Short answer: yes — and it’s one of the smartest, most common paths into the profession. If you’re currently majoring in kinesiology and wondering whether it will actually get you into a doctor of physical therapy program, you’re in good company. Kinesiology consistently ranks as one of the top undergraduate majors among applicants to DPT programs nationwide, thanks to its heavy overlap with anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology coursework.
But a kinesiology degree alone won’t automatically open the door to physical therapy school. You’ll still need to complete specific prerequisite courses, maintain a competitive GPA, and log clinical observation hours. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how a kinesiology background sets you up for success, what gaps you may need to fill, and how to choose the right physical therapist doctor program once you’re ready to apply.
What Is Kinesiology, Exactly?
Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement — how muscles, bones, joints, and the nervous system work together to produce motion. Coursework typically includes biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning, and anatomy, all of which mirror what you’ll study (in far greater depth) during a doctor of physical therapy program. Because of this natural overlap, kinesiology is often described as one of the most direct academic pathways into physical therapy.
Why Kinesiology Works So Well as a Pre-PT Major
1. Heavy overlap with DPT prerequisites Courses in human anatomy, exercise physiology, and biomechanics directly reinforce the science foundation that every doctor of physical therapy program builds on. You won’t be learning these concepts from scratch in grad school — you’ll be expanding on what you already know.
2. It’s one of the most common majors among PT applicants Kinesiology and exercise science majors make up a significant share of applicants to DPT programs across the country, according to data published by the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS). Admissions committees are very familiar with — and comfortable evaluating — kinesiology transcripts.
3. Hands-on, applied learning Many kinesiology programs include movement analysis labs, biomechanics assessments, and applied exercise testing — experience that gives you a head start when you move into hands-on clinical coursework during your DPT.
4. Built-in exposure to the field Kinesiology students often complete internships or practicums in athletic training rooms, rehab clinics, or fitness settings, which can double as the clinical observation hours most DPT programs require for admission.
What a Kinesiology Degree Won’t Automatically Cover
This is the part many students overlook: kinesiology coursework alone rarely satisfies every DPT prerequisite. Every program sets its own requirements, so it’s essential to cross-check your degree plan against the specific school you want to attend. Most doctor of physical therapy programs, including the one at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ New York, require:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II (with lab)
- Biology I & II (with lab)
- Chemistry I & II (with lab)
- Physics I & II (with lab)
- Psychology I & II
- Statistics
Depending on how your kinesiology program is structured, you may already have several of these built into your major — but chemistry and physics, in particular, are often missing from kinesiology curricula and need to be added as electives or during summer sessions. You can view the exact prerequisite list for DUNY’s program on the DPT Program admission requirements.
DUNY also has a helpful breakdown of how different undergraduate majors — including kinesiology, biology, and health sciences — line up with PT school requirements on its Choosing the Right Major for a Future in Physical Therapy page, which is worth reading alongside this guide.
GPA and Experience: What You’ll Still Need
Having the right major is only part of a competitive application. At ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ New York’s DPT Program, admitted students typically present:
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.0 prerequisite GPA (though the average accepted student GPA is closer to 3.4)
- At least 60 hours of documented volunteer or paid experience in a setting where a licensed physical therapist is employed (100+ hours recommended)
- Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a licensed physical therapist
- A completed bachelor’s degree, in any major, prior to matriculation
A kinesiology degree can make it easier to accumulate those clinical hours naturally, since many programs place students in athletic training rooms or rehab settings as part of their coursework anyway.
Choosing the Right DPT Program After a Kinesiology Degree
Once your prerequisites and GPA are on track, the next step is choosing where to earn your doctorate. If you’re a kinesiology graduate searching for a DPT program near me in the New York area, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ New York is one of the most respected DPT programs in New York, and it’s built specifically with working, self-motivated students in mind.
A Weekend Format Designed for Flexibility
DUNY’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program meets on eight alternate weekends per trimester (Friday through Sunday), letting students continue part-time work or manage outside responsibilities while completing their doctorate in just 3.3 years. The curriculum includes four full-time clinical rotations totaling 36 weeks. Full details are available on the Professional Sequence.
