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.
Student Outcomes
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Kinesiology & Rehabilitation program will be able to:
- Apply their expertise in kinesiology and rehabilitation in academic and non-academic settings
- Demonstrate adherence to principles of responsible conduct of research
- Critically analyze research publications and presentations in their areas of focus in kinesiology and rehabilitation
- Design and conduct original research to expand the body of knowledge in kinesiology and rehabilitation
- Disseminate research results in formats suitable for presentation and/or publication
- Collaborate with colleagues in different but related fields for education, research and publications
- Develop and deliver instruction in an undergraduate or graduate university program
Program Directors
Faculty
Our program faculty have a diverse academic background in areas of kinesiology and rehabilitation and offer expertise in understanding how humans move and communicate across the lifespan, and how this can be impacted by injury, disease, or the aging process. The group is highly inter-professional, with clinical expertise in athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language pathology. Our research makes contributions to our understanding and treatment of concussions, diabetes, falls risk, musculoskeletal injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, stuttering, and more. This is evidenced in publications in well regarded peer reviewed journals, and private, state, and federal grant funding to support our research.
Below you will find brief information about the academic background and research specialization areas of our faculty, with links to individual webpages. If you wish for assistance in finding a faculty member who could mentor you through the PhD program, please contact the Graduate Program Directors, Patrick Wilson or Ryan McCann
