education. There are additional costs to the program not billed through Messiah University (background checks, clearances, course materials, clinical expenses, etc.)
Deferred billing
Deferred billing is available for students with employer reimbursement. For more information contact Student Financial Services at gradfinancialserv@messiah.edu.
2025-2026
No-fee tuition per graduate credit hour: $800
Tuition costs for the entire program at the 2025-2026 rates range from: $45,600 (57 credits) to $46,400 (58 credits)
DSc in PT students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid. Please review this link to learn more.
Next steps for admissions
Applying for admission to a graduate program at Messiah University is the first step to making your personal and professional goals a reality.
What makes our DSc in PT program unique?
Degree concentrations in academic leadership or orthopaedic manual therapy
Earn your post-graduate Doctor of Science in physical therapy (DSc in PT) degree with concentration options in academic leadership or in orthopaedic manual therapy. The academic leadership concentration is for those seeking or currently serving in higher education teaching and/or administrative positions. It can be completed fully online. The Orthopaedic manual therapy concentration is for PTs seeking to advance clinical skills and expertise while also developing research, pedagogy, and leadership skills that will be useful in a variety of clinical or educational settings. Orthopaedic manual therapy concentration courses may be applied toward the NAIOMT fellowship program
Doctoral degree designed for working clinicians
Messiah’s post-graduate DSc in PT can be completed predominantly online (the academic leadership concentration can be completed fully online) in four to five years. Messiah’s program gives clinicians the flexibility to earn a terminal degree while continuing to work in the field. There are three entry points into the program each year.
The academic distinction of a nationally ranked, accredited private Christian university
Messiah University is the only institution within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to offer a DSc in PT and one of a few DSc in PT programs in the U.S..
Experienced faculty
Messiah’s DSc in PT faculty include experienced PT clinicians and educators as well as experts in higher education, leadership, health care and research.