Program Statistics
Visit PhD Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.
Physical Therapy and Engineering
Degree Types: DPT/PhD
The combined Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy and Engineering (DPT/PhD(Eng)) gives students a unique opportunity to receive training as both PhD level engineers and licensed physical therapy doctors (DPT). Students meet dual degree requirements in less time than if degrees were pursued separately.
This program focuses on the pathophysiology of movement disorders and how the resulting impairments and handicaps impact the design of therapeutic devices, rehabilitation strategies, and patients' quality of life. Graduates from the DPT/PhD(Eng) program are expected to become new leaders in engineering, rehabilitation sciences, physical therapy and in device development for the study and restoration of human function both in the academic, governmental, healthcare and industry environments.
Students interested in the dual degree program are required to apply to each program separately and acceptance into the program is contingent upon acceptance into both programs.
This program is a coordinated effort between the Departments of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
Additional resources:
Program Contact
Degree Requirements
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.
DPT/PhD(Eng)
Total units required for the PhD component of the combined degree is in accordance with the specific PhD program:
DPT/PhD(Eng) Joint Program Sequence
The curriculum is designed to allow a student to successfully complete the DPT, sit for the PT license exam, gain valuable clinical experience, and complete the PhD degree within a seven year timeframe.
- First Year: Core Engineering Coursework (see relevant degree program for specifics); pre-requisite course for DPT; selection of primary research lab
- Second Year: Development of dissertation proposal; preparation for qualifying examination and/or proposal defense; advancement to PhD candidacy at the end of the second year (see requirements for specific PhD program)
- Third Year: 1st Year DPT Training; execution of preliminary study (typically one of the dissertation aims); 1st clinical experience
- Fourth Year: 2nd Year DPT Training; defense of preliminary study; 2nd clinical experience
- Fifth Year: Completion of DPT Training; final long-term clinical experiences; PT Licensure; clinical practice placement; continuation of PhD work
- Sixth-Seventh Years: Part-time clinical practice; progress towards completion of PhD
Part-time Clinical Practice Requirement
It is critical that students develop expertise within the clinical environment in addition to their academic development so that they have a well-rounded appreciation to clinical problems that require engineering solutions. Upon completion of the DPT program, students will be required to sit for the PT license exam within the state of Illinois. They are required to pass the exam within three attempts. Students will be placed within a supervised clinical practice environment 8-12 hours per week. Students will be paid a supplemental salary by the clinical institution. Potential clinical practice sites are established between Northwestern Medicine, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and private practice clinics throughout Chicago and the suburbs.
Other DPT/PhD Degree Requirements
- Examinations: Graduate qualifying examinations for admission to candidacy
- Research/Projects: Thesis research
- PhD Dissertation: Original, independent research presented in a defensible thesis of high quality
- Final Evaluations: Defense of dissertation