University Catalog

Master of Science in Athletic Training - Mission and Goals

Program Mission

The Athletic Training Program (ATP) at the University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing a quality education program that focuses on scientific theory, skill acquisition, application of skills, and professional behaviors via pertinent didactic and clinical education.  Through faculty and clinical preceptor mentoring, graduates of the Athletic Training Program are prepared to be competent, creative, caring clinicians who enhance best-practice patient healthcare, exercise sound judgment, and value lifelong learning.  

The program of study leading to the Master of Athletic Training (MSAT) is designed to accomplish four major goals:

Program Goal #1

Prepare students to have the knowledge, skills, and clinical aptitude to successfully work as an entry-level Athletic Trainer

Objectives:

1.1:  Demonstrate best practice comprehensive care of patients with injuries and illnesses. 

1.2:  Achieve necessary knowledge/skill associated with each Athletic Training practice domain.

1.3:  Successfully pass the national Board of Certification (BOC) exam, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration licensure exam for Athletic Trainers. 

1.4:  Demonstrate readiness to successfully work as an Athletic Trainer.

Program Goal #2

Prepare students to use evidence based medicine to guide clinical practice, and foster active life-long learning in order to advance the profession.

2.1:  Successfully access and critically analyze a variety of healthcare related research data. 

2.2:  Apply evidence based medicine techniques best suited for patient-centered care in the clinical workplace. 

2.3:  Implement patient-oriented outcome measures to assist with comprehensive patient care. 

2.4:  Participate in continuing education and professional activities. 

Program Goal #3

Prepare students to demonstrate professional, legal and ethical behaviors that comply with established standards for health care professionals. 

3.1:  Demonstrate knowledge in interpreting the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Code of Ethics and the BOC Standards of Professional Practice and documents related to the law and regulation pertaining to Athletic Training practice. 

3.2:  Successfully implement NATA Code of Ethics and BOC Standards of Professional Practice and documents related to the law and regulation pertaining to Athletic Training practice.

Program Goal #4

Prepare students to value mutual respect and cultural differences associated with varied exposures and clinical job settings.

4.1:  Develop confidence, knowledge, and skill in implementing patient-centered care that considers the relevant socioeconomic, cultural and religious characteristics that are pertinent to a patient’s circumstances. 

4.2:  Demonstrate effective and respectful communication with individuals, groups, professionals, and society. 

4.3:  Demonstrate effective and respectful behaviors with individuals, groups, professionals, and society. 

4.4:  Demonstrate patient-centered care geared to individual patient situations and desired outcomes in accordance with best practices. 

4.5:  Demonstrate knowledge in effective interprofessional collaborative practice competencies including interprofessional values/ethics, roles and responsibilities, communication and teamwork.

For specific information regarding graduate study in the Department of Kinesiology, please contact the Graduate Advisor at 817.272.3288 or by e-mail at kinegradcoord@uta.edu.

Master of Science in Exercise Science - Objective

The Kinesiology Department's Master of Science Graduate Program in Exercise Science is a research-based program where graduate students can refine their research skills while learning about the effects of exercise on health and well-being. Our graduate program provides opportunities for potential graduate students to work and learn in an exercise science research laboratory or the public schools as a physical educator.

The program of study leading to the Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science is designed to accomplish two major objectives:

1. To provide students with the academic and research skills needed for doctoral study in athletic training, biomechanics, motor learning, physiology of exercise, postural control, or as a physical educator.
2. To prepare students for employment in clinically-oriented environments that place an emphasis on research, such as cardiac rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, or sports medicine, or to work in the public schools as a physical educator.

Current departmental faculty members have been academically trained in, and are actively publishing in, the areas of physiology of exercise, postural control, athletic training, biomechanics, cardiovascular physiology, pulmonary physiology, pedagogy, motor learning, and the general areas of allied health sciences. The ongoing research in these areas provides the primary focus for the M.S. program. Program graduates will be well prepared to work as researchers in laboratories and to enroll in doctoral programs in these content areas.

Students are encouraged to present their research at state and national meetings of the following organizations: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America).

