Kinesiology and Applied Physiology

The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology are interdisciplinary in nature and emphasize fundamental principles derived from the basic sciences that have contributed to the development of our field.  Current faculty provide expertise in physiology, nutrition, metabolism, psychophysiology, and endocrinology.  Existing ties to outstanding programs at Rutgers (i.e., Nutritional Sciences, Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, Psychology, and Physiology and Integrative Biology, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, and the Medical School) provide a unique foundation for the education and training of the next generation of scientists in the area of Kinesiology.  The programs emphasize training in both basic and applied science.  This program focuses on in-depth training in either Exercise Physiology or Exercise Psychology.  Students will be taught about hormonal, biochemical, metabolic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and psychological responses to exercise, exercise testing and prescription principles, and application of physical activity to an overall beneficial wellness profile.  The strengths of the department faculty and the affiliated faculty from the partnering disciplines are conducive to implementing this model.  Furthermore, due to supportive ties to the recently established Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health (IFNH) at Rutgers, translational research at both a human health and performance level will be a priority of this program.  Within the IFNH, the Center for Health & Human Performance provides an outstanding potential training experience for students in this program

The Graduate Program in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology offers courses of study leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.  All students take a core curriculum in advanced exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription fundamentals, research methods, and statistics.  The remainder of the course requirements are individualized depending on the student's goals.  Original research leading to a Master's thesis or doctoral dissertation is conducted under the guidance of well-established Kinesiology researchers.

Doctoral students must complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree, including within the area of specialization, supporting cognate area(s), research design and statistics, comprehensive exams, and dissertation.  The exact program of study is developed in consultation with the student's advisor and approved by a faculty committee.  Doctoral candidates are required to complete a total of 72 semester credits (including 24 dissertation credits but no more than 36 credits).  Courses completed at the master's degree level may be accepted by the student's guidance committee in partial fulfillment of departmental requirements, but they may not be included in the 72-credit minimum requirement for the doctoral degree.

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, a Biological Science, Psychology, or a related field
• 1 year of general biology
• 1 year of general chemistry plus lab
• Exercise physiology plus 12 additional credits of coursework in advanced physiology, chemistry, kinesiology/exercise science, physics, calculus, or psychology
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in science courses related to the field
• GRE (verbal, quantitative & writing).  Minimal combined score of 300 (Minimum verbal 150; minimum quantitative 150)
• TOEFL (if English is a second language or undergraduate degree was completed in a non-English speaking country):  Minimum score of 220 for computer-based test and of 560 for paper-based test.  The minimum IBT-internet based TOEFL is:  Writing 22, Speaking 23, Reading 21, Listening 17.
• Three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a science professor, are required.  If applying for admission to the PhD program, at least two recommendations must be from science professors.
• A personal statement regarding interest in graduate study

Scholarships

Financial assistance in the form of research and teaching assistantships and excellence fellowships is available for our Ph.D. students.  Since the number of assistantships varies, students requesting financial aid are encouraged to submit their applications by January 15th.  Most doctoral students receive support throughout their studies.  Although we cannot guarantee full financial aid, all of our current continuing doctoral program students receive support.

Teaching Assistants

The main responsibilities of TAs in the program are to instruct laboratories associated with undergraduate courses such as Exercise Physiology or Exercise Testing and Prescription, to assist with instruction for large undergraduate lectures, or to teach select undergraduate courses (particularly for more senior TAs).  Twenty hours per week are required.