Kinesiology
http://www.als.uiuc.edu/kines/
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:tcandler@uiuc.edu
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.
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 minimum total score of 1,000 on the aptitude portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), 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, a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 (A=4.) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and any graduate work completed, a minimum total score of 1,000 on the aptitude portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), 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).
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). 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 entering with a baccalaureate degree must complete a total of 96 graduate hours, or 64 hours beyond the master’s if entering with a master’s degree. In addition to completing 32 hours of thesis credit, 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 athletic training, biomechanics, bone and body composition, cardiovascular function, exercise immunology, exercise psychology, exercise neuroscience, neurocognitive kinesiology, exercise psychology, gait and balance, kinesmetrics, motor behavior, muscle physiology and pedagogical technology.