Admission Requirements for M.S. in Athletic Training

Unconditional Admission

The UT Arlington Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program employs a secondary admission process which involves the following steps: 

1. Applying to the MSAT Program (Complete all Step 1 materials listed below)
2. Interview with the MSAT Admissions Committee (Step 2),
3. Applying to the UT Arlington Office of Graduate Studies (Complete all Step 3 materials listed below). 

Further details concerning the pre-admission processes are outlined below.  Note that specific forms (cited below) and further instructions can be found at the UT Arlington MSAT webpage. 

STEP 1 MATERIALS:

• Earned Bachelor’s Degree, with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0, or a 3.0 GPA during the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work is preferred.
• Complete and submit the UT Arlington MSAT Program Application, essay, résumé, and transcripts (found on MSAT webpage). 
• Submission of GRE scores (the following scores are preferred but not required):
  • Verbal = 150 [450],
  • Math = 141 [450],
  • Writing Score =  3.0.
• Complete 50 hours of observation with an athletic trainer (who holds the ATC and/or LAT credential) and submit the UT Arlington MSAT Observation Verification Form.
• Submit three UT Arlington MSAT Reference forms (see MSAT website for form and details).
• Complete the UT Arlington MSAT Technical Standards for Admission Student Version form. 
• Meet the application deadline of either February 1st or November 1st for a cohort start date in June.
  • Early Admission Option:  The UT Arlington MSAT program offers an early admission option for those applicants who submit all pre-admission materials before November 1^st.  Materials must be received via email or postmarked by November 1^st.  Interviews are conducted in mid-November.
  • Regular Admission Deadline:  The final deadline for regular admission is February 1^st.  Application materials must be received via email or postmarked by February 1st

STEP 2 INTERVIEW:

• Upon submission and review of the Step 1 materials listed above, applicants will be notified via email and informed whether or not they have been selected for an interview with the MSAT Admissions Committee.  The interview must be conducted either in person or via Skype/Zoom/Facetime. 

STEP 3 MATERIALS:

• Complete and submit the UT Arlington graduate application before April 1^st (US resident students) or February 1^st.  This includes submission of applicants official GRE scores and official transcripts to the UT Arlington Graduate Admissions Office.
• Complete and submit the UT Arlington MSAT Report of Medical History Form which must be signed by the applicant
• After obtaining a Physical Exam submit the Report of Health Evaluation form signed by a physician or designee.
• Submit the UT Arlington MSAT Technical Standards for Admission form- Physician Version.
• Submit the UT Arlington MSAT Release of Medical/Health Information form
• Submit UT Arlington MSAT Immunization Record form.
• Complete the UT Arlington’s Criminal Background Check (CBC) form. 
• Complete Child Protection Training (CPT).
• International applicants must meet the Office of Graduate Studies minimum scores for admission for the TOEFL, TSE, TOEFL iBT, and IELTS test: A score of at least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, a score of at least 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 40 on the TSE, a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum TOEFL iBT total score of 79 with sectional scores that meet or exceed 22 for the writing section, 21 for the speaking section, 20 for the reading section, and 16 for the listening section are required.

Probationary Admission

Applicants failing to meet the unconditional admission criteria may be considered for probationary admission, in which case the following additional criteria will also be considered by the MSAT Admissions Committee:

• Professionally relevant experience.
• A sample of technical writing may be requested.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters (Summer and Fall) of enrollment in the graduate program.  No "C" grades may be earned during this time period.

Required Prerequisites (grade of C or better)

• Anatomy and Physiology I
• Anatomy and Physiology II
• Functional Anatomy (this course must be upper division and may also be titled: Applied Kinesiology or Kinesiology or Biomechanics)
• Physiology of Exercise
• Nutrition

Preferred Prerequisites for 2018 and 2019 (grade of C or better):

• Physics course (will be required of cohort entering in 2020)
• Chemistry course (will be required of cohort entering in 2020)
• Psychology course (will be required of cohort entering in 2020)
• Statistics/Research Design course (will be required of cohort entering in 2020)
• Medical Terminology

Note:  Failure to follow any of the steps listed above may result in an application and/or acceptance status being delayed or denied.

