Psychological Science, B.S., (4+3) leading to a Doctor of Physical Therapy

Departmental contact:

Department Chair: Dr. Suzanne Black

Chair of Physical Therapy: Dr. Jessica Cammarata, jcammarata@francis.edu 814-472-3851

Program Description:

Saint Francis University undergraduate programs leading to the Doctor of Physical Therapy prepares students for acceptance into Saint Francis University Graduate Doctor of Physical Therapy program. With guidance of the Department of Physical Therapy, the student selects course to fulfill prerequisites specific to the graduate professional program.

Completion of the undergraduate degree that the student selects with required prerequisite courses qualifies the graduate for application to many physical therapy programs throughout the country. However, this unique program enables the student to be “qualified” for the Saint Francis University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Traditional undergraduate students must choose a major for their undergraduate course of study.

During the undergraduate application process, students select the traditional 4+3 Physical Therapy Program in addition to their major, Psychology (PSPT).  Students must meet the minimum qualifications, based on high school GPA and ACT or SAT scores, and them may select the Physical Therapy option which is available to them.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.
• Demonstrate the skills involved in the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including effective research methods.
• Articulate and demonstrate the ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity.
• Demonstrate competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrate application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.

Prerequisites for admission into this degree pathway:

• Acceptance into the pathway
• SAT scores of 1100 or higher in critical reading and math or an ACT composite score of 22 or higher
• GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with 16 academic units indicated below:
  • 4 units of science including biology and chemistry;
    • physics recommended but not required;
  • 4 units of math, reaching at least the level of pre-calculus;
    • calculus recommended but not required;
  • 4 units of English;
  •  4 units of academic electives
• Graduate application

Capstone Requirement: 

The Senior capstone requirement is completed 3-credits by taking PSYC 398/399 (Internship) or PSYC 407 or PSYC 487 (Independent study).

Total Credits Required:

128 credits minimum