[ skip to content ]

Kinesiology & Rehabilitation (Ph.D.)

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.

Kinesiology & Rehabilitation (Ph.D.)


Description


What is Kinesiology & Rehabilitation at ODU like?

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


What makes Kinesiology & Rehabilitation at ODU unique?

  • 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


What are some careers in this field?

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the 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

$69,560

MEDIAN SALARY


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

$122,890

MEDIAN SALARY


Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Biological Scientists, All Other

$80,200

MEDIAN SALARY


All biological scientists not listed separately.

Employers


Graduates from this major have gone to work at

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill  

Courses


What are some courses offered in Kinesiology & Rehabilitation at ODU?

KRS 835:
Critical Appraisal and Synthesis of Evidence in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation


This course will introduce the student to critical appraisal of all forms of research in kinesiology and rehabilitation. The purpose of this course is to further develop the student's competence in conducting and evaluating research. The student will develop the skills necessary to find, critically evaluate, and synthesize the available research in order to answer individual research questions or cultivate a line of research inquiry.

KRS 851:
Motor Performance: Rhythmic/Cyclic Tasks


This course will examine the coordination of musculoskeletal and neurological systems in performing rhythmic movement tasks such as walking, running, swallowing, singing and feeding. Students will gain experience measuring and interpreting kinematics and kinetics of rhythmic movement tasks integrated with measures of activity and participation and clinical standardized tests.

KRS 855:
NEUROSCIENCE OF MOTOR CONTROL


This course covers neuroscience with specific regard to the fundamental design, organization and workings of the central nervous system (CNS) in the areas of motor control. The topics cover areas related to the typical development of motor function and changes in motor control throughout the lifespan. This course also assesses motor-control problems that occur as a result of congenital conditions, acquired damage, dysfunction or disease. Pathological conditions such as (but not limited to) stroke, Parkinson's disease, cerebellar disease, and muscle and joint pathologies are examined.

Requirements


What are the requirements to apply for Kinesiology & Rehabilitation at ODU?

Students entering the Doctor of Philosophy program in Kinesiology & Rehabilitation should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)

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)

Cost

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2022-23 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.

Virginia Resident


Per Credit:

$ 571

Non-Resident


Per Credit:

$ 1,394

Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States


Per Credit:

$ 595

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.

 

Next Steps


I like this program. What are the next steps?

Contact


Need help applying?

Meet Your Enrollment Team

Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.

No Image

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR


Name:

Daniel Russell


Location:

RESEARCH PARK II, NORFOLK, VA, 23508



Office:

757-683-6016


Graduate Admissions


Location:

1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3685


Fax:

757-683-6512


Email:

gradadmit@odu.edu


International Admissions


Location:

2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529


Phone Office:

757-683-3701


Fax:

757-683-3651


Email:

intladm@odu.edu

goto top button request for information button apply now button
×

How would you like to complete your program?


Avatar
Face to Face
Avatar
Completely Online
Avatar
Unsure

Site Navigation

Experience Guaranteed

Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.

First Fridays

Get an inside look into your major of interest when you speak to professors and current students at our monthly First Friday events.

Spring 2023 Commencement

Celebrate the achievements of approximately 2,000 graduating students during ceremonies on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6.