Information for 2025-26 Application Cycle

Applications open on August 1 and close on September 30. 

The Auburn University Physical Therapy program does not utilize the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). All applications must be submitted through the Auburn University Graduate School website. 

To start your application, click the Apply Here button below, then select Apply Today to Launch Your Future. 

Once you have started the application, please select the following details under "Admissions Information." 

For any questions or additional information, please email dpt@auburn.edu. 

Apply Here
Transcript Entry Document
Clinical Observation Hours Form

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must complete all requirements listed below and must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution prior to starting the program.

GPA Requirements

  • Minimum 3.0 (A=4.0) overall

  • Minimum 3.0 (A=4.0) for prerequisite courses (no grade lower than a C will be accepted)

  • Minimum 3.0 (A=4.0) for last 60 semester hours

Pre-requisite Courses

Auburn University equivalent courses are listed next to each requirement below. To determine how courses taken from other institutions equate to the Auburn University prerequisites listed above, please review the Transfer Equivalency Charts located on the AU website.  For transfer and all other DPT admissions related inquiries, please email us at dpt@auburn.edu. 

  • Introductory or general biology with lab (8 credits/2 semesters) (BIOL 1020/1021 & BIOL 1030/1031)

  • Introductory or general chemistry with lab (8 credits/2 semesters) (CHEM 1030/1031 & CHEM 1040/1041)

  • Introductory or general physics with lab (8 credits/2 semesters) (PHYS 1500 & PHYS 1510)

  • Human or mammalian anatomy with lab (4 credits/1 semester) (BIOL 2500/2501)

  • Human or mammalian physiology with lab (4 credits/1 semester) (BIOL 2510/2511)

  • Biomechanics/analysis of human movement (3 credits/1 semester)(KINE 3620; Engineering-based biomechanics course is not acceptable.)

  • Medical terminology (2-3 credits/1 semester) (KINE 3000 or HADM 2100)

  • Introductory or general psychology (3 credits/1 semester) (PSYC 2010)

  • Introductory or applied/general statistics (3 credits/1 semester) (ERMA 2400 or STAT 2510)

  • Technical writing and/or communication (3 credits/1 semester) (COMM 1000 or ENGL 3040 or ENGL 2010 or RSED 4100)

*Required science sequences are intended to be at a level for science majors and include laboratory sessions. A minimum of 8 semester hours is required for each science sequence.

*All but 8 hours of prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the fall semester of the year of application. Completion of all prerequisites and submission of official transcriptions prior to matriculation is required. 

*We highly recommend that your prerequisite courses be completed within the past 8 years.

Recommended Additional Coursework

The following courses are highly recommended prerequisites as well as they will contribute to an applicant’s preparation for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. 

  • Motor control/motor behavior/motor learning/motor development (KINE 2250/2251 or KINE 3650)

  • Exercise physiology (KINE 3680)

  • Introduction to research (research methods)/research paper/research presentation (KINE 4760 and KINE 4780)

  • Exercise and sport psychology (KINE 4620)

  • Human/child development (HDFS 2010)

  • Nutrition (NTRI 2000)

  • Developmental psychology (PSYC 3120)

  • Introductory or general sociology (SOCY 1000)

Clinical Observation Hours

A documented minimum of 100 clinical observation hours within the last 2 years are required. These hours must occur under the supervision of a U.S. licensed physical therapist (clinical and/or research). Students must have observation experience in multiple physical therapy practice settings (example: out-patient, orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, in-patient, etc.). A form to document clinical observation hours is available here. 

Letter of Intent

As a letter of intent, applicant submits two documents:

  1. Personal statement [2-page maximum]

  2. Current challenges facing the Physical Therapy profession [500-word limit]

Resume

Applicants submit a maximum 2-page resume outlining education, work experience, leadership, service, and other relevant activities. 

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required for a complete application packet. Two letters must come from U.S. licensed PTs who supervised the applicant. One letter should come from a professor in an upper-level class in the applicant’s major.

Interview

Select applicants will be invited to the Auburn University campus to participate in the formal interview process with AUPT program faculty, after initial application screening. 

Still have questions?

Prospective students with questions about the admissions process for the Auburn University Physical Therapy program are invited to request a Zoom Admissions Advising meeting. To request a meeting, please complete the survey linked below. We look forward to speaking with you and supporting you through the admissions process! 

REQUEST A MEETING

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