Kinesiology

Head of Department: Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko
Director of Graduate Studies: Les Carlton
113 Freer Hall, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-1083
E-mail:d-shilts@uiuc.edu

Graduate Degree Programs

The Department of Kinesiology 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: the biodynamics of physical activity (the study of exercise physiology, work output, energy, and movement efficiency undertaken to understand better the nature of exercise stress and fitness throughout the human life span); coordination, control, and skill (the study of biomechanics and the mechanisms and processes involved in human action); pedagogical kinesiology (human movement concepts and theories central to educational aspects of kinesiology); and the social science of physical activity (sport and exercise psychology and social, cultural, and historical aspects of physical activity). A concentration in athletic training leading to the Master of Science degree is also offered.

Admission

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 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 (GRE), and three letters of recommendation.

Admission to the Ph.D. 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 GRE, and three letters of recommendation.

For those international students applying to either degree program whose native language is not English, a minimum paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 580 (237 on the computer-based test) is required.

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.

Master of Science

Candidates for this degree must complete a minimum of 32 graduate hours, 16 of which must be completed in kinesiology (excluding KIN 599). Each student must identify a major area of study from the following list: biodynamics; coordination, control, and skill; social science of physical activity; pedagogical kinesiology; physical activity management; and therapeutic kinesiology. At least 8 graduate hours must come from the identified major area of study, and 4 graduate hours must be taken from one additional area of study in the department. Of the total units, 12 must be earned in 500-level courses. Of the 16 graduate hours in kinesiology, KIN 501–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 8 graduate hours of 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 8 graduate hours of credit (i.e., KIN 599) or select a nonthesis option by substituting 8 graduate hours of credit (i.e., approved credit that includes at least 4 graduate hours of KIN 590–Independent Study).

Doctor of Philosophy

Candidates must complete 64 graduate hours beyond the master’s degree, including 8 graduate hours in other disciplines and 32 graduate hours 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.

Facilities

The department facilities include laboratories for research in biomechanics, motor behavior, motor development, human performance and fitness, exercise therapy, and exercise and sport psychology.

Financial Aid