Program Overview

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Kinesiology: Biomechanics, PhD

The Kinesiology: Biomechanics, PhD program is a named option within the Kinesiology, PhD program. Biomechanics is the application of mechanics to biological systems, and this program focuses on areas such as tissue mechanics, neuro-muscular control, human performance, sports performance, injury, rehabilitation, and limb dynamics.

Program Description

The program equips students to apply the tools of engineering analysis to biological systems from the cellular to the whole-body level, with career objectives in academia, healthcare, and sports science. Students can pursue individual interests through elective coursework, such as physiological adaptations to mechanical stimuli or computer modeling. Students generally have the opportunity to teach during their training.

PhD Degree

The PhD degree is designed to prepare students for independent research and teaching. Formal training includes coursework in areas such as math, statistics, physiology, mechanics, biomechanics, motor control, injury biomechanics, and injury epidemiology. Students conduct independent research throughout their training, which will be summarized in their dissertation. Presentations are also expected to be made at national scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed journals.

Admissions

• Fall Deadline: December 1
• Spring Deadline: September 1
• Summer Deadline: This program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not exclusively in English, must provide an English proficiency test score earned within two years of the anticipated term of enrollment.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): n/a
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

For admission, the Graduate School requires, as does the Kinesiology department, a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0=A scale) on the last 60 semester hours (or equivalent) of undergraduate coursework. An applicant must submit academic transcripts from each institution attended and a statement of reasons for graduate study.

Funding

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Named Option Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Mode of Instruction: Face to Face
• Definitions:
  • Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion.
  • Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UWMadison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.
  • Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
  • Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.
  • Online: These programs are offered 100% online.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Other Grade Requirements: n/a
• Assessments and Examinations: PhD students must pass preliminary exams and successfully propose and defend a dissertation.
• Language Requirements: No language requirements.
• Graduate School Breadth Requirement: A doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate is not required due to the broad areas of inquiry within Kinesiology.

Required Courses

• Core:
  • KINES 618: Biomechanics
  • KINES 951: Seminar-Biomechanics
  • KINES 900: Seminar in Kinesiology 1
  • KINES 990: Research or Thesis
  • KINES 991: Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design
• Statistics: 3-4 minimum
  • Examples provided, but courses are chosen in consultation with advisor
  • STAT/F&W ECOL 571: Statistical Methods for Bioscience I
  • STAT 575: Statistical Methods for Spatial Data
  • ED PSYCH 760: Statistical Methods Applied to Education I
  • ED PSYCH 761: Statistical Methods Applied to Education II
• General Field Requirement: 4-6
  • At least two graduate-level courses of at least two credits each in Kinesiology, outside the Biomechanics area.
• Suggested Electives (chosen in consultation with advisor):
  • KINES 614: Biological Factors Influencing Exercise Performance
  • KINES 721: Neural Basis for Movement
  • KINES 861: Principles of Motor Control and Learning
  • KINES 961: Seminar in Motor Control and Learning

Graduate School Policies

The Graduate Schools Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures and are updated continuously.

Named Option-Specific Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 18 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions.
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: No credits from an other institution UWMadison undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer toward the degree.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

• PhD students work with two committees during their studies:
  1. Preliminary exams Committee (three graduate faculty members)
  2. Dissertation committee (five members)

Credits per Term Allowed

15 credits

Time limits

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance
• Employee Disability Resource Office
• Graduate School
• Office of Compliance
• Office Student Assistance and Support
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff
• Title IX

Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.