What changes to the admissions requirements have been made due to COVID-19?
Observation hours: For the 2023-24 admissions cycle, applicants are recommended to demonstrate a total of 75 hours of observation under a licensed physical therapist. We acknowledge the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems and applicants’ ability to complete observation hours. As a result, we have moved from requiring 75 observation hours to recommending them. These circumstances will be considered in the review of applications. PT observation hours that have been completed or are planned should be included in the PTCAS application but do not need to be verified by a physical therapist in order to be submitted.
GRE: The GRE is a requirement to apply to the DPT Program at Georgia Southern. We will accept GRE scores from tests taken at testing centers and through GRE at Home.
What are the prerequisite course requirements?
Can I retake a prerequisite course?
Yes, applicants may retake a prerequisite course. Prospective students must have earned a grade of C or higher in all of the prerequisite courses. In the event that courses are taken more than once, grades will be averaged. No grade of D or F will be acceptable for satisfaction of a prerequisite course. If an applicant earns a grade of D or F in a prerequisite course, he/she may retake that course only one time. No more than two prerequisite courses may be repeated with the goal of earning a passing grade. Applicants may repeat courses with grades of C or higher to improve their GPA, but repeated courses will be averaged in the calculation of the applicable GPA.
Do all prerequisite courses need to be completed before I submit my application?
No. At least five of the eight science and math prerequisite courses must be completed at the time of application. Applicants must have completed all of the requirements by the time of enrollment in the program.
Are AP classes accepted for prerequisite courses?
Yes, AP courses are accepted for fulfillment of prerequisite courses, but they will not be included in GPA calculations.
Do prerequisite courses have an expiration date?
No, there is not an expiration date on prerequisite courses for our program.
Where can I take prerequisite courses?
All prerequisite courses must be taken at a regionally-accredited institution. Courses may be taken online as long as there is a lab component for those classes that require it.
Are grades for classes that are currently in-progress considered in admissions decisions?
No, grades for classes that are currently being taken are not able to be considered in admissions decisions. The program does not receive the Academic Updates in time to include them in the application review.
What are the GPA requirements?
What are the average GPAs of accepted students?
Students accepted into the program have an average overall GPA of 3.7 and an average science GPA of 3.6.
How is the science GPA calculated?
PTCAS calculates the science GPA, which includes all biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy and physiology courses an applicant has taken. It is not limited to the prerequisite courses in those areas. Please review the PTCAS GPA page for more information on GPA calculations.
What are the GRE requirements?
What is the GRE code?
When requesting to have GRE scores sent to Georgia Southern University for your PTCAS application, the appropriate school code is 7813. If you use any other school code, including 5253 (the general GS GRE code), your GRE scores will not be added to your PTCAS application.
What are the average GRE scores of accepted students?
Students accepted into the program have an average Verbal GRE score of 152 and an average Quantitative GRE score of 152.
All applicants to the DPT Program at Georgia Southern University are required to complete an online suite of assessments through Altus Suite (formerly called CASPer Test) to assist with our selection process for the 2023-24 admissions cycle. View information about Altus Suite.
Can I apply for Early Decision?
No, starting with the 2020-21 admissions cycle, PTCAS has eliminated the Early Decision application option. The Georgia Southern DPT Program now has a Priority Deadline and a Final Deadline for applications to be submitted.
What is the priority deadline?
If an applicant’s PTCAS application (including observation hours and references), official transcripts, and GRE scores are submitted by September 1, 2023, their application will be guaranteed full consideration.
September 1, 2023: Deadline for your application to be submitted to PTCAS
August 25, 2023: Deadline to take the GRE and submit scores to school code 7813 to meet the Priority Deadline
September 27, 2023: Last CASPer test date for Priority Deadline applicants.
What is the final deadline?
October 16, 2023: Deadline to submit your application in PTCAS
October 2, 2023: Deadline to take the GRE and submit scores to school code 7813 to meet the Final Deadline
October 12, 2023: Last CASPer test date for Final Deadline applicants
Can I submit my application after the deadline?
Applications that are submitted by September 1, 2023 will be guaranteed full consideration. Applications cannot be submitted after the final deadline of October 16, 2023.
Should I complete the Georgia Southern Graduate Studies Application?
No, applicants should not complete the Georgia Southern Graduate Studies Application. The PTCAS application is the only application that needs to be submitted at this time. Students admitted to the program will complete the Graduate Studies Application.
Is there a supplemental application or fee?
No, there is no supplemental application or fee to apply to Georgia Southern’s DPT program.
What should I do after I submit my application?
- Verify that your application was submitted by the deadline. Only applications submitted to PTCAS by the deadline will be reviewed.
- Verify that PTCAS has received and processed all requirements (transcripts, GRE scores, references, etc.). PTCAS advises that processing may take up to 4-5 weeks once all required materials have been received.
- Continue to check the email account listed in your PTCAS account regularly. This is how the program and PTCAS will communicate with you about your application. It is important to take any necessary steps to prevent messages from being diverted from your email inbox.
Is an interview required?
A personal interview is required for admission. Interviews are scheduled by invitation only. Interviews for applicants who meet the Priority Deadline will take place in October. Interviews for applicants who meet the Final Deadline will be scheduled in December.
When will I be notified of the admissions decision?
Priority Deadline: Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions by mid-November.
Final Deadline: Applicants will be notified of admissions decisions by mid-January.
Matriculation Process
When does the program begin?
Students admitted during the 2023-24 admissions cycle will begin the program on May 13, 2024.
What is the tuition for the DPT program?
Current tuition and fee charts can be found on the Georgia Southern University Bursar’s website. When reviewing tuition, click on a specific semester, then choose Armstrong Campus/Graduate Student to view the tuition rate for 12+ credit hours. The DPT Program consists of 9 full-time semesters that are all 12+ credit hours. The total amount for in-state and out-of-state students can be used to estimate the projected total cost of the program for nine semesters. Please note that tuition and fee rates are approved by the University System of Georgia and are subject to change.
For information about financial aid and scholarships, please visit Financial Aid.
How do I apply for in-state tuition?
Information about applying for in-state tuition is available at this site: http://admissions.georgiasouthern.edu/already-applied/residency/.
