Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

The Master of Science in Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the field of rehabilitation sciences and physical therapy. This rigorous curriculum integrates foundational sciences, advanced clinical knowledge, and practical skills to equip future healthcare professionals with the expertise needed to assess, treat, and prevent movement disorders across diverse patient populations. Students will engage in coursework spanning anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and neuroscience, combined with specialized classes in therapeutic interventions, evidence-based practice, and patient management strategies. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training through laboratories, simulations, and clinical rotations at top hospitals and healthcare facilities affiliated with USC. Such experiential learning enables students to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and professional competencies required for effective patient care. Graduates will be prepared to pursue licensure as physical therapists, contributing to improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life for individuals with acute or chronic conditions. The program also fosters research interests and offers opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects, encouraging innovation in rehabilitation practices and healthcare delivery. With a strong focus on interprofessional collaboration and community engagement, students are encouraged to think holistically about patient health and wellness. The USC Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy program benefits from expert faculty who are leaders in their fields, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the educational journey. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned for careers in clinical practice, academia, research, or healthcare administration, making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and advancing the field of physical therapy.

Years 1, 2 - Required Courses

• PM 510L Principles of Biostatistics Units: 4
• PM 511aL Data Analysis Units: 4
• PT 507 Professional Practice: Therapist Perspective Units: 2
• PT 509 Cellular and Systems Physiology Units: 3
• PT 514L Musculoskeletal Anatomy Units: 4
• PT 516 Principles of Disease Units: 2
• PT 521L Basics of Patient Management Units: 4
• PT 529 Life Span Motor Control Units: 3
• PT 534L Neuroanatomy Units: 3
• PT 536 Pathology of Cardiopulmonary Disease and General Medical Conditions Units: 3
• PT 539 Clinical Pharmacology Units: 1
• PT 546 Neuropathology Units: 3
• PT 547 Professional Practice: System Perspective Units: 2
• PT 549L Clinical Exercise Physiology Units: 4
• PT 551L Therapeutic Application of Physical Agents Units: 2
• PT 554L Analytical Anatomy Units: 3
• PT 557 Professional Practice: Patient Perspective Units: 2
• PT 566 Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System Units: 3
• PT 569 Fundamentals of Neuroscience Units: 4
• PT 571L Clinical Management of Cardiopulmonary Dysfunction Units: 4
• PT 574 Clinical Biomechanics Units: 3
• PT 581L Clinical Management of the Patient with Neurological Dysfunction Units: 5
• PT 582 Mechanics of Human Gait Units: 2
• PT 583L Clinical Electrophysiology Units: 3
• PT 600a Clinical Clerkship Units: 1
• PT 600b Clinical Clerkship Units: 3
• PT 600c Clinical Clerkship Units: 1
• PT 600d Clinical Clerkship Units: 1
• PT 600e Clinical Clerkship Units: 3
• PT 600z Clinical Clerkship Units: 0
• PT 621L Clinical Management of the Patient with Musculoskeletal Dysfunction Units: 5

Years 3, 4, 5 - Required Courses

• BKN 790 Research Units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
• BKN 794a Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2
• BKN 794b Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2
• BKN 794c Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2
• BKN 794d Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2
• BKN 794z Doctoral Dissertation Units: 0

Year 6 - Required Courses

• PT 630 Integrated Management of the Upper and Lower Extremities Units: 3
• PT 631 Integrated Patient Management of the Axial Skeletal System and Related Movement Disorders Units: 3
• PT 632 Integrated Patient Management Seminar Units: 5
• PT 660 Advanced Clerkship with Academic Integration Units: 5
• PT 665 Advanced Clinical Clerkship Units: 8

Note:

A minimum of 116 units is required for completion of this program.

Estimated Calendar of Study

Basic and Clinical Science Foundation Courses (Years 1, 2)

The student will enroll in all required course work and clinical experiences excluding BKN 790, BKN 794a, BKN 794b, BKN 794c, BKN 794d, BKN 794z, PT 630, PT 631, PT 632, PT 660 and PT 665.

