»Frequently Asked Questions

Please apply to our program through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) website

What degree do I need to apply?
A bachelor’s degree in any area of study is required.  All applicants must complete all required prerequisite courses.

Does Chapman require a supplemental application?
Chapman may require an additional supplemental application. Students are invited following application submission.

Does Chapman require interviews as part of the admissions process?
While interviews are not guaranteed for everyone, they provide an opportunity for us to learn more about you and for you to ask questions about our program. If selected for an interview, you will receive further details from our admissions team via email. 

Does Chapman require letters of recommendation?
Chapman does not require letters of recommendation as part of the admissions process.

When is the application deadline?
Application deadline to enter the Summer or Fall cohort is November 1, 2023 (midnight EST).

When are application decisions made?
Application decisions for the Summer cohort will start in late December and will conclude when the class roster is full.  Application decisions for the Fall cohort may start in January till the class is full. Applicants will be denied if they do not meet the minimum admission requirements. Candidates who are not initially offered admission, and meet the minimum requirements, may be given consideration for placement on a wait list at the discretion of the admissions team.

If I get denied can I reapply?
Yes, please resubmit an application through PTCAS during the next application cycle.

How much is the deposit for the DPT program?
The non-refundable deposit amount for the DPT program is $500.

What is the minimum GPA required?
Pre-requisite: 3.0
Overall/cumulative: 3.0

What are the prerequisite courses required to apply to Chapman?

• Anatomy with lab
• Biology 1 with lab
• Biology 2 with lab
• Chemistry 1 with lab
• Chemistry 2 with lab
• Physics 1 with lab
• Physics 2 with lab
• Physiology with lab
• Statistics
• Human Behavior

Click here for a detailed prerequisite course requirements and limitations.

Do prerequisite courses have an expiration date?
Human anatomy and physiology must be completed within 5 years of the application deadline.
All other prerequisite courses must be completed within 10 years of the application deadline.

Do all prerequisite courses need to be completed before applying?
All prerequisite coursework must be complete prior to matriculation into the DPT program. No more than two science prerequisite courses and one human behavior or statistics prerequisite course (a total of three prerequisite courses) may be incomplete after the semester in which the application is submitted.

Can a pass/no pass class fulfill prerequisite requirements?
Pass/Credit grades for prerequisite courses taken between March 2020 and June 2022 will be accepted.  Pass will be converted to a C if letter grading options are not available.

Can I take prerequisite courses at a community college?
Yes, prerequisite courses can be taken at a community college.

Can AP credits fulfill prerequisite requirements?
Courses which received advanced placement credit (AP or CLEP) may fulfill one prerequisite course requirement. The credit hours and grade points will not be computed in the pGPA calculation.

How many observation hours do I need?
You need a minimum of 40 hours of observation in more than two settings.  The hours must be supervised under a licensed physical therapist.

How many applications do you receive each year?
There are approximately 850-1000 applicants per year.

What is the average cohort size?
Average cohort size: 40 for the fall and summer cohort.

Does Chapman give priority to in-state applicants?  
Chapman does not give priority to in-state applicants.

Does Chapman accept DPT transfer students?
Chapman does not accept DPT transfer students.

How long is the DPT program and can the program be taken online?
The program is full-time, 36 months long, on a trimester system (15 weeks each trimester).  Chapman does not offer an online entry level DPT program.

When does the DPT program begin?
The Summer cohort begins in April/May. The Fall cohort begins in August/September.

Where are the physical therapy classes located?
All DPT classes are located at the Rinker Health Science Campus: 9501 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA 92618.

Can I work while enrolled in the program?
It is recommended that students do not work while in the program.

What is the curriculum for the program?
Chapman's DPT curriculum grid

How will a felony or misdemeanor impact eligibility for a PT program or PT license?
PTCAS requires you to report any felony convictions. Physical therapist programs may require criminal background checks or drug tests in order to verify your eligibility to participate in clinical education, to confirm your eligibility for PT licensure, and to ensure patient safety.

What is the tuition rate for the DPT program?
Please visit the Student Business Services website for current tuition and fees.

Does the physical therapy program or Chapman University provide scholarships for students?
The physical therapy department offers minimal fellowships as a non-renewable award for one’s outstanding academic profile. All candidates who matriculate into the entry-level DPT program will be considered. Please also visit the APTA website for other scholarships and grants.

Is there someone I can talk to concerning the DPT program?  Can I take a campus tour?

We offer Informational Webinars to learn about the DPT program and invite you to check dates and register.

In person campus tours offered at the Rinker Health Science campus are available and we invite you to come visit us.

If the calendar does not reflect dates/times which align with your schedule, please contact dptadmit@chapman.edu for alternate accommodations.