Thank you for your interest in the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program at Governors State University. You'll find the information and instructions you need to apply to the DPT program on this page.

First, Some Important Information

The curriculum for the DPT degree program is designed for the entry-level student who has a bachelor’s degree in any major, with appropriate prerequisite course work, and a strong commitment to pursue a rigorous full-time course of study in Physical Therapy.

Admission Process:

The PTCAS application cycle opens on June 15

  • Applications that are “verified” by PTCAS on or before August 1 will be reviewed for a possible interview in mid- August.
  • At that point, you will have to commit to:
  • A $1500 seat deposit due within 1 month of notification of acceptance in the DPT program
  • Applications that are submitted by October 15 will be reviewed for a possible interview in early December. You will be notified of acceptance through an early decision letter by December 31.

At that point, you will have to commit to:

  • A $1500 seat deposit due in mid-January. 


Notifications of admission status through PTCAS (i.e. admit, alternate list, or denied admission) are made in January.

Truly qualified applicants should recognize that the DPT admissions committee may have been faced with the difficult task of selecting a relatively small group of the most qualified candidates from among an applicant pool that was generally well- qualified. Unsuccessful candidates often wish to know why they were not admitted and what they can do to improve their chances of admission in subsequent years. Because admission decisions are made on the basis of many pieces of objective and subjective information, it is often difficult to pinpoint any particular weakness that led to a negative decision. Unsuccessful applicants may sometimes improve their chances for admission in a subsequent year by improving their prerequisite GPA by retaking key courses, improving GRE scores, or enhancing their understanding of the profession through work or volunteer services in appropriate healthcare facilities.

Applicants must recognize that following these suggestions does not in any way guarantee future admission. Inquiries by unsuccessful candidates cannot be acknowledged before May 1.

Note: Minimum Requirements

In order to be considered for admission, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 and a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0.

Don't Forget: GRE and TOEFL

GSU's School of Extended Learning offers Graduate Record Exam Test Preparation — either in class or online through a partnership with the Princeton Review. Click here for more information.


If applicable, you must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Applicants whose native or primary language is not English must provide official evidence of having attained a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL. Official TOEFL scores are sent directly to Governors State University from the Educational Testing Service that administers these exams. Specific questions about the TOEFL exam should be directed to the Office of Admission & Student Recruitment.