Kinesiology, PhD
for the Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology
Department Head: Amy Woods
Director of Graduate Studies: Steven Petruzzello
graduate office: Julie Jenkins
906 South Goodwin Ave
112 Freer Hall MC-052
Urbana, IL 61801
graduate phone: (217) 333-1083
graduate email: jjenkns@illinois.edu
program website: https://ahs.illinois.edu/kinesiology/phd
Graduate Degree Programs
Kinesiology, MS
Kinesiology, PhD
Joint Degree Program: Kinesiology, PhD and Master of Public Health, MPH
Major areas of specialization at both the master's and doctoral degree levels include:
- Biobehavioral Kinesiology (the study of biomechanics, exercise and sport psychology, kinesmetrics, motor control and learning, and motor development)
- Cultural Pedagogical & Interpretive Studies (the study of the interaction between physical activity and the individual from a variety of cultural, sociological and pedagogical perspectives)
- Exercise Physiology (the study of exercise stress on body systems).
Admission
Students may apply to either the M.S. or the Ph.D. program. Applications for Fall admission are due on January 15. Applications for Spring semester are due on October 1.
Admission to the M.S. degree program requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate study and any graduate work completed, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, a statement of interest, and three letters of recommendation.
Admission to the Ph.D. degree program requires a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (A = 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants who have a master’s degree should have a grade point average of 3.5 for previous graduate-level work. All applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, a statement of interest, and three letters of recommendation.
International students whose native language is not English, must also score a minimum of 611 on the paper-based TOEFL test, 254 on the computer-based test, or 103 on the internet-based test (iBT). Applicants whose native language is not English and who are seeking a teaching assistantship must provide evidence of spoken English language proficiency by meeting minimum score requirements specified by the University (see www.grad.illinois.edu/admissions/taengprof.htm).
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Faculty Research Interests
Kinesiology faculty conduct research and supervise graduate research in the following areas:
- Physical activity and aging
- immune function
- psychological, physical and cognitive function
- fitness and health
- psychophysiology
- motor development
- teacher education
- teacher effectiveness
- sport in society and culture
- motor control
Facilities and Resources
The department facilities include laboratories for research in biomechanics, bone and body composition, cardiovascular function, exercise immunology, exercise psychology, exercise neuroscience, neurocognitive kinesiology, motor control, gait and balance, kinesmetrics, motor behavior, muscle physiology and pedagogical technology.
Financial Aid
A number of teaching assistantships are available in the department's instructional programs. A limited number of research assistantships are available to support the departmental research activities. Assistantships usually provide a stipend for services performed as well as a tuition and partial fee waiver.
for the Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology
Entering with approved M.S. degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| KIN 591 | Seminar | 8 |
| KIN/CHLH/SHS 565/RST 560 | Teaching in the Professoriate | 4 |
| Competency in research methods | 12 | |
| Research/Project Hours (8 max applied toward degree) | 0-8 | |
Elective hours to bring total course work hours to 32 | ||
| KIN 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 32 |
| Total Hours | 64 | |
Other Requirements1
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | 24 (not including 599) |
| Minimum Number of 500-level Hours Required Overall in Program: | 8 |
| Qualifying Exam Required: | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required: | Yes |
| Final/Exam Dissertation Defense Required: | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required: | Yes |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
| 1 | For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate programs and the Graduate College Handbook. |
Entering with approved B.S. degree
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| KIN 591 | Seminar | 12 |
| KIN/CHLH/SHS 565/RST 560 | Teaching in the Professoriate | 4 |
| Competency in research methods | 12 | |
| Research/Project Hours (16 max applied toward degree) | 0-16 | |
| Elective hours to bring total course work hours to 64 | ||
| KIN 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 32 |
| Total Hours | 96 | |
Other Requirements1
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | 40 (not including 599) |
| Minimum Number of 500-level Hours Required Overall in Program: | 12 |
| Qualifying Exam Required: | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required: | Yes |
| Final/Exam Dissertation Defense Required: | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required: | Yes |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
| 1 | For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate programs and the Graduate College Handbook. |