Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology

Kinesiology and Applied Physiology (MS, PhD)

Email: kaap-gradprograms@udel.edu

https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/chs/departments/kaap/

The Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology offers graduate programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Physiology, Master of Science degree in Athletic Training, Master of Science degree in Clinical Exercise 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, Motor Control, or Sports Medicine. Students in each Master of Science program (excluding the Athletic Training & Clinical Exercise Physiology program) may complete degree requirements on a full or part-time basis.

Applications to the Master of Science degree program in Athletic Training are handled via the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) —- see details below.

Applications for the Clinical Exercise Physiology MS program need to be completed by December 15th for priority consideration for summer semester. Rolling admission may be considered for summer semester for applications completed between December 15th and May 1st.

To ensure consideration for admission to either the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Applied Physiology or Master of Science degree in Exercise Science, 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 https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/grad/prospective-students/grad-admissions/.

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. 

Athletic Training (MS)

Program Overview

The CAATE-accredited Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at the University of Delaware is a rigorous and intense curriculum that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. An objective of this program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. In 2015, the Athletic Training Strategic Alliance established that the professional degree in Athletic Training would be at the master’s level. UD’s MS-AT program is 2 consecutive calendar years involving very specific coursework, competitive clinical experiences, and culminating with a full semester-long clinical immersion endeavor.

The mission of the Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) at the University of Delaware is to prepare students to become competent, skillful, and compassionate entry-level professionals in the profession of athletic training. Students involved in the Athletic Training Education Program will complete the didactic requirements and satisfy the clinical proficiencies via the Practicum experience and while working in various clinical environments. Upon completion of the Athletic Training Education Program, the student will be eligible to successfully sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) certification examination for athletic trainers. Furthermore, the student will be recommended for a Master of Science degree in Athletic Training (MS-AT). The 2-year plan of study can be found at https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/chs/departments/kaap/graduate-programs/athletic-training/.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit all materials directly to the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS) - http://atcas.liaisoncas.org/. Deadline for submission of all applications is April 15th. The academic program begins in the summer, therefore, all admissions decisions will be made prior to that time. It is expected that admissions decisions will be made on or before April 15th of each year to allow adequate time and preparation for the new incoming cohort; therefore students are encouraged to apply early. Students who are part of UD’s internal 3+2 feeder program in Sports Health have their own internal admissions process through the Graduate College.

International applicants must submit official proof of English proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS scores. The recommended minimum TOEFL score is 100 and/or IELTS of 6.5.

Additional information regarding English proficiency can be found at https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/grad/prospective-students/grad-admissions/test-scores/

The Athletic Training Administrative Team consisting of faculty/staff members dedicated and committed to the Athletic Training Education Program will be responsible for reviewing all applications for the ATEP. The following admissions criteria will be reviewed:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university*
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Prerequisite coursework (“B” grade or higher):
  • Anatomy/Physiology - 2 classes
  • Seminar in Pre-Athletic Training (KAAP106, KAAP107, KAAP206, KAAP207, KAAP306, and KAAP307) — THIS REQUIREMENT IS ONLY FOR University of Delaware students in the 3+2 option.
• Prerequisite coursework (“C-” grade or higher):
  • Biology - 1 class
  • Biomechanics - 1 class
  • Chemistry (with lab) - 1 class
  • Exercise Physiology - 1 class
  • Mathematics (pre-calculus or higher) - 1 class
  • Nutrition - 1 class
  • Physics (with lab) - 1 class
  • Psychology - 1 class
  • Research Design/Methods - 1 class
  • Statistics - 1 class
  • Additional courses that are recommended but NOT required: Health, Medical Terminology
• Proof of current certification in CPR/AED
• 100+ Hours of Observation under supervision of a BOC-certified or licensed athletic trainer
• Two (2) academic/professional letters of recommendation
• One-two page essay stating interest in Athletic Training as a career
• An interview with department faculty/staff required

* Student entering the entry-level master’s degree program via the “3+2” option from UD’s Sports Health major will meet the above admissions criteria throughout the course of their 3-year undergraduate experience and will complete a separate “in-house” application process.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION:

The Athletic Training Education Program at the University of Delaware is a rigorous and intense program that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled. An objective of this Program is to prepare graduates to enter a variety of employment settings and to render care to a wide spectrum of individuals engaged in physical activity. The technical standards set forth by the Athletic Training Education Program establish the essential qualities considered necessary for students admitted to this program to achieve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of an entry-level athletic trainer, as well as meet the expectations of the program’s accrediting agency (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs - “CAATE”). The following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the Athletic Training Education Program. In the event a student is unable to fulfill these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be admitted.

