Head of the Department: James E. Misner
Correspondence and Information: Associate Department Head for Academic Affairs, Department of Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 113 Freer Hall , 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 333-1083
GRADUATE FACULTY
Professors: R. A. Boileau, S. L. Greendorfer, E. McAuley, J. E. Misner,
G. C. Roberts, M. H. Slaughter, R. G. Wright
Associate Professors: L. G. Carlton, G. Riccio, S. Silverman, S. Slowikowski
Assistant Professors: G. W. Bell, K. Graber, S. Petruzzello, N.C. Rich, K. Rosengren, R. Stillman, J. Woods
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
The Department of Kinesiology offers graduate work leading to the degrees of
master of science and doctor of philosophy. Major areas of specialization at
both the master's degree and doctoral degree level include (1) the biodynamics
of physical activity--the study of exercise physiology, work output, energy,
and movement efficiency undertaken to better understand the nature of exercise
stress and fitness throughout the human life span; (2) the social science of
physical activity--the study of the antecedents and consequences of involvement
in physical activity and sport, as well as the impact that physical activity
and sport have upon individuals, society, and culture; (3) coordination,
control, and skill--the study of biomechanics and the mechanisms and processes
involved in the coordination, control, and skill of human physical activity;
(4) pedagogical kinesiology--the study of the organizational and instructional
concepts essential for the efficient and effective conduct of physical activity
programs, particularly those that relate to physical education and sport
contexts. Areas of specialization offered at the master's level only are in
physical activity management and therapeutic kinesiology. Physical activity
management is the study of administrative and managerial issues in applied
physical activity contexts, corporate fitness, and wellness. The therapeutic
area studies movement is a vehicle for health and wellness, particularly the
prevention and rehabilitation of injury or movement function. The athletic
training program is an NATA-accredited graduate athletic training educational
program.
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Admission to this degree program requires a baccalaureate degree from an
accredited institution of higher education, a minimum grade-point average of
4.0 (A = 5.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and any graduate work
completed, a minimal total score of 1,500 on the aptitude portions of the
Graduate Record Examination, and three letters of recommendation. Candidates
for this degree must complete a minimum of 8 units, 4 of which must be
completed in kinesiology (excluding Kinesology 499). Each student must identify
a major area of study from the following list: biodynamics; coordination,
control, and skill; social science of physical activity; therapeutic
kinesiology; pedagogical kinesiology; and physical activity management. At
least 2 units must come from the identified major area of study, and 1 unit
must be taken from one additional area of study in the department. Of the total
units, 3 must be earned in 400-level courses. Of the 4 units in kinesiology,
Kinesiology 495 (Research Methods in Kinesiology) or an equivalent
graduate-level research methods course appropriate to a student's program of
study is required. No more than 2 units of graduate credit from another
institution can be transferred. It is possible for a full-time student to
complete this degree program in one academic year plus one summer session. A
student may choose to write an acceptable thesis for 2 units of credit (i.e.,
Kinesiology 499) or select a nonthesis option by substituting 2 units of credit
(i.e., approved credit that includes at least 1 unit of Kinesiology 493
[Independent Study]).
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Admission to this degree program requires a master's degree from an accredited
institution of higher education, completion of a thesis or equivalent research
experience, a minimum grade-point average of 4.5 (A = 5.0) for all graduate
work, a minimal total score of 1,800 on aptitude portions of the Graduate
Record Examination, and three letters of recommendation. Candidates must
complete 16 units beyond the master's degree, including 2 units in other
disciplines and 8 units of thesis research. Each student must choose a major
area of study from the following: biodynamics; coordination, control, and
skill; pedagogical kinesiology; or the social science of physical activity.
Ph.D. candidates are required to demonstrate competence in research methodology
appropriate to their area of study. They must also successfully complete the
preliminary and final doctoral examinations.
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 laboratories. Assistantships
usually provide a stipend for services performed, as well as a tuition and
partial fee waiver.
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