Addendum - January 2025

Husson University publishes a University Catalog at the start of every academic year. The addendum contains information related to policies, program requirements, and courses that were updated after the catalog was published in August 2024.

Policy Updates

BS/Doctor of Physical Therapy Admission Criteria

Admissions Criteria

Students who wish to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy have two degree options at Husson, including a degree in Health Sciences or in Exercise Science.  Each of these is a four-year degree, in which the fourth year comprises the first year of the physical therapy graduate education.  Students will receive a bachelor’s degree in either of these fields after completion of the requirements for the undergraduate degree and will complete an additional two years of education to obtain the DPT.  This is referred to as a 3+3 program, including 3 years of undergraduate and 3 years of graduate DPT courses.  Alternatively, students at Husson or at any other university may complete a bachelor’s degree that includes all of the prerequisites for Husson’s DPT program (see below under “Graduate Admission”), and may then apply to the graduate portion of our program (4+3).

Regardless of the undergraduate degree a student chooses (Health Science or Exercise Science), there are three paths of admission into the DPT program: 
1) Undergraduate early assurance option (3 + 3)
2) Undergraduate standard option (3 + 3)
3) Graduate option (4 + 3)  

Undergraduate Early Assurance Option (3+3)

Students may be accepted into the Early Assurance option directly from high school if they have:

• a high school GPA of 3.6 or greater
• taken the following courses in high school: 4 years of science (including biology and chemistry, physics is recommended); 4 years of math, reaching at least the level of pre-calculus; 4 years of English

To progress to the professional phase of the program (year 4) without reapplication, early assurance students must have an overall GPA of 3.5 by the end of the spring semester of their third year, and must complete all core science prerequisite courses with a grade of B- or better.  The GPA for all core science prerequisite courses must be at least a 3.0, with only one course being retaken (once) to improve the grade. 

Core Science prerequisite courses include:

• Precalculus with Trigonometry (4 credits)
• Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
• General Psychology (3 credits)
• Anatomy and Physiology I and II (6 credits)
• Chemistry I and II (6 credits)
• Physics I (4 credits)
• General Biology (3 credits)
• Cell Biology (3 credits)

Students who begin in this category, but do not meet the requirements for assured progression will need to follow the procedure for the Undergraduate Standard option for progression.

40 seats are reserved for early assurance students at the time of admission to Husson University

Transfer students 

• Transfer students are accepted into years 1 and 2 of the program if they meet the requirements listed above for first year student admission.
• To be admitted as an early assurance transfer student, a student must have an overall GPA of 3.6 based on college transcripts
• All other requirements for early assurance students apply to transfer students.

Undergraduate Standard Option (3 + 3)

Students who do not obtain an early assurance seat can pursue the Standard Option 3 + 3 to the DPT degree; however, admission to the professional phase of the DPT is not guaranteed as in the early assurance option.  

To qualify for the Standard Option students must 
• Have at least a 3.2 high school GPA
• Have taken three years of science and English classes in high school

To progress to the professional phase of the program (year 4) students must complete an application indicating their desire to continue in the DPT program.  They must also
• Have a 3.2 overall GPA by the end of the spring semester of their third year 
• Complete all core science pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or better.  The GPA for all core science prerequisite courses (listed above) must be at least a 3.0, with only one course being retaken (once) to improve the grade. 
• Complete an interview with the DPT Admissions Committee
• Submit a recommendation from their academic advisor

If students are not admitted into the professional phase of the DPT program, they may continue to finish their undergraduate degrees.

30 seats are reserved for standard option applicants at the time of admission to Husson University.

Transfer students 

• Transfer students are accepted into years 1 and 2 of the program if they meet the requirements listed above for first year student admission.
• A transfer student with a college GPA between 3.2 and 3.59 may be admitted to the standard option.
• All other requirements for standard option students apply to transfer students.

