Graduation Requirements

A candidate for the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in the UT Southwestern School of Health Professions must meet all of the following requirements:

1. The student must demonstrate a high order of scholarly achievement in physical therapy, including appropriate research and professional competencies. The Program’s Student Progress Committee determines whether adequate mastery has been acquired.
2. The student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 96 semester hours at UT Southwestern School of Health Professions.
3. The student must discharge all financial obligations to the Medical Center. In the event of nonpayment, one or more actions may be taken by the Dean: a) readmission may be denied; and b) the degree to which the student would otherwise be entitled may be withheld.
4. The student must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average, have no academic deficiencies, and have no incompletes.
5. The student must complete the academic requirements listed in his or her degree plan, including completion of any academic deficiencies in prerequisite courses, by the times stated in the student’s official letter of acceptance. The student is responsible for submitting official documentation of successful completion of the prerequisites to the Office of Enrollment Services.
6. The student must fulfill 15 hours of service-learning at UTSW preapproved sites before graduation. A list of preapproved opportunities will be provided to students. All hours must be logged in the School of Health Professions Student Affairs service-learning registry. The SHP Student Affairs team will notify students at least three months prior to graduation of any outstanding service-learning requirements to provide ample time for completion.
7. Complete all requirements for graduation within five years of the original date of matriculation.