DPT/PhD(Eng) Program

The Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences in coordination with Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering/Computer Science offer a joint degree program that awards graduates a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from the Feinberg School of Medicine as well as a PhD from the McCormick School of Engineering.  This joint program marries two disciplines for one clear benefit: improved rehabilitation therapies and technologies for patients with movement disorders. 

Graduates from the DPT-PhD(Eng) program will have a combined degree in the engineering and life sciences that prepares them for dual careers as physical therapist /scientists in rehabilitation science and engineering research, with strong relevance to physical therapist patient care.

Rehabilitation and engineering, as it relates to movement and rehabilitation sciences, is a distinct and novel research field that requires an interdisciplinary graduate education and training program. Although this discipline has its roots in the fields of medicine, engineering and neuroscience, work at the interface of these fields requires training that is not available in the traditional curriculum. Graduate students who receive this interdisciplinary training are expected to become new leaders in engineering, rehabilitation sciences, physical therapy and in device development for the study and restoration of human function both in the academic, governmental, healthcare and industry environments.  Their scientific and engineering contributions will have a significant impact on rehabilitation related healthcare costs in the US.

Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, and NIH/Howard Hughes Medical Institute will fully finance the DPT education of two new DPT/PhD(Eng) students each year to support the creation of this highly innovative joint degree program.