Program Overview

Introduction to the DPT-MPH Program

The DPT-MPH is a dual degree consisting of both the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees. Physical therapy practice has traditionally been seen as rehabilitation or tertiary prevention. In the evolving healthcare environment, physical therapy practice is expanding into primary and secondary prevention activities. As physical therapists’ roles and responsibilities have increased, so have their educational needs and desires. The combined DPT-MPH degree will enable future physical therapists to become leaders in health care policy and impact healthcare and public health in innovative ways.

About the DPT-MPH

Emory University is excited to offer one of the few DPT-MPH dual degree programs in the country. Through a unique collaboration between the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the Rollins School of Public Health, students earn the dual degrees in four years rather than the usual five years if the degrees are earned separately. Students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)/ Master of Public Health (MPH) program will learn to be strong leaders in preventative health care, as well as effective therapists following a public health crisis.

Curriculum

The DPT/MPH program is four years in length consisting of 144 semester credit hours. Students spend their first two years in the DPT program, developing a strong foundation in the basic and clinical science, with an emphasis on movement and movement dysfunction. In their third academic year, students focus on the MPH degree, enrolling at Rollins.

• Years one, two, and four are spent in the DPT program
  • The DPT program requires nine semesters of training including courses and clinical rotations
• Year three is spent at Rollins (minimum 32 credit hours)
  • Departments and academic programs participating in the DPT/MPH dual degree program are:
    • Behavioral sciences and health education
    • Epidemiology
    • Global health
    • Global epidemiology
    • Health policy and management

Admission Requirements

• Students must apply to and be accepted into each school separately in order to be eligible for a dual degree.
• All applications to Rollins are completed through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS).
• Visit the Rollins School of Public Health website for instructions on applying.
• Visit the MD and Public Health Dual Degree page for instructions on applying.

Program Structure

The DPT-MPH program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both physical therapy and public health. The program is structured to allow students to complete both degrees in four years, rather than the usual five years if the degrees are earned separately.

Research Areas

The DPT-MPH program at Emory University is focused on several research areas, including:

• Qualitative Distinctions of Moral Practice
• Stroke Network: Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinical Trials and Exploration of Unique Interventions
• 2024 DPT Poster Day
• 2024 DPT Poster Day Abstracts
• 2023 DPT Poster Day Abstracts

Degree and Training Programs

The Division of Physical Therapy at Emory University offers several degree and training programs, including:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
• DPT/PhD Program
• DPT-MPH Program
• DPT-MBA Degree
• DPT/MA-Bioethics Dual Degree
• Residency Training Programs

Admissions and Application Procedure

The application procedure for the DPT-MPH program involves several steps, including:

• Application Procedure
• Paying the supplemental application fee online
• Tuition and fees
• International students
• Housing options
• Scholarships and aid
• Frequently asked questions

Student Life and Resources

The Division of Physical Therapy at Emory University offers several resources and opportunities for students, including:

• Student life at Emory
• Emory Recreation and Wellness
• Living in Atlanta
• Visitor information
• Student handbook
• Student services
• Volunteerism and service learning
• International service
• Local service learning projects

Clinical Education and Practice

The DPT-MPH program at Emory University provides students with several opportunities for clinical education and practice, including:

• Clinical affiliations
• Handbooks and competencies
• CI online resources
• Frequently asked questions

Faculty and Research

The faculty at the Division of Physical Therapy at Emory University are involved in several research areas, including:

• Qualitative Distinctions of Moral Practice
• Stroke Network: Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinical Trials and Exploration of Unique Interventions
• 2024 DPT Poster Day
• 2024 DPT Poster Day Abstracts
• 2023 DPT Poster Day Abstracts

Alumni and Continuing Education

The Division of Physical Therapy at Emory University offers several opportunities for alumni and continuing education, including:

• Emory Physical Therapy Magazine
• Journal of Humanities in Rehabilitation
• Alumni in the news
• Alumni and friends of Emory DPT
• National Association of Black Physical Therapists
• Alumni and class pictures
• Order a transcript
• 2024 Graduation pictures
• All courses - listed
• STORMS Seminar Series
• Frequently asked questions

News and Events

The Division of Physical Therapy at Emory University hosts several news and events, including:

• Your Fantastic Mind | DPT
• 2024 Archives

Center for Physical Therapy and Movement Science

The Center for Physical Therapy and Movement Science at Emory University offers several opportunities for research, education, and clinical practice, including:

• About us
• Research
• Education
• Clinical practice
• News and events