Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Human Performance
Career Opportunities
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Performance: biomechanics emphasis is specifically designed to interdisciplinarily prepare students as biomechanists with strong research experiences and connections to industry.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Performance: exercise physiology emphasis is specifically designed to prepare students as exercise physiologists leading to career opportunities in teaching and research in higher education and/or industry.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Performance: sport pedagogy is designed not only to provide strong didactic disciplinary based curriculum, but to also provide strong research experiences for future careers in academia.
Laboratories
A strong laboratory research emphasis is additionally integrated into doctoral studies in exercise physiology. Several laboratory experiences are designed to enhance the student’s knowledge of metabolic testing, electrocardiography, graded exercise testing, exercise prescription, and blood collection/analysis. HPR 701 /HPR 701L and HPR 805 /HPR 805L are examples of courses with laboratory content.
Special Program Requirements
- A graduate degree and appropriate bachelor’s preparation in the athletic training, physical education, sport coaching education, sport management, biomechanics, exercise science, or an appropriately related field is required for consideration for admission to the doctoral programs.
- Programs of study, including all course requirements, independent research or field-based projects, and additional requirements specified by the university for proficiency in statistics, must be approved by each student’s advisory committee. The general focus of dissertation research will be initially approved by the student’s advisory committee. The specific nature and foci of the research must be approved by the student’s dissertation committee.
Research Tool(s)
- A Research tool(s) component is required of all doctoral students, and may be fulfilled in a variety of ways dependent upon the background, needs, and experience of the student.
The following guidelines apply:
The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires nine (9) hours of statistics and either
- six (6) hours of a foreign language or
- six (6) hours of research electives.
See program for specific course requirements.
- Upon the acceptance of the dissertation by the candidate’s dissertation committee and at least six weeks prior to graduation, a final oral examination in defense of the candidate’s dissertation will be administered by the student’s dissertation committee. Students should consult the Human Subjects (IRB) Committee.
Residency
Students must meet the residence requirements specified in this Bulletin.
Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the requirement specified in the front section of this Bulletin.
Plan of Study. Students must submit their signed, official Plan of Study Form to the Graduate School by the end of the second semester they are enrolled. The Plan of Study Forms are available at www.usm.edu/graduateschool/planofstudy.php - click on the “Plan of Study” link.
Comprehensive Exam
A comprehensive exam is required for all doctoral students and must be passed before proceeding to the dissertation. A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.
Research and Scholarly Integrity Education
All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status, must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.
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