Kinesiology
Director of Graduate Studies: Les Carlton
113 Freer Hall
906 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-1083
E-mail: tcandler@illinois.edu
Major: Kinesiology
Degrees Offered: M.S., Ph.D.
Medical Scholars Program: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Kinesiology and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) through the Medical Scholars Program
Graduate Degree Programs
The Kinesiology Program in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Major areas of specialization at both the master's and doctoral degree levels include: Biobehavioral Kinesiology (the study of biomechanics, exercise and sport psychology, kinesmetrics, motor control and learning, and motor development); Cultural Pedagogical & Interpretive Studies (the study of the interaction between physical activity and the individual from a variety of cultural, sociological and pedagogical perspectives); and Exercise Physiology/Athletic Training (the study of exercise stress on body systems and the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of exercise and sport related injuries).
Admission
Students may apply to either the M.S. or the Ph.D. program. Applications for Fall admission are due on January 15. Applications for Spring semester are also considered (due October 1).
Admission to the M.S. degree program requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate study and any graduate work completed, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, a statement of interest, and three letters of recommendation.
Admission to the Ph.D. degree program requires a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (A = 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants who have a master’s degree should have a grade point average of 3.5 for previous graduate-level work. All applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, a statement of interest, and three letters of recommendation.
International students whose native language is not English, must also score a minimum of 580 on the paper-based TOEFL test, 237 on the computer-based test, or 92 on the internet-based test (iBT). Applicants whose native language is not English and who are seeking a teaching assistantship must provide evidence of spoken English language proficiency by meeting minimum score requirements specified by the University (see www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/taengprof.htm).
Degree Requirements
*For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate programs and the Graduate College Handbook.
Master of Science
| Required Courses: | Thesis option - Required Hours | Non-thesis option - Required Hours |
|---|---|---|
| KIN 501 or equivalent | 4 | 4 |
| Major area of study | 8 | 8 |
| Secondary area within the dept. | 4 | 4 |
| Research/Project Hours (min/max applied toward degree): | 0-8 | 4-8 |
| Thesis Hours Required– KIN 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 8 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | 32 |
Minimum Hours Overall Required Within the Unit: |
16 (not including 599) | 16 |
Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: |
12 | 12 |
| Other Requirements:* | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 | 3.0 |
It is possible for a full-time student to complete this degree program in one academic year plus one summer session.
Doctor of Philosophy
| Required Courses: | Required Hours - Entering with approved M.S. degree | Required Hours - Entering with approved B.S. degree* |
|---|---|---|
| Competency in research methods | 12 | 12 |
| Research/Project Hours (min/max applied toward degree): | max 8 | max 16 |
| Elective hours to bring total course work hours to | 32 | 56 or 64 |
| Thesis Hours Required –KIN 599 (min/max applied toward degree): | 32 | 32 or 40 |
| Total Hours | 64 | 96 |
Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: |
24 (not including 599) | 40 (not including 599) |
Minimum Number of 500-level Hours Required Overall in Program: |
12 | |
| Other Requirements:* | ||
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Qualifying Exam Required | No | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes | Yes |
Medical Scholars Program
The Medical Scholars Program permits highly qualified students to integrate the study of medicine with study for a graduate degree in a second discipline, including Kinesiology. Students may apply to the Medical Scholars Program prior to beginning graduate school or while in the graduate program. Applicants to the Medical Scholars Program must meet the admissions standards for and be accepted into both the doctoral graduate program and the College of Medicine. Students in the dual degree program must meet the specific requirements for both the medical and graduate degrees. On average, students take eight years to complete both degrees. Further information on this program is available by contacting the Medical Scholars Program, 125 Medical Sciences Building, (217) 333-8146 or at www.med.illinois.edu/msp.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Faculty Research Interests
Kinesiology faculty conduct research and supervise graduate research in the following areas: Physical activity and aging; immune function; psychological, physical and cognitive function; athletic training; fitness and health; psychophysiology; motor development; teacher education; teacher effectiveness; sport in society and culture; and motor control.
Facilities and Resources
The department facilities include laboratories for research in athletic training, biomechanics, bone and body composition, cardiovascular function, exercise immunology, exercise psychology, exercise neuroscience, neurocognitive kinesiology, motor control, gait and balance, kinesmetrics, motor behavior, muscle physiology and pedagogical technology.
Financial Aid
A number of teaching assistantships are available in the department's instructional programs. A limited number of research assistantships are available to support the departmental research activities. Assistantships usually provide a stipend for services performed as well as a tuition and partial fee waiver.