Graduate Bulletin

Kinesiology, Ph.D.

Concentration: Integrative Exercise Physiology

COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND SOCIAL WORK

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: January 15

Spring: October 1

Applications are reviewed as they are received throughout the year. Therefore, complete applications received after the due dates will be considered if space is available. Candidates interested in an assistantship are especially encouraged to submit their applications by the deadline date.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:

Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from faculty or people in industry who are familiar with the applicant's academic and/or research aptitude.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration:

It is preferred that applicants have completed laboratory courses in Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and/or Physics.

Master's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

Most applicants will have earned a master’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution in Kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology or in a related discipline.  Please see "Bachelor’s Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline" for applicants who do not hold a master’s or professional degree.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline:

A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent, as recognized by Temple University, from an accredited post-secondary institution is required.  Admission of students is initially subject to standards set by the Graduate School.  The minimum admission standard for all graduate students is an undergraduate grade point average of "B" or 3.0, or the functional equivalent for students who have attended universities outside of the United States.  The Department of Kinesiology can request a waiver from the Dean of the Graduate School for a student who has a grade point average below a “B” or 3.0.

Statement of Goals:

The Statement of Goals should be clearly written and well thought out. It should be approximately 1-2 pages in length.

Standardized Test Scores:

The GRE is required. Scores of 500 each are preferred on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.  Occasionally, students with lower totals are accepted if undergraduate work and/or other life experiences suggest a high degree of probability of success in the graduate program.

Minimum TOEFL score needed to be accepted: 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based.

Interview:

An interview is scheduled at a mutually convenient time between the faculty interviewer(s) and the applicant. With rare exceptions, an onsite interview is required for the Ph.D. program.

Resume:

A resume is required.

Writing Sample:

A writing sample is required.  The topic is flexible, but must be relevant to Kinesiology.

Advanced Standing:

Students who enter the doctoral program with the master's degree may receive up to 30 credits of advanced standing toward the Ph.D. degree. The maximum number of advanced standing credits awarded is 30.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:

Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Master's: 38

Number of Didactic Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 68

Required Courses:

KINES 9683: Mentored Research I

KINES 9783: Mentored Research II

KINES 9901: Research Methods

Two 3-credit statistics courses (Intermediate or advanced level)

Integrative Exercise Physiology Core  (12 credits – some of these courses may have been taken by applicants with a master’s degree):

KINES 5311: Exercise Physiology

KINES 9201: Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology

KINES 9203: Applied Exercise Physiology – Neuromuscular

KINES 9204: Cellular Adaptations to Exercise

Biomedical Interdisciplinary Core (8 credits – some of these courses may have been taken by applicants with a master’s degree):

MED SCH 5003: Fundamentals of Biochemistry –OR–

MED SCH 8004: Structure and Function of Macromolecules

MED SCH 5005: Fundamentals of Molecular and Cell Biology –OR–

MED SCH 5006: Basis of Microbiology and Immunology

Bioscience Courses from Medical School  (6 to 8 credits – some of these courses may have been taken by applicants with a master’s degree):

Contact the Department of Kinesiology for the list of courses.

Electives (25 to 27 credits – some of these courses may have been taken by applicants with a master’s degree):

Contact the Department of Kinesiology for the list of courses.

Internship: No internship is required.

Language Examination: No language examination is required.

Culminating Events:

Preliminary Examination:

All Ph.D. candidates in Kinesiology must complete the Preliminary Examination, which includes two requirements: 1) successful completion of a set of four questions that examine the doctoral students' competency in their subdiscipline; and 2) submission of a research article of publishable quality, as first author, to a refereed journal. Note that a literature review does not fulfill the second requirement. Further specifics about the Preliminary Examination requirement are defined in the Department of Kinesiology Graduate Handbook.

Dissertation:

The dissertation represents an original research study that provides a substantive contribution to the literature and is worthy of publication. As such, it is a rigorous examination of a research problem that requires extensive investigation, using quantitative and/or qualitative methodology. The dissertation proposal encompasses the first part of the dissertation: introduction, review of literature, and methodology. It is a substantive document that spells out clearly the rationale for the research, reviews the literature, and precisely identifies the methodology to be used in answering the research problem. The proposal is reviewed and approved by the Dissertation Sponsoring Committee (DSC), a committee of at least three members of the Temple University Graduate Faculty, two of whom, including the Chair, must be members of the candidate’s degree program.  The Dissertation Examining Committee (DEC) must include the Chair and all members of the DSC and at least one outside (external) examiner not previously involved with the dissertation writing or the DSC.  The defense is scheduled at the mutual convenience of the student and the members of the DEC. Notice is provided to the College of Health Professions, which completes the necessary paperwork to announce the defense date, time, and location. The DEC reviews and discusses the defense. Overall evaluation of pass/fail with recommendations for improvements of the dissertation result.

Contacts

Program Contact Information:

www.temple.edu/kinesiology

Department Information:

Dept. of Kinesiology

103A Pearson Hall (048-00)
1800 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

michael.sachs@temple.edu

215-204-8707

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Dr. Michael Sachs
michael.sachs@temple.edu
215-204-8718

Program Coordinator:

Dr. Michael D. Brown
brownmd@temple.edu
215-204-5218

Graduate Chairperson:

Dr. Michael Sachs
michael.sachs@temple.edu
215-204-8718

Chairperson:

Dr. Michael Sitler
michael.sitler@temple.edu
215-204-1950

About the Program

The mission of the Department of Kinesiology is to advance comprehensive inquiry into, and understanding of, human movement in all of its forms and implications. The program primarily trains academicians but also clinicians/practitioners in some areas. The program offers an opportunity to engage in coursework as well as research and applied work across a range of sub-disciplines within the discipline of Kinesiology.  Central to the mission is the discovery and dissemination of knowledge through a multi-dimensional study of physical activity with special emphasis on the relationships among physical activity, health, and well-being.  This approach incorporates biophysical, behavioral, and professional practice perspectives. 

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 7 years

Campus Location:

Main

Classes are occasionally offered at Fort Washington.  Elective classes are also offered on the Center City, Ambler, and Health Sciences Center campuses.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status:

Students are admitted for full-time study.

Department Information:

Dept. of Kinesiology

103A Pearson Hall (048-00)
1800 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

michael.sachs@temple.edu

215-204-8707

Interdisciplinary Study:

Interdisciplinary study is available within the department as well as with other departments in the University.

Affiliation(s):

Not applicable.

Study Abroad:

No.

Ranking:

While there is no national ranking of Integrative Exercise Physiology, this program has an excellent reputation.

Accreditation:

National accreditation is not offered for Integrative Exercise Physiology.

Areas of Specialization:

Students in the doctoral program in Integrative Exercise Physiology primarily focus on urban-health issues as related to translational and evidence-based practice of physical activity on metabolic-related diseases.  The primary research foci are hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.    

Job Placement:

The majority of students find positions in academic institutions. Some students work in research and clinical settings. Training is primarily for academic and research positions at institutions of higher learning.

Licensure:

Not applicable.

Non-Degree Student Policy:

Non-matriculated students are welcome to take classes in the department, assuming they have the prerequisite knowledge to be successful in the coursework.

Financing Opportunities

Assistantship duties include, but are not limited to, teaching activity courses in a variety of movement forms and sports; teaching laboratory sections of undergraduate courses such as Biomechanics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Physiology of Exercise; supervising student teachers; serving as a research assistant in the Biokinetics Research Laboratory; or serving as an administrative assistant to one of the department administrators.

Updated 9.30.11