Pre-Physical Therapy Program at Winthrop University
Physical Therapy is usually offered as a graduate degree program. Some schools such as Western Carolina and Elon
College offer a master’s degree; other schools such as the University of South Carolina and Emory University now offer
doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees, while MUSC offers a DPT degree in Physical Therapy. Schools offering the Ph.D. or DPT
require a bachelor’s degree.
Students interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy may major in any area but should ensure that they complete the
following pre-requisites. In addition, admission to physical therapy programs is highly competitive so students will need to
maintain a strong GPA. Most programs also require students to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Students must also
complete a minimum of 100 hours of direct patient contact in a clinical setting.
Prerequisites Semester Hours Winthrop Courses
English composition 6 WRIT 101 & GNED 102
Mathematics 3 MATH 150
Statistics 3 MATH 141
Chemistry (must include laboratory) 8 CHEM 105, 106/108
Physics (must include laboratory) 8 PHYS 201, 202
Biology (must include laboratory) 4 BIOL 203, 204
Anatomy (must include laboratory) 4 BIOL 307
Physiology (must include laboratory) 4 BIOL 308
Social sciences
General psychology 3 PSYC 101
Developmental Psychology 3 PSYC 206
Choose from any of the following: 3
Anthropology, economics, history, Sociology, political science
Humanities 9
From at least two categories: education, Fine arts, speech, foreign language, Literature, philosophy
Medical terminology 1 NUTR 227
Electives* 29-31
*All applicants must have computer experience using word processing, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, etc.
Total hours minimum 90
Freshman Year
Fall Semester Spring Semester
BIOL 200 and 202 0
WRIT 101 3 HMXP 102 3
MATH 150 or 151 3 MATH 141 3
CHEM 105 4 CHEM 106/108 4
BIOL 203/204 4 BIOL 206 4
ACAD 101 1 PSYC 101 3
15 17
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester Spring Semester
BIOL 205 4
BIOL 307 4 BIOL 308 4
PSYC 206 3 Social Science 3
BIOL 300 4 Elective 3
CRTW 201 3 Elective 3
14 17
Junior Year
Fall Semester Spring Semester
PHYS 201 4 PHYS 202 4
Humanities 3 Humanities 3
Social Science 3 BIOL Elective 4
BIOL Elective 4 Elective 3
14 14
Use these guidelines to develop an appropriate program of study in consultation with your advisor.
For further information contact: Winthrop University, Biology Department, phone: 803-323-2111,
biology@winthrop.edu, www.winthrop.edu/cas/biology