Qualifying Exam (Year 3)

The student will select a qualifying exam committee and begin preparing a research proposal (register for BKN 790). During this time, the student is encouraged to enroll in key elective courses, both inside and outside the division, which will enhance research proposal development. The expectation is that the student will sit for the qualifying exam and achieve doctoral candidacy at the end of year three.

Research and Dissertation Preparation (Years 4, 5)

The student will complete the research project and prepare a dissertation (register for BKN 790 and BKN 794a, BKN 794b, BKN 794c, BKN 794d, BKN 794z). The expectation is that the student will successfully defend the dissertation by the end of year five.

Completion of Internship Requirement (Year 6)

The student will complete the required internships to achieve clinical competency (register for PT 630, PT 631, PT 632, PT 660 and PT 665).

Applicants must meet all general admission requirements of the university. Admission requirements include a superior grade point average in cumulative undergraduate and graduate course work (if applicable). In addition, applicants should score at least 160 on the verbal section and 150 on the quantitative section of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and have some research experience. Students admitted for the Master of Science degree are not automatically admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program. The Master of Science is not required as a prerequisite to the Ph.D. is highly advised.

Ph.D. Applicants should contact the Faculty member with whom they want to work and discuss the program.  

The application process for the M.S. and Ph.D. Programs in Biokinesiology Program involves the following component

1. USC GRADUATE ADMISSION APPLICATION
2. GENERAL GRADUATE RECORD EXAM.(GRE) 
3. TOEFL 
4. TRANSCRIPTS
5. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
7. INTERVIEWS

Scholarships

Financial assistance is available to USC students from many sources. Division scholarships totaled over $250,000 in the 2015-2016 academic year. In addition, some students are eligible for university-wide scholarships. Decisions about Divisional scholarships for incoming students are made in February and March each year (Please note:  There is no formal application required for Divisional scholarships.  All applicants are automatically considered for these competitive, merit-based awards). 

The Master of Science in Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a career in clinical physical therapy and related health professions. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in the biological, behavioral, and social sciences to enable graduates to evaluate, treat, and prevent physical impairments and disabilities. The curriculum integrates coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, and neuroscience, combined with clinical practice and hands-on training to ensure students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Students in this program have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and clinical facilities that facilitate experiential learning. The program scaffolds learning through a sequence of didactic courses, laboratory sessions, and clinical internships, culminating in extensive supervised clinical practice. This experiential training allows students to work directly with patients under the guidance of licensed physical therapists, honing their diagnostic abilities, treatment planning, and patient management skills. The curriculum also includes coursework on evidence-based practice and healthcare ethics, preparing graduates to make informed, ethical decisions in diverse clinical settings.

The program aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills essential for a successful career as a licensed physical therapist. Graduates of the USC program are equipped not only with the technical skills required for physical therapy practice but also with a deep understanding of patient-centered care, emphasizing holistic treatment approaches. The program's faculty comprises experienced clinicians and researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving patient outcomes through research and innovative clinical practices.

Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and scholarly activities, contributing to the development of new knowledge in the field of biokinesiology and physical therapy. The USC alumni network offers extensive professional opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports organizations, and private practices across the United States and internationally. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), a requirement for licensure to practice as a licensed physical therapist.

The University of Southern California’s program is characterized by its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the preparation of culturally competent clinicians. It provides a supportive academic environment with resources such as mentorship programs, academic advising, and career services to help students succeed academically and professionally. The program aligns with USC’s mission to educate exceptional healthcare professionals dedicated to innovative, ethical, and compassionate patient care.

Overall, the USC Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy program offers a rigorous, research-informed, and clinically focused education that prepares graduates to excel in the dynamic field of physical therapy, addressing diverse patient needs across multiple healthcare settings.