Biomechanics and Movement Science Program

Biomechanics and Movement Science (MS, PhD)

Telephone: (302) 831-6174

https://sites.udel.edu/bioms/

Faculty Listing: https://sites.udel.edu/bioms/faculty/

Email: ud-bioms@udel.edu

Program Overview

The mission of the Interdisciplinary Program in Biomechanics & Movement Science (BIOMS) is to advance the understanding of complex human systems through the interaction of experts who cross traditional divisions of academic study. We strive to train outstanding researchers who will contribute to the advancement of health science through translational and interdisciplinary research. Research findings are disseminated through peer reviewed publications in high impact journals and presentations at national and international conferences. In addition, students work with their chosen faculty advisor to design a unique Plan of Study of academic courses to best fit their research interests.

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the BIOMS Program embraces diversity, inclusion, connectedness, and professionalism as core institutional values. We believe that a diverse student, faculty, and staff body are critical to our teaching and scholarship and are a much needed reflection of the diverse patients and caregivers for whom we provide care. Beyond the University’s code of conduct for students and employees, which we fully support, we have additional standards and expectations for members of CHS and BIOMS due to our important roles and influence in health and healthcare.

The BIOMS program comprises faculty from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Engineering, and Health Sciences who use an interdisciplinary approach to create a diverse educational and research environment. As one of the nation’s oldest universities and one of the few institutions nationwide with Land, Sea, and Space Grant missions, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies the University of Delaware as a research university with very high research activity, a designation given to less than 3% of U.S. colleges and universities. In 2015, the University of Delaware received a NAFSA Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization, which recognizes colleges and universities that have excelled in expanding global learning for students and scholars. In 2020, the U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Delaware 40th, as well as recognized several of UD’s academic programs: Physical Therapy (#1), Chemical Engineering (#8), Biomedical Engineering (#49), and Mechanical Engineering (#49). Additionally, the National Academy of Kinesiology ranked the University of Delaware’s Department of Kinesiology & Applied Physiology as the 5th best Doctoral Program in Kinesiology in the country. Faculty from these excellent programs hold joint appointments in BIOMS and are dedicated in their training of our graduate students. As one of the top 100 universities for federal research and development support for STEM research, our students have gained research experience through involvement in over $30 million in federally funded research projects; and through interaction with a variety of interdisciplinary research groups.

Requirements for Admission

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

GRE scores are optional, however, if submitted BIOMS recommends 300 on combined quantitative and verbal scores
Undergraduate grade point index of 3.0
3 credits of Calculus
3 credits each of Anatomy & Physiology
12 credits of course experience in laboratory sciences

For more information about graduate admission and to apply online, visit the Graduate College at udel.edu/academics/colleges/grad. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree.

Applicants are required to identify a faculty member with appropriate expertise who will serve as their advisor throughout the degree program. Once a potential faculty member has agreed to be the applicant advisor, formal consideration for admission to the BIOMS program will proceed, provided that they 1) meet all admission requirements of the Graduate College and the BIOMS program, 2) are successful in securing a faculty advisor, and 3) are approved by the BIOMS Executive Committee.

Financial Aid

Financial assistance for students in the BIOMS program is obtained from a variety of external sources and will therefore vary in form and availability. Assistance will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants best fitting the needs of the granting agencies and sponsoring faculty. Students receiving full stipends will be expected to work up to 20 hours per week on contract responsibilities, and are expected to maintain full-time status. Please refer to Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships for more information.