Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Among Items Approved by Regents

Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Among Items Approved by Regents

Following the Texas State University System (TSUS) Board of Regents’ approval during the quarterly Regents’ meeting on Nov. 20-21, Sam Houston State University was authorized to create the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Effective Sept. 1, 2027, pending Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges approval, the 106-semester credit hour doctoral program will be housed within the Department of Physical Therapy. The proposed program offers a uniquely integrated approach combining four distinct clinical education experiences (ranging eight to 10 weeks each) with innovative Integrated Clinical Experiences throughout all three years, providing students with more extensive real-world exposure than typical programs. 

Authorization for the establishment of faculty senates at universities within the TSUS system was also granted during the meeting that took place on the Huntsville campus. 

Under the consent portion of the agenda, SHSU was granted authorization to execute the following:

• The elimination of the fee rate for dual credit courses, which was previously approved at $50 per semester credit hour.
• Twelve faculty-led study abroad course trips were authorized to travel to locations such as Spain, Germany, Finland, Japan and France for topic covering economics, foreign languages, education and communication studies, among others.

Marcus Boccaccini, a distinguished professor of psychology at SHSU, was presented with the TSUS Regents’ Professor Award, a designation that recognizes faculty whose performance excels in research, teaching and service.