The M.S. and Ph.D. in Kinesiology are programs designed to provide an
opportunity to pursue research and advanced scholarly activity in
specialized areas of kinesiology. The M.S. programs are designed for
students who want an in-depth research experience that involves
completing a thesis. Completing requirements for the M.S. prepares a
student to pursue a Ph.D. or to pursue a career that involves a
background in research. Requirements for the M.S. are provided in the
Graduate School Bulletin. In addition, the Department requires that the
program of study for the M.S. include a course in research methods (KINS
7150 or equivalent) and one additional research course (a course in
statistics or qualitative research methods) appropriate for the
student’s research.

The Ph.D. programs are designed to provide the opportunity to pursue
research and scholarly activities beyond the point possible in master’s
degree programs. These programs prepare students for careers involving
research in colleges and universities, government, or business and
industry. Requirements for the Ph.D. are provided in the Graduate School
Bulletin. In addition, the Department has the following requirements for
its Ph.D. programs:

Advisory Committee: A doctoral student’s doctoral advisory committee
shall consist of a minimum of three graduate faculty members including
the student’s major professor who will serve as the chair of the
committee. For Exercise Science programs two of the faculty must be in
the Department of Kinesiology and, if all three members are in the
Department of Kinesiology, they cannot be in the same specialization
area (biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, measurement).

KINS 8990 Research Seminar in Kinesiology: Research seminars in the
individual specializations are required one or two (Fall, Spring)
semesters each year providing a minimum of four credit hours earned.

Research Tool Requirement: Doctoral students in Kinesiology must
complete a two-course sequence at the 8000-level or above in statistics
(e.g., ERSH 8310 and 8320, or equivalent) or qualitative methods (e.g.,
QUAL 8400 and 8410, or equivalent). If the student has the equivalent of
these courses, higher level courses can be taken. At least the second
course in the sequence, or a course for which it is a prerequisite, must
be taken on this campus. A grade of “B” or better must be obtained in
the second course or course for which it is a prerequisite.

Program of Study: The program of study is determined by the major
professor and doctoral student, based on the student’s background,
interests, and career goals. It must be approved by a majority of the
advisory committee. For the Ph.D., a minimum of 30 semester hours of
course work not including work done for a master’s degree is required
(see residence requirement above). The total number of hours required
may vary, depending on the number needed to achieve the necessary
proficiency in research, breadth and soundness of scholarship, and
thorough acquaintance with a specific field of knowledge as determined
by the major professor and advisory committee.

Research Experience in Lieu of Master’s Thesis: If a student is
admitted to the Ph.D. program with a master’s degree but without having
completed a master’s thesis, or admitted to the Ph.D. program with
bachelor’s degree but no master’s degree, the student must conduct, or
contribute in a substantial way (planning, data collection, data
analysis, writing manuscript) to a research study prior to approval of
the dissertation prospectus, to provide an initial, in-depth research
experience. A manuscript based on the research must be submitted to a
scholarly publication.