Why Study Physical Therapy?
There is an ever-increasing need for well-qualified professionals in physical therapy. The Math/Science degree program with a concentration in physical therapy provides students with a strong foundation in how the natural world works. Students will complete courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In the courses students apply mathematical models and the scientific method to solve concrete problems.
Program Options
Curriculum Code: 0651 I Liberal Arts Credits: 30 I Program Credits: 31
Students will complete courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. In the courses students apply mathematical models and the scientific method to solve concrete problems.
Concentration is designed for transfer to SUNY Upstate Medical University or Sage graduate school.
| Course Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EN 101 | Composition | 3 |
| EN 102 | Composition & Literature | 3 |
| HU ELE SL ELE | Humanities Elective OR Social Science Elective | 3 |
| MA 102 | Statistics | 3 |
| MA 110 | College Algebra or higher* | 4 |
| BI 130 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BI 131 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| PY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SL ELE | Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Credits: | 30 | |
| CE 101 | College Experience 1 | 1 |
| BI 101 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BI 102 | General Biology II | 4 |
| CH 101 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CH 102 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| HI 101 HI 102 | Western Civ 13,000 BCE to 1517 CE OR Western Civ 1517 to Present | 3 |
| HI 103 HI 104 | U.S. History 1492-1865 OR U.S. History 1865-Present | 3 |
| PX 101 | College Physics I | 4 |
| PX 102 | College Physics II | 4 |
| Program Credits: | 31 | |
| Minimum Credits: | 61 | |
| *Note: MA 110, MA 111, MA 117, MA 122, or MA 123 may be taken to fulfill this requirement |
Careers & Outcomes
Career Information
People who succeed in physical therapy enjoy working as part of teams in health care settings caring for people of all ages with a variety of health problems. Physical therapists work directly with people to enhance movement and foster optimal health and functional ability. Patients include those who have sustained injury or illness, have developmental deficits, have age-related problems, or need preventive care. They may examine and evaluate strength, sensation, joint mobility, endurance, pain, reflexes, and movement skill of patients. They plan therapy programs that may include exercises to improve functional abilities by increasing strength, endurance, balance, coordination, and range of motion. Interventions also include massage, traction, ultrasound, water, heat, electricity, and joint mobilizations. Physical therapists work with all systems of the body, including the muscular, skeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems.
Further Educational Opportunities
This program is designed as an academic starting point for people interested in physical therapy. Upon completion of the program students will transfer to a four-year college or university prior to graduate studies at Marist College, Russell Sage College, or other accredited school to complete a doctorate in physical therapy.
Physical Therapy is a graduate program that requires a bachelor’s degree prior to admission. The licensing credential for physical therapy is a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, DPT.
The University of Buffalo, Upstate Medical University and Sage College Graduate School are three of several physical therapy colleges in New York State.