Compliance with the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for the Board of Certification (BOC) examination.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program must demonstrate:

1. The mental capacity to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, integrate concepts, and problem solve to formulate assessment and therapeutic judgments and to be able to distinguish deviations from the norm;
2. Sufficient postural and neuromuscular control, sensory function, and coordination to perform appropriate physical examinations using accepted techniques; and accurately, safely, and efficiently use equipment and materials during the assessment and treatment of patients;
3. The ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and colleagues, including individuals from different cultural and social backgrounds; this includes, but is not limited to, the ability to establish rapport with patients and communicate judgments and treatment information effectively. Students must be able to understand and speak the English language at a level consistent with competent professional practice;
4. The ability to record the physical examination results and a treatment plan clearly and accurately;
5. The capacity to maintain composure and continue to function well during periods of high stress;
6. The perseverance, diligence, and commitment to complete the athletic training education program as outlined and sequenced;
7. Flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing situations and uncertainty in clinical situations;
8. Affective skills and appropriate demeanor and rapport that relate to professional education and quality patient care.

Candidates for selection to the Athletic Training Education Program will be required to verify that they understand and meet these technical standards or that they believe, with certain accommodations, they can meet the standards.

The Director of the Office of Disability Support Services will evaluate a student who states that they could meet the Program’s technical standards with accommodation and confirm that the stated condition qualifies as a disability under applicable laws.

If a student states that they can meet the technical standards with accommodation, then the University will determine whether it agrees that the student can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation; this includes determination as to whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether accommodation would jeopardize clinician/patient safety, or the educational process of the student or the institution, including all coursework, clinical experiences, and internships deemed essential to graduation. If the student disagrees with the decision made by the University of Delaware as to whether the accommodation request is reasonable, the student may file an appeal as per the University’s ADA Grievance Procedure (see www.udel.edu/dss for more information).

In accordance with CAATE Standard 26 - Students are protected by and have access to written policies and procedures that protect the health and safety of clients/patients and the student. At a minimum, the policies and procedures must address the following:

26A A mechanism by which clients/patients can differentiate students from credentialed providers

26B A requirement for all students to have emergency cardiac care training before engaging in athletic training and supplemental clinical experiences

26C Blood-borne pathogen protection and exposure plan (including requirements that students receive training, before being placed in a potential exposure situation and annually thereafter, and that students have access to and use of appropriate blood-borne pathogen barriers and control measures at all sites)

26D Calibration and maintenance of equipment according to manufacturer guidelines

26E Communicable and infectious disease transmission

26F Immunization requirements for students

26G Patient/client privacy protection (FERPA and HIPAA)

26H Radiation exposure (as applicable) procedures that are immediately accessible

26I Sanitation precautions, including ability to clean hands before and after patient encounters

26J Venue-specific training expectations (as required)

26K Venue-specific critical incident response procedures (for example, emergency action plans) that are immediately accessible to students in an emergency situation

ADMITTED STUDENTS:

Students enrolled in the ATEP meet with the Program Director and Clinical Education Coordinator to plan the clinical education experience. Clinical education experiences are initiated in the Fall semester of the first year and required in each succeeding semester of the student’s program and designed to provide the student with sufficient opportunity to develop specific competencies and proficiencies pertaining to the health care of the athlete and those involved in physical activity. The clinical experience provides the student with an opportunity for integration of psychomotor, cognitive, and affective skills within the context of direct patient care. The skills are identified within the knowledge and skills aspects and the clinical integration proficiencies of each of the content areas included in the documents, “2020 Standards for Accreditation of Professional Athletic Training Programs” & “BOC Practice Analysis, 7th Edition”. The development of knowledge and skills and the clinical integration of these proficiencies represent a significant focus of the student’s clinical experience; ample opportunity is also provided for development and demonstration of competencies within the cognitive and the affective aspects of each domain identified in the above document.

