03 Jul 2009
Graduate Partnerships

Penn State Abington has developed graduate partnerships with Thomas Jefferson University and The Jefferson College of Health Professions, as well as with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. These exciting partnerships offer a variety of degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels without leaving the Philadelphia area.

Graduate Partnerships with Thomas Jefferson University , the Jefferson College of Health Professions:

  • 2+2 in Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (Bachelor of Science Degree)
    Begin first two years of prerequisite coursework at Penn State Abington and complete final two years at Thomas Jefferson University. Be admitted to the Jefferson College of Health Professions for a specialized science degree, such as nursing, biotechnology, cytotechnology, medical technonolgy or radiologic sciences. Apply at the beginning of your second year at Penn State Abington for admission to Jefferson College of Health Professions. The minimum criteria for consideration is a 2.7 GPA from Penn State.
  • 3+2 in Biotechnology, Cytotechnology, or Medical Technology (Combined Bachelor’s/Masters Degree)
    Begin your first three years of prerequisite coursework at Penn State Abington. Apply at the beginning of your junior year at Abington for admission to Jefferson College of Health Professions. Earn a bachelor's degree in science from Penn State Abington and both a bachelor’s and master's degree in biotechnology, cytotechnology, or medical technology from Thomas Jefferson University. The minimum preferred criteria for consideration is a 3.0 GPA from Penn State.
  • 3+2 1/2 in Occupational Therapy (Master of Science in Occupational Therapy)
    Complete your first three years at Penn State Abington and final 2 1/2 years at Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Health Professions. Earn a bachelor's degree in Psychological & Social Sciences from Penn State Abington and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. The minimum criteria for consideration is successful completion of the first year of the articulated curriculum with a 3.3+ Penn State GPA with no prerequisite course lower than a ‘C’, a letter of recommendation from Dr. Fran Sessa (Abington contact person), and a favorable review from the joint Penn State Abington-Thomas Jefferson University interview committee.
  • 3+3 in Physical Therapy (Doctor of Physical Therapy)
    Penn State Abington is the only Penn State University campus that offers this program. To begin study in the competitive 3+3 doctor of physical therapy program, you must apply directly from high school. Complete first three years at Penn State Abington and final three years at Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Health Professions. Earn a bachelor's degree in science with the life science option from Penn State Abington and a doctor of physical therapy degree from Thomas Jefferson University.

    • Doctor of Physical Therapy Entrance Options:
    • DPT Scholars: Scholars are students who are admitted directly into the 3+3 DPT Program directly as freshmen. You must have a minimum 3.3 high school GPA, a minimum 1800 SAT, two letters of recommendation, and an interview with a joint committee of Penn State Abington and Thomas Jefferson University faculty.
    • DPT Honors: DPT Honors students are students whose SATs may have been slightly below what we require for direct admission into the program as Scholars, but they are still excellent students who could be successful in this major. Students admitted to the program as DPT Honors have the opportunity to become DPT Scholars at the end of their first year. You must have a 1650+ SAT, a minimum 3.3 High School GPA, and two letters of recommendation. You will start your first year at Penn State Abington as a science degree major. After successful completion of all the pre-requisite courses (the same courses that first-year DPT Scholars take) with a 3.3 cum gpa (and with no prerequisite course lower than a ‘C’) and a letter of recommendation from Dr. Devlin, (the faculty contact person for the DPT program at Abington), you will interview with the Penn State Abington-Thomas Jefferson University faculty. If reviewed favorably, you will be admitted into the 3+3 DPT program without losing any time or coursework.
    • Students who do not meet the requirements for the DPT Scholars or Honors admissions options can stay at Penn State Abington all 4 years and get their baccalaureate degree in science with the life studies option. You will have Dr. Devlin as your academic advisor. Upon successful completion of all the courses that Thomas Jefferson University requires for their Doctor in Physical Therapy degree, a minimum Penn State GPA of 3.0 with no prerequisite course lower than a ‘C’, and significant volunteer experience in diverse areas of physical therapy, you may apply for admission to Jefferson for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.


Click here to learn more about programs offered by Thomas Jefferson University.

Graduate Partnership with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine:
Master's Degree in Clinical Health Psychology:

BA/MS in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology:

Complete the first three years of prerequisite course work at Penn State Abington and complete your final two years at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). You can earn a bachelor’s degree in psychological and social sciences from Penn State Abington and a master’s degree in counseling and clinical health psychology at PCOM. Most courses are offered in the evening and on weekends to accommodate working professionals.

BA/MS in School Psychology:

Complete the first three years of prerequisite course work at Penn State Abington and complete your final fourteen months at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). You can earn a bachelor’s degree in psychological and social sciences from Penn State Abington and a master’s degree in school psychology at PCOM.

For both programs students can download a PCOM application at www.pcom.edu to apply during their sophomore year at Penn State Abington. A letter of recommendation (from a designated Penn State representative), college transcripts, and cover letter must accompany the application. The criteria for consideration is a minimum Penn State GPA of 3.0.

Click here to learn more about programs offered by the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.