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Dual Degree Programs

Dual degree options offered in conjunction with KU's doctoral program in physical therapy prepare students for business, health care management, and research careers.

With each of these programs, students first must be accepted into KU's doctoral degree program in physical therapy.

The graduation requirements for the physical therapy degree are the same for those who decide to pursure a dual degree.

A benefit of the dual degree is the length of time in school can be shorter than if each degree were completed separately. However, these programs are rigorous and only for outstanding applicants with the dedication and commitment necessary to complete them successfully.

Expand the sections below to learn more about dual degree programs offered by the department.

Dual Degree Options

You can earn a dual degree Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Kansas. The dual degree program is a partnership between the School Health Professions at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, and the School of Business in Lawrence, Kansas.

About the Dual DPT/MBA Program

Designed to advance one's individual professional goals and development, the dual degree is beneficial for physical therapists who will be engaging with corporate executives, starting a private physical therapy practice or moving into a management position.

Program Schedule

The 12-semester degree program prepares the physical therapist with health finance and management information and experience over 34 credit hours of MBA coursework that can be completed in four years. During the full-time MBA program, you'll work in small cohorts with other full-time MBA students on KU's Lawrence, Kansas-based campus. Classes are typically held from Mondays to Thursdays.

After successfully completing the first two years in the DPT curriculum, completion of the MBA portion takes one academic year. In the summer prior to the final year in the DPT program, you will enroll in PTRS 924 to complete an MBA project and prepare for DPT full-time clinical experiences. The DPT program requirements for graduation remain the same for those who choose to complete this dual degree program. Once the MBA curriculum is complete, you'll return to the DPT program to complete the final, third year.

Curriculum Map (PDF)

Academic Catalog

Eligibility and Requirements

To participate, you must be accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy program before entering the DPT/MBA program. You may apply during the second year of your DPT program for acceptance into the MBA program. The GMAT is not required for the joint DPT/MBA degree.

You must remain in good academic standing in the DPT program to continue participation in the MBA component of the dual program, including maintaining a minimum 3.0-grade point average in both programs. You will not receive your MBA degree before the DPT is awarded. Anyone who does not successfully complete the DPT program will need to take the 15 credit hours of MBA coursework that were waived by virtue of being in the joint program, in order to earn the MBA degree.

Questions?

Contact the us to discuss your questions about admission, scholarships or other aspects of the DPT/MBA dual degree program.

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The doctor of physical therapy (DPT) and master of health services administration (MHSA) dual degree can ready you as a physical therapist for roles in health care management and leadership administrative positions. Health services administration offers an overview of the health care system, a clear perspective on contemporary health policy, a mastery of management methods and a broad exposure to the practice of health care management.

The MHSA program has consistently been ranked among the top health administration programs in U.S. public universities by U.S. News and World Report.

Program Schedule

Students in the DPT program can begin taking classes towards their MHSA through the Department of Population Health in the KU School of Medicine while completing their DPT degree. The dual degree includes a three-year DPT and 39 credit hours of MHSA curriculum. MHSA courses begin in the fall semester of the second year of the DPT program. The DPT program requirements for graduation remain the same for students completing this dual degree program.

Study in the MHSA program is available on both a full-time and part-time basis. Full-time and part-time students take classes together, providing a rich environment for learning and sharing knowledge and experiences. Full-time students complete the MHSA degree in two academic years. Part-time students typically complete the degree in three to four years. Coursework for the MHSA program takes place at the KU Medical Center campus in Kansas City, Kansas. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday.

Eligibility and Requirements

To participate, you must be accepted into the doctor of physical therapy program before entering the DPT/MHSA program. You may apply at any point during the DPT program for acceptance into the MHSA program to start taking classes. You must remain in good academic standing in both the DPT and MHSA programs to continue in the DPT/MHSA program, including maintaining a minimum 3.0-grade point average in both programs. Students must also complete the DPT degree before the MHSA degree can be awarded. Anyone who does not successfully complete the DPT program will need to take the 17 credit hours of MHSA coursework that were waived by virtue of being in the dual DPT/MHSA program, in order to earn the MHSA degree.

Questions?

For questions about admission, scholarships, or other aspects of the DPT/MHSA dual degree program, you can contact the Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training or the Department of Population Health in the KU School of Medicine.

About the Program

The dual DPT/Ph.D. program is available to outstanding applicants with backgrounds in health-related sciences who wish to become physical therapists and engage in research related to rehabilitation science.

Eligibility and Requirements

To participate in the DPT/Ph.D. dual degree program, you must first be accepted into the DPT program. You may apply to the DPT/Ph.D. program with your initial DPT application or during your study in the DPT program. While in the DPT program, you'll explore available research laboratories and projects to identify a mentor and project for the Ph.D. dissertation research, to facilitate your progression through the Ph.D. program. You will complete the Ph.D. program coursework after graduating from the DPT program. The DPT program requirements and the Ph.D. program requirements for graduation are the same for students in this dual degree program.

At least five years of study will be necessary to fulfill the requirements of this degree. Scholarship opportunities are available.

Meet our current Ph.D. students.

Questions?

Contact us to discuss your questions about admission, scholarships or other aspects of the DPT/Ph.D. dual degree program.

Contact Us

KU School of Health Professions

Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training
University of Kansas Medical Center
Mail Stop 2002
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66160
ptrsat@kumc.edu

913-588-6799