A curricular requirement for all students in the ATEP is the satisfactory completion of five (5) Practicums. These Practicums (KAAP 690  , KAAP 691  , KAAP 692  , KAAP 693  , and KAAP 694  ) are offered in sequence and coincide with the athletic training students’ clinical assignments. Requirements for each of these Practicum experiences include: (1) Clinical Hours, (2) Clinical Evaluations, (3) Performance with Clinical Knowledge and Skills, (4) Clinical Evaluation Observation with Team Physician Forms, (5) Attendance at Required Meetings/Professional Functions, (6) Endorsement of Program Director and (7) Completion of Practicum Notebooks. The details of each of these requirements are clarified in the UNIFORM PRACTICUM GRADING GUIDELINES that are posted on the ATEP website - https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/chs/departments/kaap/graduate-programs/athletic-training/. 

Clinical assignments will include the University of Delaware athletic training room(s), athletic practices, and competitive events, other local collegiate settings, community sports medicine clinics, physician offices, general medical clinics, high school venues in the greater Wilmington, DE area; and athletic training research environments for a minimum of two calendar years under the direct supervision of a variety of qualified allied health professionals (Preceptors). In addition, a final semester full immersion clinical experience will take the student to a clinical location of their choosing where they will work carefully supervised by their attending preceptor in an athletic training or other sports health care environment. The student will be exposed to upper extremity, lower extremity, equipment-intensive, and general medical experiences of all genders and diverse populations. Athletic training students are evaluated at the end of each clinical assignment.

Once students are admitted to the program, they are required to maintain the following minimum standards:

1. Cumulative GPA of 3.0;
2. Satisfactory completion of the required Practicum sequence;
3. Meet the technical standards for admission.

Students who do not maintain the above minimum standards are placed on probation and are required to correct all deficiencies by the end of the next semester. Students who do not correct deficiencies are dropped from the curriculum.

BOARD OF CERTIFICATION (BOC) EXAM ELIGIBILITY:

Candidates who are enrolled in their final semester/quarter prior to graduation are eligible to sit for the BOC exam. In order to qualify as a candidate for the BOC certification exam, an individual must be endorsed by the recognized Program Director of the CAATE-accredited education program.

Clinical Exercise Physiology (MS)

Program Overview

The mission of the University of Delaware’s Clinical Exercise Physiology (CEP) Master’s program is to provide a cultivating, intellectual, and cultural learning environment for graduate Kinesiology students through clinical and educational practices. By engaging in our educational laboratory and classroom experiences, students will develop practical skills for the application of physical fitness assessment, exercise prescription, and fitness program administration. Our program serves our students, as well as the local community, by providing high-quality internship opportunities amongst a variety of clinical settings and patient populations. Our focus is on developing high quality exercise physiologists who have the comprehensive ability to assist healthy and chronically ill individuals with improving and/or maintaining their health and fitness goals through physical activity and exercise prescriptions.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit all materials directly to the University Office of Graduate and Professional Education using the online admission process before admission can be considered. Admission applications are available at: https://grad-admissions.udel.edu/apply/. A GPA of at least 2.75 is preferred. Applications are evaluated based on a combination of records of academic achievement, recommendations, and the applicant’s statement of professional goals and values. The Program Committee will make admission decisions and assign accepted students to faculty advisors. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by the December 15th deadline each year, with a secondary, final application deadline of May 1st. The program admission process is completed as follows: Completed applications consisting of the following:

1. Online application.
2. GRE Test Scores.
3. Undergraduate/graduate transcripts.
4. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have direct knowledge of the candidate’s academic and/or professional capabilities.
5. A written personal statement describing how their academic, professional, and personal background has prepared them to be successful in the degree program and explaining how completion of the program will contribute to their professional goals.
6. International applicants must submit official proof of English proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS scores. The recommended minimum TOEFL score is 100 and/or IELTS of 6.5.

Prior Degree Requirements

A baccalaureate degree in a health related field from an accredited college or university is required. Previous course work in Anatomy and Physiology and/or Exercise Physiology is preferred.

Application Deadlines

For priority consideration, students should apply for admission to the program for summer enrollment no later than December 15th. These students will be notified of their acceptance or denial into the program in January of each year. Following the December 15th deadline, applications will be assessed on a rolling admissions process. All applications must be submitted by May 1st of the year they wish to be enrolled in the program to be considered. All students begin the program in the summer I semester.

Admission Categories

Students admitted into the Program may be admitted into one of two categories.

Regular: Regular status is offered to students who meet all of the established entrance requirements.