Start date

• Cohort Start Date:  Each new cohort begins the MSAT program in the 11-week summer session (Typically the first Monday in June).  In addition, New Student MSAT In-service is the Sunday before the first class day of the summer term.  International students will need to arrive earlier for an orientation session with the Office of International Education (for more information:  http://www.uta.edu/oie/).  During the summer semester, students will be required to complete an online Blood borne pathogen training and also submit a $5 payment for their UT System Student Allied Health Medical Professional Liability Policy in preparation for clinical placements.

Retention Criteria

MSAT students’ academic and clinical progress will be closely monitored each semester by the MSAT Program Director and Clinical Education Coordinator. In order to remain in the MSAT program, students must:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher in athletic training core courses.
3. Adhere to those documents which outline professional behaviors including, but not limited to:  the MSAT Policies and Procedure Manual, course syllabi, the BOC Standards of Professional Practice, and the NATA Code of Ethics.

* Students who fail to meet the retention criteria will be placed on probation in the MSAT program for one semester. If standards are not met by the end of the probationary period, the student will be dismissed from the program. Students who earn a grade of C or lower in any required course must repeat that course and earn a grade of B or higher in order to remain in the program. Failure to repeat the course, or earn a grade of B or better, will result in dismissal from the program.

Transfer Policy

No transfer credit will be awarded for Athletic Training core courses.

Waiver of the Graduate Record Examination

Upon recommendation of the Graduate Advisor, outstanding UT Arlington graduates with a degree in Kinesiology or related fields (such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Nursing, Computer Science, or Engineering) may qualify for a waiver of the requirements for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). To qualify, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. The student must have graduated from a commensurate bachelor’s degree program at UT Arlington no more than three academic years prior to admission to the graduate program (as measured from the start of the semester for which admission is sought). A commensurate bachelor’s degree program is one that is a normal feeder program for the master’s degree program to which the student seeks admission. Undergraduate students in their final year of study are also eligible; in such cases, admission with the GRE waiver is contingent upon successfully completion of the bachelor’s degree.
2. The student’s UT Arlington grade-point average must equal or exceed 3.0 in the following calculations:
   • As calculated for admission by the Office of Graduate Studies;
   • Overall;
   • In the major field; and

   • In all upper-division work.

     Applicants qualifying for waiver of GRE who do not qualify for advance admission, must comply with all other requirements for admission, i.e., submitting the application, paying fees, providing official transcripts from other institutions, and meeting any requirements established by the admitting graduate program. The GRE waive must be recommended by the Graduate Advisor at the time of admission.

Degree Requirements for M.S. in Athletic Training

All students accepted into the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program will complete 57 hours of coursework. 

Required Coursework

The following courses will be required for completion of the MSAT degree program.

Prefix and Number Required Courses SCH

KINE 5420	CONCEPTS IN ATHLETIC TRAINING	4
KINE 5220	PREVENTATIVE AND ACUTE CARE TECHNIQUES IN ATHLETIC TRAINING	2
KINE 5120	ATHLETIC TRAINING CLINICAL I	1
KINE 5430	ORTHOPEDIC ASSESSMENT I	4
KINE 5433	THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS I	4
KINE 5348	PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY I	3
KINE 5221	CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING II	2
KINE 5431	Orthopedic Assessment II	4
KINE 5434	THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS II	4
KINE 5222	CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING III	2
KINE 5226	PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY II	2
KINE 5347	ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT AND CORRECTIVE EXERCISE	3
KINE 5223	CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING IV	2
KINE 5333	Health Care Administration	3
KINE 5227	LITERATURE AND RESEARCH FOR THE ATHLETIC TRAINER	2
KINE 5341	IMMEDIATE AND EMERGENCY CARE 1	3
KINE 5224	CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING V	2
KINE 5228	SEMINAR IN ATHLETIC TRAINING	2
KINE 5342	IMMEDIATE AND EMERGENCY CARE 2	3
KINE 5344	SCHOLARSHIP IN ATHLETIC TRAINING PRACTICE	3
KINE 5225	CLINICAL ATHLETIC TRAINING VI	2
Total Hours		57

Admission Requirements for M.S. in Exercise Science

Admissions Standards for Master’s Degree in Exercise Science (Note – Meeting these minimum standards does not guarantee acceptance into the program).

