The requirements for the doctor of philosophy degree consist of a minimum of 72 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree, including 12 semester hours of dissertation research. With the approval of the Physical Therapy Graduate Program and the Dean of the Graduate College, graduate work from other institutions may be applied toward the master of arts or doctoral degree. Grade point average, scores on the Graduate Record Examination, written recommendations from three sources, and clinical experience are among the parameters considered for admission to either degree programs. The graduate programs are designed to increase the students' knowledge and problem-solving ability, especially in the areas of prevention, evaluation, and treatment of disability. Graduate assistantship support is available.
Graduate assistants pay in-state tuition and fees.
At the time of application, the graduate student is required to identify a specialty content area of interest in order to consider faculty adviser alignments. On mutual consent a student may change advisors. Although the thesis chairman provides advice and guidance, the primary responsibility for the writing and defense of the thesis rests with the student. Formal approval for the plan of study, first by the advisor followed by the Advanced Degree Review Committee and Program Director, must be obtained within the first 9 s.h. of graduate study. Physical therapy licensure in the state of Iowa and malpractice insurance are highly recommended.