Biomechanics and Movement Science Program

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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 embrace 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 2022, the U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Delaware number 38 in Top Public Schools, 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

• Undergraduate grade point index of 3.0

• Applicants are expected to have 12 credits of laboratory science courses and/or courses most applicable to the individual’s planned area of research, as well as course experience in the areas of calculus and anatomy/physiology, with grades of “B” or better
• Supplemental documentation of a faculty member that has agreed to serve as an advisor

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

All international applicants for graduate study at the University of Delaware are expected to have or gain English proficiency prior to enrolling in graduate coursework. The recommended minimum TOEFL score is 100 and/or IELTS of 7. A waiver of the TOEFL exam is only allowed when a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree has been or will be earned from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States OR from a university recognized by the ministry of education in a country where English is the primary language.

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

Financial Aid

Financial assistance for students in the BIOMS program is obtained from a variety of 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 students are expected to maintain full-time student status.

Programs

• Biomechanics and Movement Science (MS)
• Biomechanics and Movement Science (PhD)

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