Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology

Kinesiology and Applied Physiology (MS, PhD)

Email: kaap-gradprograms@udel.edu
http://www.udel.edu/kaap

The Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology offers graduate programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Physiology and the Master of Science degree in Exercise Science. Students in the Exercise Science program select a major area of study in Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Motor Control, or Sports Medicine. Students in each Master of Science program may complete degree requirements on a full or part-time basis.

To ensure consideration for admission to one of these degree programs, a completed admission application should be submitted no later than December 15 for the fall semester and September 15 for the spring semester. Application forms can be completed online at: http://www.udel.edu/gradoffice/apply/.

International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their first language. The University requires departments to use an official paper-based TOEFL score of 550 or better or 79 on the IBT TOEFL for an applicant to be considered for admission.

A limited number of teaching assistantships/tuition scholarships are available on a competitive basis. To be eligible the student must complete an application file and must be qualified for admission in regular status. Funding decisions are made separately from admission decisions. First priority is given to thesis students. Please refer to Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships for more information.

Exercise Science (MS)

Program Overview

The MS program in Exercise Science is supported with well-equipped research facilities, including three-dimensional video capabilities, electromyography, and force platforms, as well as equipment for measurement of cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary function, bone mineral density, body composition, functional muscular capacity, head impact measurements, portable gait analysis, blood lactate, and motor unit discharge. Graduate students in this program are expected to participate in ongoing faculty-directed research programs.

Admission Requirements

The Exercise Science Graduate Program Committee makes admission decisions. Students will be admitted to the program based upon enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following recommended entrance requirements.

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
Acceptable undergraduate transcripts including an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
The equivalent of an undergraduate major in kinesiology, exercise science or related discipline.
On the 130-170 scale, GRE scores are generally above 151 for Quantitative Reasoning and above 150 for Verbal Reasoning.
Three letters of recommendation indicating the capability, interest, maturity, and scholarly potential of the candidate for graduate study.
Acceptance by a primary advisor.

Recommended prerequisites for Biomechanics include:

Math through calculus.
Anatomy.
One year of physics.
Computer programming experience.

Recommended prerequisites for Exercise Physiology and Clinical Exercise Physiology include:

One year of biology.
Two years of chemistry.
One year of physics.

Recommended prerequisites for Motor Control and Sports Medicine include:

Math through calculus.
Anatomy and physiology.
One year of biological or physical science.

Admission is selective and competitive, based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities. Those who meet stated minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet those requirements necessarily precluded from admission, if they offer other appropriate strengths. See the Admission Information section in this catalog for additional information.

PhD in Applied Physiology

Program Overview

The mission of the Applied Physiology PhD program is to provide advanced training to students in the field of Applied Physiology with the goal of preparing students for research-based careers. Areas of in-depth study are driven by faculty research and encompass cardiovascular physiology, exercise physiology, musculoskeletal physiology, and neurophysiology. The programmatic emphasis is on the regulation, adaptation, and integration of mechanisms across all levels of biological organization from molecules to organ systems. New knowledge on health, aging, chronic disease, and injury prevention will be generated and disseminated. Along with in-depth, laboratory-based immersion, the mission of the program is to provide high quality classroom-based instruction through a core graduate curriculum, electives, and seminars.

Admission Requirements

Admissions decisions are made by the Applied Physiology Program Committee. Students will be admitted to the program based on enrollment availability and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements:

BS, MS or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university.
Combined quantitative and verbal GRE score of 300.
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Written statement of goals and objectives (the personal statement) that clearly identifies the applicant’s research and curriculum interests and explains how admission to the program will facilitate his/her professional objectives.
Current résumé and three letters of recommendation.

All students will be expected to be sufficiently conversant in English and knowledgeable in the written word to convey clear, logical, and complex written expressions. Knowledge of mathematics and statistics is expected.

Admission is selective and competitive, based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities. Those who meet stated minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths. See Graduate Admissions for additional information.

Programs

Master’s

Doctorate

Applied Physiology (PhD)