Graduate Admission (4 + 3) 

This pathway is for students who already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (including Husson). The number of available seats is dependent on the number of undergraduate early assurance and standard admissions.
Applicants must:
 have an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater
 have successfully completed the following pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C:
o Introductory Statistics (3 credits)
o General Psychology (3 credits)
o Anatomy with lab (4 credits)
o Physiology with lab (4 credits) (may take Anatomy and Physiology I and II to meet Anatomy and Physiology requirements (8 credits)
o Chemistry I and II with labs (8 credits)
o Physics I (4 credits)
o Two Biology courses (6 to 8 credits)
o Upper level Psychology (3 credits) such as Abnormal, Developmental, or Child Psychology

Applicants must submit the following items to PTCAS
 Application with application fee
 Official transcripts of all previous college or university work
 Two letters of recommendation, one from a physical therapist or employer and one from a past instructor
 Physical Therapy observation hours verification
 One essay responding to PTCAS prompt

Doctor of Physical Therapy Community Service Requirement 

New Courses

MK 404 Advanced Digital Marketing 3 Credit Hours

This course examines the essential role of analytics in digital marketing. Students learn to collect, analyze, and interpret marketing data to optimize strategies across various digital channels. The curriculum focuses on translating analytics into actionable insights, emphasizing both technical skills and effective communication. Practical applications include measuring campaign performance and creating data-driven recommendations. By the end of the course, students understand how to leverage analytics to enhance marketing effectiveness. Prerequisite: MK 228

PT 402 Therapeutic Exercise I 1 Credit Hours

This course introduces students to the principles of exercise and the expected responses and adaptations of clients and patients to different types of exercise interventions. Students learn to design, implement and progress therapeutic exercise programs for a variety of clinical populations spanning the spectrum of physical therapy clinical practice. One focus of the course is musculoskeletal rehabilitation. This course is coordinated with PT506 Musculoskeletal I and consists of a mix of didactic lectures and laboratory learning experiences.

PT 440 Medical Imaging I .5 Credit Hours

This course will provide an introduction to medical imaging techniques and their applications in physical therapy as part one of a two part series. Students will learn the basics of interpreting radiographs, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other various forms of imaging. An emphasis will be placed on musculoskeletal imaging of the pelvis, hip, knee, and shoulder. An overview of imaging techniques for other physiological systems will also be provided. This course aims to enhance students’ abilities in patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Prerequisite: PT 410

PT 540 Medical Imaging II .5 Credit Hours

This course will provide an introduction to medical imaging techniques and their applications in physical therapy as part two of a two part series. Students will learn the basics of interpreting radiographs, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnostic ultrasound, and other various forms of imaging. An emphasis will be placed on musculoskeletal imaging of the elbow, wrist, hand, ankle, and foot. An overview of imaging techniques for pediatric conditions will also be provided. This course aims to enhance students’ abilities in patient evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Prerequisite: PT 410 and PT 440

Course Changes 

BA 425 Marketing Management 3 Credit Hours

This is the capstone course for marketing majors. Students apply concepts learned in other courses to marketing problems of business and nonprofit organizations. Cases and business simulations are used to teach decision-making in the complex environment of business. A complete marketing plan for a simulated company of the student’s choice summarizes the student’s knowledge of the field. Prerequisite: MK 220

BA 428 Strategic Selling 3 Credit Hours

This course builds on the fundamentals of selling. The student will understand how to advance sales in light of complex business environments consisting of layers of buyers, decision makers and those who influence purchasing decisions. A strategic account planning process will be analyzed and applied to real companies by way of case studies. The art and skill of negotiating will be studied and learned through role play. Prerequisite: MK 422

BA 437 International Marketing 3 Credit Hours

The basics of international marketing will be taught including the foundations of culture, cultural understanding, business customs and practices in global marketing, assessing global markets, and developing international marketing strategy. Prerequisite: MK 220

BA 438 Export-Import Procedures 3 Credit Hours

The basics of export-import procedures will be taught including justification for exporting/importing, market planning methods, selection of appropriate marketing mix variables, and regulation. Prerequisite: MK 220

