Program Overview

Kinesiology & Rehabilitation (Ph.D.)

About this Program

Old Dominion University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation. This course of study is designed for kinesiologists (exercise physiologists, exercise psychologists, biomechanists) and rehabilitation professionals (athletic trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech/language pathologists) who are interested in becoming leaders, teachers, and scholars in their respective fields. This inter-professional and interdisciplinary program features faculty mentors from the College of Health Sciences, with faculty and student collaborators from across ODU. Students are immersed in research experiences in and out of the classroom and complete a flexible curriculum that can encompass motor control and learning, neuroscience, biomechanics, exercise science, nutrition, public health, rehabilitation, communication sciences, and research methodology. In addition to four core courses, students complete research courses, teaching and/or research apprenticeship courses, at least four electives, and 12 dissertation credits for a total of at least 51 credit hours.

Program Highlights

• Interprofessional and interdisciplinary program which brings together kinesiologists/exercise scientists and different clinical rehabilitation specialists
• Students are immersed in research experiences in and out of courses to develop their research skills and products
• Students develop award-winning professional oral presentation skills
• Small collegial program where all the students get to know and support each other

Featured Courses

KRS 835: Critical Appraisal and Synthesis of Evidence in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation

This course will introduce the student to critical appraisal of all forms of research in kinesiology and rehabilitation. The purpose of this course is to further develop the student's competence in conducting and evaluating research. The student will develop the skills necessary to find, critically evaluate, and synthesize the available research in order to answer individual research questions or cultivate a line of research inquiry.

KRS 851: Motor Performance: Rhythmic/Cyclic Tasks

This course examines the coordination of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems in performing rhythmic movement tasks such as walking, running, swallowing, speaking, and feeding. Students will gain experience measuring and interpreting cardiorespiratory variables, kinematics, kinetics, and energetics of rhythmic movement tasks integrated with measures of activity, participation, and clinical standardized tests.

KRS 855: Neurosciences of Motor Control

This course covers neuroscience with specific regard to the fundamental design, organization and workings of the central nervous system (CNS) in the areas of motor control. The topics cover areas related to the typical development of motor function and changes in motor control throughout the lifespan. This course also assesses motor-control problems that occur as a result of congenital conditions, acquired damage, dysfunction or disease. Pathological conditions such as (but not limited to) stroke, Parkinson's disease, cerebellar disease, and muscle and joint pathologies are examined.

Careers

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

• Median Salary: $122,890
• Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

• Median Salary: $69,560
• Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Biological Scientists, All Other

• Median Salary: $80,200
• All biological scientists not listed separately.

Requirements

To apply for the Kinesiology & Rehabilitation Ph.D. program, students must meet the minimum university admission requirements for Graduate Admission. Specific program requirements include:

• Completed graduate degree (Master's or Clinical Doctorate) from a regionally-accredited institution in kinesiology, exercise science, athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, or a related field
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale for the graduate degree
• Essay on personal goals
• Three letters of reference, at least two of which are from former professors familiar with the applicant's academic performance
• English Proficiency Requirement for those whose first language is not English

Cost of Attendance

The estimated tuition rates for the academic year are as follows:

• Virginia Resident: $486 per credit
• Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States: $649 per credit
• Non-Resident: $1,334.50 per credit

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are several ways to fund your degree, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. Research and teaching graduate assistantships are available to well-qualified applicants on a competitive basis.