Graduate Degree Program Competencies

Students applying for the Master’s degree program in Exercise Science are expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or a related field (e.g. biology, physiology, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, etc.) from an accredited college or university.  Students applying for Ph.D. degree program are expected to hold a Master’s degree in kinesiology or a related field.  Students applying for graduate study in either program are expected to demonstrate competency in each of the following 4 areas:

1. Human Anatomy (e.g., KIN 324K)
2. Exercise Physiology (e.g., KIN 325K)
3. Biomechanics (e.g., KIN 326K)
4. Motor Control or Learning (e.g., KIN 335 or KIN 336) or Vertebrate or Human Physiology (e.g., BIO365S)

Competency is typically demonstrated by completion of specific undergraduate courses taken in kinesiology or other disciplines.  Students may be admitted to the Graduate Program without these core courses, provided they fulfill these requirements either prior to completing their degree for Master’s students, or prior to advancement to candidacy for Doctoral students.  Students can meet these competencies either by advance standing examination, or by taking the necessary course(s) at the University of Texas, as noted above.  Students taking any of these courses at the University of Texas will also need to fulfill any prerequisites for these courses.

However, it is recommended that any deficiencies be completed prior to entering the program.  It is typically possible to complete the core competencies during the summer prior to beginning the program. All courses must be taken for a letter grade to fulfill the competency area requirement.  Moreover, undergraduate core competencies are in addition to the required courses in the student’s Graduate program.

Additionally, students applying to the Ph.D. program must have a demonstrated capability of independent research by completing a thesis or publishing one or more research articles.  Ph.D. students not meeting this standard will be required to complete and publish research under the direction of a faculty member while at the University of Texas to be eligible for advancement to candidacy.