The University of Southern Mississippi offers a pre-physical therapy pathway designed to prepare students for admission into Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) programs rather than providing a clinical physical therapy program of its own. Students complete prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, and other sciences while receiving academic advising, application support, and guidance on clinical observation hours, graduate admissions, and career planning. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in movement science, patient care, and evidence-based healthcare, helping students become competitive applicants for professional physical therapy schools. Through the Preprofessional Office, students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience and develop the knowledge and skills needed for success in the profession.