BA 620 Financial Management 3 Credit Hours

Topics considered include financial planning, operating and capital budgets, cash flow, purchasing and accounting procedures, the sources and uses of corporate and institutional funds, and financial analysis for evaluation and control.  Students develop projects specifically related to their needs in educational administration, small business, or corporate management. Prerequisite: BA602 OR AC301 OR AC211

BA 625 Global Strategic Management 3 Credit Hours

This course focuses on the strategic challenges and opportunities confronting firms that undertake to create value and to compete in the global economy. Successful companies develop strategies for doing business in emerging markets that are different from those they use at home and often find novel ways of implementing them too. The class makes extensive use of case analysis and discussion to evaluate and understand the strategic issues that confront firms operating internationally, as well as to appreciate the importance of values and ethics in organization decisions and actions. Students probe the workings of business strategies in transition and emerging economies, gain an understanding of the strategies of local firms, and analyze the international success and failure of companies. Prerequisite: BA 600 or IT 601 or Major=MBA-Dual Degree - DPT or Major=MBA-Dual Degree - PharmD or Major=MBA-Healthcare Mgmt-DPT-Dual Degree or Major=MBA-Healthcare Mgmt-Dual Degree-PharmD and 15 Credits From Range [BA 600 To BA 799] or Range [IT 600 To IT 610]

BA 646 Current Issues in Business 3 Credit Hours

This course draws on current literature to analyze contemporary and emerging issues facing businesses. Content will vary.

BA 702 Health Care Economics 3 Credit Hours

In this course, the principles and tools of economic decision-making are applied to management in the health care sector. The course explores the application to health care management functions of such concepts and processes as supply and demand, resource allocation and utilization, costing and pricing, resource productivity, forecasting and economic aspects of planning, and utilization review. While the principal emphasis in the course is on micro-economic analysis, some consideration is also given to an economic analysis of public policy alternatives for the delivery of health care service. Prerequisite: BA 601 or Major = MBA-Healthcare Management

MC 438 Producing and Hosting a Public Affairs Show 3 Credit Hours

Essentially a capstone experience for students in the broadcast journalism concentration, this course draws on the reporting, writing, interviewing, and producing skills students have developed in lower level courses, to produce long-form public affairs programs for radio and television, and for airing online, on WHSN Radio, and on the NESCOM BROADCAST NETWORK. Prerequisite:  Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Standing

PT 551 Clinical Education III Part I 4 Credit Hours

This course is designed to provide the student with entry level experience in the affective skills of clinical practice, including adherence to ethical and legal standards of practice, cultural competence, interprofessional and patient/practitioner communication, and professional conduct and demeanor. The student participates in the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention elements of care for both simple and complex patients. This third clinical experience also provides the student with opportunities to teach utilizing adult learning methods, to practice communication skills in a variety of professional environments, to supervise and direct responsibilities to aides and physical therapist assistants, to engage in problem solving and clinical decision making at entry level, and to be exposed to the management of outcomes data and fiscal management. Prerequisite: PT 500

PT 664 Geriatrics 2 Credit Hours

This course provides students with knowledge and clinical skills focusing on management of geriatric clients throughout the spectrum of care. Students learn to differentiate between normal and sub-optimal aging, and demonstrate evidence-based assessment and treatment of older adults with mobility impairments. Through lecture and lab participation, students also demonstrate a strong understanding of the public health implications of falls in geriatric clients, and the role of physical therapy in fall prevention. Students are also introduced to the role of 3rd party payers in determining medical necessity for physical therapy services, and how documentation requirements differ across settings in geriatrics including acute care, post-acute rehabilitation, home health care, outpatient, and wellness. Additional laboratory activities are included in the course to enhance hands-on skills in physical assessment, outcome tool performance, and carrying out evidenced based interventions for both healthy elderly populations and older adults with medical comorbidities. Prerequisite: PT 431

Course Deletions

MC 231 Radio Performance 3 Credit Hours

MC 325 Radio Promotions 3 Credit Hours

MC 432 Radio Station Management 3 Credit Hours