The Ph.D. in Kinesiology & Rehabilitation 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.
This program is designed for people who have already completed a master's degree or entry-level clinical doctorate and wish to advance the body of knowledge of their respective professions/disciplines and to assume the role of researcher, educator and mentor in an academic, clinical, or industrial setting.
Program Highlights
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Interprofessional and interdisciplinary program which brings together kinesiologists/exercise scientists and different clinical rehabilitation specialists
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Students are immersed in research experiences in and out of courses to develop their research skills and products
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Students develop award-winning professional oral presentation skills
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Small collegial program where all the students get to know and support each other
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
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.
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Biological Scientists, All Other
All biological scientists not listed separately.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
Students are admitted to the Ph.D. program starting with the fall term only. Applications for admission are reviewed by the Ph.D. In Kinesiology and Rehabilitation admissions committee. To qualify for admission, an applicant must meet the general University admission requirements at the graduate level as well as specific program requirements including:
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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
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A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale for the graduate degree
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Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores of at least 150 each in the verbal and quantitative sections of the test, and at least 4 on the written section
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Essay on personal goals
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Three letters of reference, at least two of which are from former professors familiar with the applicant's academic performance
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English Proficiency Requirement for those whose first language is not English. (See Admissions website)
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Graduate Assistantships
Research and teaching graduate assistantships are available to well qualified applicants on a competitive basis.
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