LANHAM, Md. and LOS ANGELES, April 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 2U, Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU), today announced a new partnership with the University of Southern California Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy to offer DPT@USC, an online Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The USC physical therapy program is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Pending approval by accrediting bodies, DPT@USC is expected to launch in 2018. This program will be a new Domestic Graduate Program (DGP) for 2U.

"The USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy has a long history of pioneering and shaping the profession through ground-breaking leadership in research, education and clinical practice," said Associate Dean James Gordon. "We are excited to partner with 2U to launch an online Doctor of Physical Therapy program that will be both innovative, by leveraging the best elements of online and experiential learning, and accessible, by reaching more students nationwide to meet the growing demand for highly qualified physical therapists."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow by 34 percent between 2014 and 2024. Doctors of Physical Therapy are recognized as authorities in the diagnosis and treatment of movement dysfunction. These practitioners contribute to the field through clinical practice, teaching, administration, and the discovery and application of new knowledge about physical therapy.

DPT@USC will prepare graduates for a professional career as physical therapists, and students will receive the same high-quality training as their on-campus counterparts without the need to relocate. Leveraging 2U's leading learning management system, DPT@USC will include collaborative, live classes that facilitate face-to-face interaction and high-quality, engaging coursework developed by USC faculty. In addition to spending a total of 50 weeks in full-time clinical internships, students will also travel to USC for more than 65 days of hands-on clinical skills laboratories.

About University of Southern California Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

Since the Division was founded in 1945, USC has been a leader in physical therapy research and education and has been at the forefront of the most significant educational advances of the physical therapy profession. The program today has been #1 in the country by U.S. News and World Report since 2004, and it continues to be a center of excellence for clinical practice, education, and research in physical therapy. The Division is also one of the leading programs in the broader domain of biokinesiology – the study of the biological bases of movement.  USC's Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy is a division of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry.

About 2U Inc. (NASDAQ:TWOU) 

2U partners with great colleges and universities to build what we believe is the world's best digital education. Our platform provides a comprehensive fusion of technology, services and data architecture to transform high-quality and rigorous campus-based universities into the best digital versions of themselves. 2U's No Back Row® approach allows qualified students and working professionals around the world to experience a first-rate university education and successful outcomes. To learn more, visit 2U.com.

Media Contact:

Jemila Woodson 
jwoodson@2U.com 
301-892-4419

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SOURCE 2U, Inc.