Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program
The DPT curriculum is a three year full-time commitment. We do not offer a part-time option.
Most classes are offered during normal business hours Monday-Friday, with some classes beginning a little earlier in the morning or running a little later in the evening. Instruction tends to be lighter on Fridays. We make every effort to schedule classes in a way that is respectful of your time, avoiding large gaps between classes. However, students are encouraged to use time outside of class to study in small groups and practice practical skills, and many students spend significant time on campus. Students have 24/7 access to the main DPT labs.
Each new cohort begins coursework in the Summer semester, at the end of May. Graduates complete their coursework in the Spring semester three years later, mid-May.
No. Our curriculum is carefully designed to move students systematically through content.
Students are required to complete a scholarly doctoral project as part of the curriculum. Students may also volunteer with a faculty member to assist with research in their laboratory.
Please see the university's immunization requirements page for more information. Clinical sites may have additional requirements.
Travel is not a requirement of the DPT program. However, most students do commute some distance or temporarily relocate to complete internships that will provide the best experience possible for their educational goals. Students should be prepared for this possibility and expense. Students have some flexibility and input in selecting locations and in many cases are able to arrange to stay with friends or family.
Our Director of Clinical Education (DCE) works collaboratively with our students to assign placements that align with the students' goals and preferences. While final decisions rest with the DCE, our students consistently report high levels of satisfaction with the assignment process.
We like to get personal! Reach out to [email protected] with any questions and our Program Coordinator will work with you 1:1. Virtual and in-person meetings are also available.
We also welcome prospective students to get a feel for our program first-hand by sitting in on a class. Submit a Classroom Observation Request and join us for a sneak peek.
Financial Information
SDSU is among the most affordable programs in California and nationwide, and provides significant savings over most private institutions. Offering high quality education in a premium location, SDSU is a smart financial choice, especially for CA residents. See Tuition and Other DPT Student Financial Facts for details.
Yes! All students are encouraged to file a FAFSA to determine eligibility for tuition assistance.
SDSU DPT students specifically are eligible, based on need, for grant-funded financial support.
Scholarship opportunities and low-interest loans are also available to those who qualify. Please see the Financial Support for Graduate Students page for more information, and contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office with questions.
It is not recommended. This is a full-time, academically rigorous program.
Not for graduate students. The university has some affiliated off-campus housing available. Apartment communities are readily available in surrounding neighborhoods, many along the MTS Trolley green line which stops at SDSU.
100% of our students find employment within six months of licensure. The median annual wage for physical therapists was $99,710 in May 2023 (US Bureau of Labor and Statistics).
Admissions
For the most recently admitted class at SDSU (entering Summer 2025), the average overall cumulative GPA was 3.81, and the average GPA just for prerequisite courses was 3.78 on a 4.0 scale. While important, your GPA is only one factor considered for admission. We encourage all applicants who meet the minimum (3.0) and are passionate about pursuing a Physical Therapy career to apply.
We accept 38-40 students once a year.
No.
SDSU is part of the California State University system that primarily serves the people of California. However, this does not imply that California residents receive automatic acceptance. Admission is competitive and ALL completed applications are considered. There are no guaranteed pathways to admission for CA residents or SDSU students.
For the current application cycle you may have up to two prerequisite classes in progress in Spring 2026 as long as coursework is fully completed by the program start on May 26, 2026.
For future cycles, all prerequisite coursework must be completed by the end of Fall semester.
You may complete missing prerequisites at any accredited college or university, including community colleges. In-person classes are highly preferred and in-person labs are required.
Yes. If your institution gave you credit for a prerequisite course based on your AP score, we will accept it as completed. Students may choose to complete the course for a letter grade to boost their prerequisite GPA if desired.
All interested persons are encouraged to apply to our program. We value life experience in physical therapy applicants.
Anatomy & Physiology courses and the GRE must be retaken if older than 5 years. All other coursework is acceptable. Applicants may choose to refresh their knowledge in other areas to increase preparedness for the program.
We will use the highest combined score earned at one testing session.
No. Only hours spent observing under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist will be counted toward the hours required for admissions.
However, all experience is good experience and should be represented on your resume/CV.
Instructions for submitting confidential letters of recommendation will be sent to your references when you enter their contact information in PTCAS. We do not accept letters submitted by applicants.
We will begin reviewing applications in PTCAS after the deadline. Before we can send admission and wait list offers, we must confirm your Cal State Apply application was completed and accepted. In this regard, it is beneficial to complete your Cal State Apply application as early as possible. As a reminder, only required fields are necessary and you may reuse material from PTCAS. This portion of the application is used primarily for degree verification.
All applicants will receive a decision via email. Our goal is to send decisions before the winter break. Accepted students will receive a reasonable deadline to provide a decision and submit a deposit (credited towards tuition).
Contact Us
SDSU Physical Therapy
San Diego, CA, 92182-7251