Before You Apply

Start Planning Now

It’s never too early to start planning.

Early preparation is the key to a smooth (and successful!) application and admission process. In the last few years, the number of applicants to our program has grown dramatically. We’re limited by space and resources. Give yourself the best chance of joining us by doing your research and putting your best application forward.

Know your deadlines

Applications are due February 1 in the year of your intended enrollment.

Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! Start early. Give yourself plenty of time to collect all your materials, and get your scores and letters sent in before the deadline.

Check your requirements

Entry-level professional degree in physical therapy or a bachelor’s degree in health-related sciences
Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
GRE General Test taken within 5 years of application, with a minimum combined verbal and quantitative score of 297

International Students: If English isn’t your native language, you might need to take an English proficiency test. Check out the International Requirements to see if this applies to you.

Prepare your documents

When you apply, you’ll need to submit your transcripts, a personal statement and three letters of recommendation. Get started on those now! Refer to the Applying page for all the specifics.

The application process is paperless. Please don’t mail any materials unless told to do so. Documents that you will upload must be in PDF format, no larger than 5 MB in size. “Portfolio” PDFs and secured PDFs which require a password are not compatible with our system.

International Students: You might have a few extra things you need to provide. Read through the International Requirements page to make sure you have everything you need.

Have your test scores sent in advance

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants. Scores should be sent directly from Education Testing Service to UIC. If you have taken the GRE within the past five years, you must request that scores be sent from ETS to UIC. Institution Code: R1851. Program Code: 619

International Students: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores must be submitted to UIC directly from ETS using the institutional code 1851. Paper score reports will not be accepted.

Find out more about both tests on the ETS site

Think about funding

See what funding options are available to you. The Graduate College has some great information on financial resources and funding opportunities.

The department is able to offer limited financial support to some MS students. Each semester one full-time student is awarded a full tuition waiver. Part-time assistant-ships are sometimes available, depending on the departmental budgetary situation and external funding.

How is tuition calculated?

Tuition varies depending on the number of credit hours you take per semester. See What to Expect to determine yours. Budget for the highest amount, Range I – 12 hours, for 4 semesters over 2 years.