Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology

Kinesiology and Applied Physiology (MS, PhD)

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 programs) 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 Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS), for external applicants, and University of Delaware Graduate College (SLATE) application for all applicants.

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 TOEFL iBT 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 Program (ATP) at the University of Delaware is a rigorous and intense curriculum that places specific requirements and demands on the students enrolled in the program. The mission of the University of Delaware Master of Science in Athletic Training (MS-AT) program is to provide a safe, intersectional learning environment where students develop into competent healthcare professionals using an evidence-based and interprofessional approach in the profession of athletic training.

University of Delaware’s MS-AT program involves two consecutive calendar years with specific didactic and clinical experiences culminating with a full semester-long clinical immersion. Within the last semester of the program and in anticipation of successful completion of the Athletic Training 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).

Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Delaware MS-AT program is selective and competitive based on the number of highly 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.

Applications to the Master of Science degree program in Athletic Training are handled via the Athletic Training Centralized Application Service (ATCAS), for non-3+2 pathway prospective students, and the University of Delaware Graduate College (SLATE) application for all MS-AT applicants. Final decisions must be confirmed to the Graduate College by April 15th, see below for important admission deadlines. The program begins in summer with classes and orientation in the beginning of June.

June 30: ATCAS application portal opens
December 15: Early review of applications begins
January 15: Priority application deadline
February 1: Early Decision date
April 15: Final decision date

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

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university*
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
Prerequisite coursework (Minimum “B” grade or higher):
- Anatomy/Physiology - 2 classes (with lab)
- 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 pathway.
Prerequisite coursework (Minimum “C-” grade or higher):
- Biology (with lab) - 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
- Statistics - 1 class
- Additional courses that are recommended but NOT required: Health, Medical Terminology, Research Design/Methods
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 (at least one from an AT)
One-two page essay stating interest in Athletic Training as a career
An interview with department faculty/staff required
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.

* A student applying via the “3+2” pathway from UD’s Sports Health major will meet the degree requirement during the first year in the master’s program if admitted.

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.

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 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/client populations. Our focus is on developing high quality Clinical 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:

Online application.
Undergraduate/graduate transcripts.
Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have direct knowledge of the candidate’s academic and/or professional capabilities.
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.
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 a 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 February 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.

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/
Applicants must gain the support of a primary advisor and complete the appropriate supplemental documentation: https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/chs/Documents/KAAP/CHS_KAAP-SLATE-Application-Supplemental-Document-ES-2022.pdf
A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 system is required.
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/).
The equivalent of an undergraduate major in kinesiology, exercise science or related discipline
Applicants must submit at least three letters of recommendation. All letters of recommendation should be managed electronically through the Graduate College.
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/).
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. 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 selective and 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.

A Bachelor of Science, Master of Science or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university.
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 system is required.
GRE scores are optional.
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 600, or at least 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL with a minimum speaking score of 18 is necessary for an applicant to be considered for admission. Applicants completing the IELTS must have a minimum score of 7.0 overall with no individual speaking sub-score below 6.0.
Applicants must submit an essay to specific questions asked on the application; a resume; and a statement of professional goals and objectives.
Applicants should have taken one year of mathematics at the undergraduate level, preferably to include calculus and/or statistics.
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’ potential for success in graduate school from both academic and research perspectives. Recommendations will be managed electronically through the Graduate College.
Students are admitted to the program with the expectation that they will devote full-time to their training. Written requests for part-time enrollment must be included in the personal statement section of the application.
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.

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.

See Graduate Admissions for additional information.

Programs

Master’s

Doctorate

Applied Physiology (PhD)

3+2

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