Strong, Verified Outcomes
- 100% employment rate for graduates within 6 months of graduation
- Board pass rates consistently at or above the national average
- Fewer than 35 students per cohort for close faculty mentorship
Hands-On Training That Builds on Your Kinesiology Foundation
Since kinesiology students already have exposure to movement science and biomechanics, DUNY’s manual therapy-focused curriculum — including full cadaver dissections and training from faculty who are FAAOMPT-certified — allows students to build quickly on that foundation rather than starting over. You can review specific coursework on the course descriptions.
An Extensive Clinical Network
With more than 500 clinical relationships, including placements at Hospital for Special Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Northwell Health, DUNY students graduate with real-world exposure across diverse patient populations. Learn more on the Clinical Education.
Conveniently Located in Rockland County, NY
For students weighing physical therapy programs in Rockland County, NY, DUNY sits just 17 miles north of New York City and minutes from Bergen County, NJ — an accessible option for applicants across the tri-state area. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE); details are available on the CAPTE accreditation.
How to Apply as a Kinesiology Major
Applications to DUNY’s DPT Program go through the Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS), not directly to the university. Since PTCAS verification can take up to three weeks, kinesiology students planning to apply should start organizing transcripts, letters of recommendation, and clinical hours well before the early action deadline. Full application guidance is available on the main Physical Therapy program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kinesiology a good major for physical therapy school?
Yes. Kinesiology is one of the most common and effective undergraduate majors among applicants to DPT programs, largely because its coursework in anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise physiology overlaps directly with what physical therapy programs require and build upon.
Will my kinesiology degree cover all the prerequisites for a DPT program?
Not necessarily. While kinesiology covers anatomy and exercise physiology well, most programs — including DUNY’s — also require general chemistry, physics, and statistics, which aren’t always included in a kinesiology curriculum. Always compare your coursework against your target school’s specific prerequisite list.
Do I need a master’s degree before applying to a DPT program?
No. A doctor of physical therapy program is the entry-level degree for the profession. You only need a completed bachelor’s degree (in any major, including kinesiology) plus the required prerequisite coursework before matriculating.
What GPA do kinesiology majors typically need for DPT admission?
Most doctor of physical therapy programs set a 3.0 minimum GPA, though competitive applicants often present higher. At DUNY, the average GPA among accepted students is 3.4.
Can kinesiology internships count toward clinical observation hours?
Often, yes — if the internship takes place under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. DUNY requires a minimum of 60 documented hours (100+ recommended) in settings where a licensed PT is employed, so confirm your internship supervisor’s licensure before counting those hours.
Is the GRE required if I have a kinesiology degree?
It depends on the program. DUNY does not require the GRE for admission, though scores can be submitted if you have them.
What’s the difference between kinesiology and physical therapy as careers?
Kinesiology is the academic study of human movement and can lead to careers in fitness, coaching, or research, while physical therapy is a licensed clinical profession focused on diagnosing and treating movement-related impairments. A kinesiology degree is a strong stepping stone toward becoming a licensed PT, but licensure itself requires completing a doctor of physical therapy program and passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
What is the job outlook for physical therapists?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the average for all occupations, driven largely by an aging population and rising rates of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Full projections are available on the .
Final Thoughts
A kinesiology degree is one of the strongest, most natural pathways into a doctor of physical therapy program — but it’s not an automatic ticket in. Success still depends on completing every required prerequisite, maintaining a competitive GPA, and logging real clinical experience under a licensed PT. Once you’ve checked those boxes, choosing the right physical therapist doctor program matters just as much as your major did.
If you’re a kinesiology student exploring DPT programs in New York or searching for a top-rated DPT program near me, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ New York’s weekend-format Doctor of Physical Therapy Program offers proven outcomes, hands-on training, and a flexible schedule — right in the heart of Rockland County, NY.