Applied Biomechanics (PhD)

Admission to the Program

For optimal consideration:

• Fall 2024 semester admission materials should be submitted by May 1
• International students' materials should be submitted by April 1

Official deadline for Fall: Aug. 10

About

The concentration in Applied Biomechanics (APBI) is a focused research-intensive program in which the role of body mechanics and structure on human movement applications is examined. Graduates will be able to contribute as leaders and collaborators in at least one research specialty area within APBI. You will be expected to continually contribute to the research activities conducted in at least one of the laboratories supporting the APBI program under the direction of a resident Full Graduate Faculty Mentor.

Major: Applied Physiology & Neuromechanics (APNM)
Concentration: Applied Biomechanics (APBI)

The APBI PhD program offers two entry points:

Post-bachelor’s (minimum of 72 credit hours total)
Post-master’s (minimum of 36 credit hours total)

Post-bachelor’s Admission Requirements:
(Phase one for post-bachelor’s admission into PhD program)

• Completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours (8000-level courses when available) for the post-bachelor's portion
• 12 credit hours of designated research/statistics courses
• 12 credit hours of specified ESMS courses
• Six credit hours of electives approved by the doctoral committee
• Must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.00
• Six credit hours of applied project or thesis
• Successful written and oral defense of applied project or thesis
• Fall and spring doctoral seminar participation
• Successful completion of the oral Master’s Comprehensive Exam as part of the thesis/applied project defense
• MS degree awarded with a major in Health Studies and a concentration in Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences

Post-master’s Admission Requirements:
(Phase two for post-bachelor’s admission into PhD program)

• Completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours (8000-level courses when available) for the post-master's portion
• Six credit hours of research/statistics beyond the initial 12 credit hours (Note: If any of the research/ statistics courses designated for post-bachelor’s admission have not been completed, they must be taken during the first year of matriculation in the post-master’s program, but they do not count toward the 36 credit hours required in the program of study.)
• 24 credit hours of doctoral committee-approved courses including 12 credit hours of supervised research
• Must maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.00
• Residency & Professional Scholarship
• If an applied project or thesis was not completed as part of the master’s degree, then either must be formally completed and defended prior to the dissertation proposal. (Note: In this case, the six credit hours do not count toward the 36 credit hours required for the program of study.)
• Fall and spring doctoral seminar participation until Doctoral Exams have been passed
• Successful completion of written and oral Doctoral Comprehensive Exam before the dissertation is proposed
• Six credit hours of dissertation chaired by a full graduate faculty member in the APBI program
• Successful written and oral defense of the dissertation

PhD Program Overview >

Research

Advanced research facilities and equipment are available to support this degree:

Biochemistry Lab
Molecular Biology Lab
Bone Densitometry and Body Composition Lab
Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Lab
Exercise Instructional Lab
Musculoskeletal Analysis Laboratory

Lab Equipment Inventory >