Conditional Admission: Successful applicants are typically admitted conditionally because stated information is self-reported and uploaded documents are unofficial. Fulfilling the conditions stated on an offer of conditional admission by the first date of graduate coursework is critical, so the instructions stated on the letter must be followed carefully. Failure to clear all stated conditions by the start of graduate coursework may result in revocation of admission to the graduate program.

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 recommended entrance requirements below.

To be admitted, a student must have identified a faculty mentor and obtained their commitment for advisement. Prior to submitting an application, visit the faculty webpages of potential advisors or communicate with them directly to determine whether they are recruiting students (see https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/chs/departments/kaap/research/). Faculty members tend to advise students whose background, goals, and objectives are compatible with their own areas of research and funding.

1. Applicants must complete the University of Delaware Graduate College application in order to be considered. See the Graduate College Application website for a checklist of application requirements and guidance for domestic and international applicants. https://grad.udel.edu/apply/
2. Applicants must gain the support of a primary advisor.
3. A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 system is required.
4. All foreign national applicants for graduate study at the University of Delaware are expected to meet UD requirements for foreign students. These include English proficiency official TOEFL scores, etc. (see https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/grad/prospective-students/grad-admissions/test-scores/).
5. The equivalent of an undergraduate major in kinesiology, exercise science or related discipline
6. On the 130-170 scale, GRE scores are generally above 151 for Quantitative Reasoning and above 150 for Verbal Reasoning.
7. Applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation. All letters of recommendation should be managed electronically through the Graduate College.
8. Applicants must submit an essay response to specific questions asked on the application; a resume; and a statement of professional goals and objectives. (see https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/grad/prospective-students/grad-admissions/application-essays/).
9. One official transcript of all US colleges and universities attended must be sent directly from the institution to the Graduate College or be provided in a sealed envelope with the application packet. Students who have attended the University of Delaware need not supply a transcript from Delaware.
10. One official transcript of all non-US based college and university records is required. The transcript must list all classes taken and grades earned. If the transcript does not state that the degree has been awarded, send a degree certificate that states that the degree has been awarded. If the degree has not been awarded or the degree certificate has not been issued, evidence of the awarded degree must be provided prior to the first day of classes in the term of admission. For institutions that issue documents only in English, send the English original. For institutions that issue documents both in English and a foreign language, send both the English language original and the foreign language original. For institutions that issue documents only in a foreign language, send the foreign language original and a certified translation in English. The translation must be certified by an official of the issuing institution, a state- or court-appointed translator, or the Embassy of the issuing country in the United States. If it is necessary to send non-original documents:

a. The documents must be original “attested copies”, officially attested to by the issuing institution or the Embassy of the issuing country in the United States, and

b. Certified translations must be originals. No copies will be accepted.

Recommended prerequisites:

• One year of Biology

• One year of Chemistry

• One year of Physics

• Math through Calculus

• One year of Anatomy and Physiology

 * While the recommended prerequisites named above are mostly considered essential for your success in the MS in Exercise Science program, your identified faculty mentor may allow flexibility considering your career goals and their research focus. Your application profile may be enhanced by knowledge or abilities that are complementary to the faculty mentor’s area of scholarship.

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 Graduate Program Committee. Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer appropriate strengths.

1. A Bachelor of Science, Master of Science or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Combined quantitative and verbal GRE score of at least 300.
3. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 system is required.
4. International student applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not the first language. An official paper-based TOEFL score of at least 550, or at least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL with a minimum speaking score of 18 is necessary for an applicant to be considered for admission.
5. Applicants must submit an essay to specific questions asked on the application which includes professional goals and objectives as well as a resume or CV.
6. Applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation. It is highly recommended that letters of recommendation come from individuals who can speak to the applicants’ success in graduate school from both academic and research perspectives. Recommendations will be managed electronically through the Graduate College.
7. One official transcript of all US colleges and universities attended must be sent directly from the institution to the Graduate College or be provided in a sealed envelope with the application packet. Students who have attended the University of Delaware need not supply a transcript from Delaware.
   One official transcript of all non-US based college and university records is required. The transcript must list all classes taken and grades earned.

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.

During the application process, each student must identify a faculty advisor from among the faculty holding appointments in the program. The faculty member must be willing to serve as advisor and to accept responsibility for oversight of the student’s academic progress in the program.

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

• Athletic Training (MS)
• Clinical Exercise Physiology (MS)
• Exercise Science (MS)

• Applied Physiology (PhD)

• Sports Health/Athletic Training 3+2 (BS/MS)