This program offers a combined BS in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The BS in Exercise Science is the undergraduate pathway for direct entry into the DPT program at the University of Hartford.
Accelerated
Full Time
Rolling AdmissionBachelor of Science
120
Doctorate
105
This program offers a combined Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. The BS in Exercise Science is the undergraduate pathway for direct entry to the DPT program at the University of Hartford.
Physical therapy is a rewarding, in-demand career that helps people live healthy and active lives. As a physical therapist, you can make a big difference in your patients’ quality of life, helping them recover from injuries, get back to a favorite activity, and prevent future health problems.
The combined BS/DPT curriculum combines a liberal arts education with a strong science core, giving you the necessary tools for success as a physical therapist, whether your career goals are private practice, education, or research.
The bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science provides the prerequisite science and general education courses that prepare you to move into the professional phase of the program. Once you are accepted into the combined BS/DPT program, you’ll move directly from the undergraduate program to the DPT program, provided you maintain the required grade point averages.
Graduates of our DPT program have 100% job placement rates and have advanced to leadership positions in the profession. Learn more about our DPT program.
Students who choose the traditional 4+3 model will earn the bachelor's degree in four years and the DPT degree in three years.
Employment rate within 1 year of graduation
Two-year average ultimate pass rate on the national PT licensure exam (2022, 2023)
Student-faculty ratio
The Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions provides beautiful physical therapy labs and classroom spaces. Take a look!
The undergraduate phase of the combined BS/DPT program is a minimum of 120 credits. A sample of courses is listed below, see the course catalog for the full degree requirements.
Exercise Science courses total 45 credits and include:
Introduction to Exercise Science
Public Health
Strength and Conditioning
Exercise Physiology
Injury Care and Prevention
Exercise Prescription for Special Populations
Career Readiness Internships I and II
Science courses total 35-36 credits and include:
Introductory Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Medical Microbiology
College Chemistry
Mechanics, Heat and the Body
Electives - 12 credits
General education requirements total 28 credits and can include:
Academic Writing
Precalculus with Trigonometry
Business and Professional Communication
Introduction to Psychology
Ethics in the Professions
Freshman applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in late September. If you are a high school student interested in the physical therapy program, you should complete courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics with an A or B grade point average.
The University of Hartford implemented a test optional policy in 2018 for applicants who believe that their SAT or ACT scores are not representative of their academic achievements and potential. All students are welcome to apply as test optional and should indicate so on their application. Our test optional policy is consistent with the goal of reviewing each application for admission in a holistic manner.
Office of Admission and Financial Aid
800.947.4303
admission@truthenvision.com
If you are a full-time undergraduate student applying to the combined BS in Exercise Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, you will be considered for financial aid programs that the University administers. In addition to our own funds, the University of Hartford participates in all Federal Title IV Programs and Federal Family Education Loan programs. Residents of Connecticut and those states with reciprocal agreements with the State of Connecticut may also be eligible to receive state scholarships or grants.
The following links provide information on tuition and financial aid related to the undergraduate accelerated 3-year or 4-year program of study in Exercise Science.
To discuss ways to finance your program of study, call the financial aid officer for the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions at 860.768.4296 or email finaid@truthenvision.com.
Combined BS/DPT Program Contact:
Linda YamamotoThe University of Hartford, including the Exercise Science program within the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, is accredited by the Board of Higher Education of the State of Connecticut and by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Hartford is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (APTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22305-3085, tel: 703.706.3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call Brian Swanson at 860.768.5314 or email bswanson@truthenvision.com.
The bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science will prepare you for a variety of exciting careers in sports medicine, personal training, and strength and conditioning coaching. You'll also be prepared for graduate study in areas such as physical therapy, athletic training, clinical exercise physiology, kinesiology, and public health.
The DPT is an entry-level professional physical therapy program designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another subject area who have satisfied the prerequisite course requirements.
The Health Sciences program prepares you for professional or graduate study in health-related fields such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, or public health. The program is also available as a minor.