If you have not yet completed an undergraduate degree, you must complete a bachelor's degree at CSULB or other accredited undergraduate institution before you can apply to the program.
A CSULB bachelor's degree in Biology, option in Physiology will best serve your academic needs as most lower division and many upper division *foundational science prerequisite courses are included in the degree. Balwant Khatra is the advisor for pre-physical therapy physiology majors. The Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, option in Exercise Science at CSULB also includes many of these courses. Allison Wrynn is the advisor for kinesiology majors. If you choose a degree option other than Biology, Physiology option or Kinesiology, Exercise Science option, you will need to take many units beyond the basic requirements for a bachelor's degree to complete all of the prerequisites for the MPT program.
*Foundational science courses that may be taken as electives at CSULB are listed in degree comparisons. You should earn a "B" average in these courses. Students planning to apply to the MPT program should contact the Department of Physical Therapy before taking the * courses.
Transfer students should make early contact with the Department of Biological Sciences or the Department of Kinesiology to work toward a degree.
CSULB students who anticipate the completion of all undergraduate requirements by the end of the spring or summer semesters must apply to the Department between October 1 and January 15 for entrance into the program the following Fall semester. Candidates must simultaneously apply to the University Graduate School.
You must complete all of the lower division prerequisite courses before you earn your Bachelor's Degree or complete these lower division prerequisites after graduation at a 2-year institution prior to applying to the CSULB Graduate School and to the Department of Physical Therapy for admission. Once all lower division prerequisites are completed or will be completed by your intended admission date to the CSULB Physical Therapy Program, follow the instructions Graduate Applicants for graduate applicants.
Ethnic minority and women students about to enter the PT program and interested in sports physical therapy may qualify for one of 26, $6000 scholarships awarded by the NCAA.. Students must not have begun graduate studies to qualify and must be U.S. citizens. Many prior scholarships have gone to PT students. More information can be found at the NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women's Enhancement Programs' Postgraduate Scholarship website.
