The Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation is designed for kinesiologists and rehabilitation professionals (athletic trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists or speech/language pathologists) who have already completed a master's degree or entry-level clinical doctorate and are interested in becoming leaders, teachers and scholars in their respective fields. The curriculum's core focuses on motor control and motor learning as applied to mobility, rehabilitation, daily functional activities, communication and swallowing in individuals with and without physical or neurologic impairments. In addition to 6 core courses, students will complete research courses, teaching and/or research apprenticeship courses, and at least two electives for a total of at least 51 credit hours.
Program Highlights
-
Interprofessional and interdisciplinary program which brings together kinesiologists/exercise scientists and different clinical rehabilitation specialists
-
Students are immersed in research experiences in and out of courses to develop their research skills and products
-
Students develop award-winning professional oral presentation skills
-
Small collegial program where all the students get to know and support each other
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services 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.
Biological Scientists, All Other
All biological scientists not listed separately.
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.
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:
-
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
-
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale for the graduate degree
-
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
-
Essay on personal goals
-
Three letters of reference, at least two of which are from former professors familiar with the applicant's academic performance
-
English Proficiency Requirement for those whose first language is not English. (See Admissions website)
Featured Courses
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Graduate Assistantships
Research and teaching graduate assistantships are available to well qualified applicants on a competitive basis.