Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy
Messiah University’s post-graduate Doctor of Science in physical therapy (DSc in PT) is designed for busy physical therapists who are seeking preparation and a credential appropriate for academic and research positions in their field.
Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy overview
Messiah’s post-graduate Doctor of Science in physical therapy degree (DSc in PT) is designed for working physical therapists and can be completed in four to five years. Students choose from degree concentrations in academic leadership or orthopaedic manual therapy. Coursework for the program is predominantly online with optional intensive courses on campus. Graduates will be prepared to teach, practice and lead in the field of physical therapy and physical therapy education.
- Degree concentrations in academic leadership or orthopaedic manual therapy
- 57- or 58-credit program with an average 4- to 5-year completion (may be done in a shorter or longer timeframe, depending on career goals)
- Transfer up to 14 credits from NAIOMT Fellowship Training (for OMT track)
- Fast-track start to dissertation is possible
- Designed for practicing clinicians; most coursework is online
- Academic leadership concentration can be completed fully online
- 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 program 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 Physical Therapy
Orthopaedic Manual Therapy
Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy tuition cost
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.