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Programs of Study, 1997-1999
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
KINESIOLOGY
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. URL: http://www.kines.uiuc.edu
GRADUATE FACULTY
Professors: R. A. Boileau, S. L. Greendorfer, E. McAuley, J. E. Misner, G. C. Roberts, S. Silverman, M. H. Slaughter, R. Sprague
Associate Professors: L. G. Carlton, G. Riccio, S. Sydnor
Assistant Professors: G. W. Bell, M.L. Burgess, J. Chow, C. Cole, K. Graber, S. Petruzzello, N.C. Rich, K. Rosengren, R. Washburn, J. Woods
GRADUATE DEGREE 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. Within therapeutic kinesiology there 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 3.0 (A = 4.0) 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 eight 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 two units must come from the identified major area of study, and one 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 four 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 two 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 two units of credit (i.e., Kinesiology 499) or select a nonthesis option by substituting two units of credit (i.e., approved credit that includes at least one 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 3.5 (A = 4.0) 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 two units in other disciplines and eight 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.
For those international students applying to either program whose native language is not English, a minimum TOEFL score of 580 is required.
RESEARCH FACILITIES
In support of its graduate programs and research efforts, the Department of Kinesiology maintains the Physical Fitness Research Laboratory and several research laboratory facilities in biomechanics, motor control, and sport psychology.
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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