1. Undergraduate degree from a U.S. accredited institution or an equivalent foreign institution.
2. GPA of 3.0 or above during the last 60 hours of undergraduate work or in any previous graduate program.

3. GRE Quantitative score of 144 (500 on old scale) and Verbal score of 153 (500 on old scale). Additionally, satisfactory Writing scores are required. If scores are below these standards the application will still be considered as the Department takes all components of the application into consideration.

4. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 40 on the TSE, a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum TOEFL iBT total score of 79 with sectional scores that meet or exceed 22 for the writing section, 21 for the speaking section, 20 for the reading section, and 16 for the listening section.
5. All Master’s students are originally accepted as “Non-thesis track”.
6. Contact information for references is not required but may be asked for if additional information is needed.

Probationary Admission

Applicants failing to meet the above admission criteria may be considered for probationary admission in which case the following additional criteria will also be considered by the Graduate Studies Committee:

• Professionally relevant experience
• Additional writing samples and/or information may be requested
• Applicants admitted on probation will be required to maintain a B or better average during their first 12 hours of graduate study.

A graduate advisor within the Department of Kinesiology will review transcripts of prospective students to determine what prerequisites are needed prior to enrollment in courses within the proposed program. If deficiencies are identified, a pre-program of study designed to prepare the student for graduate course prerequisites will be written and signed by the prospective student and the graduate advisor.

Waiver of the Graduate Record Examination

Upon recommendation of the Graduate Advisor, outstanding UT Arlington graduates with a degree in Kinesiology or related fields (such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering) may qualify for a waiver of the requirements for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). To qualify, the applicant must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. The student must have graduated from a commensurate bachelor’s degree program at UT Arlington no more than three academic years prior to admission to the graduate program (as measured from the start of the semester for which admission is sought). A commensurate bachelor’s degree program is one that is a normal feeder program for the master’s degree program to which the student seeks admission. Undergraduate students in their final year of study are also eligible; in such cases, admission with the GRE waiver is contingent upon successful completion of the bachelor’s degree.
2. The student’s UT Arlington grade-point average must equal or exceed 3.0 in the following calculations:
   • as calculated for admission by the Office of Graduate Studies;
   • overall;
   • in the major field; and
   • in all upper-division work.

Applicants qualifying for waiver of GRE who do not qualify for advanced admission, must comply with all other requirements for admission, i.e., submitting the application for admission, paying fees, providing official transcripts from other institutions, and meeting any requirements established by the admitting graduate program. The GRE waiver must be recommended by the Graduate Advisor at the time of admission.

Graduate Assistantships for M.S Students in Exercise Science

The Department of Kinesiology and faculty offers financial assistance to M.S. students. Assistantships are contingent upon prior acceptance to the Graduate School and are limited and thus offered on a competitive basis. Graduate Assistant applicant evaluation begins on January 1 and continues until all positions are filled. Please direct all inquiries to the graduate program director Dr. R. Matthew Brothers at matthew.brothers@uta.edu.

Degree Requirements for M.S. in Exercise Science

All students accepted into the Master of Science in Exercise Science will take a core of 21-semester hours of required KINE courses. In addition, all students are required to complete 36 hours for the master's degree.

All M.S. students are initially accepted on the non-thesis track. The student’s academic advisor within the Department of Kinesiology will review transcripts of prospective students to determine what prerequisites are needed prior to enrollment in courses within the proposed program. If deficiencies are identified, a pre-program of study designed to prepare the student for graduate course prerequisites will be written and signed by the prospective student and the student’s graduate advisor.

Required Coursework
KINE 5300	RESEARCH METHODS IN KINESIOLOGY	3
KINE 5305	APPLIED STATISTICAL PRINCIPLES IN KINESIOLOGY	3
KINE 5320	ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE	3
KINE 5323	MOTOR CONTROL AND LEARNING	3
KINE 5389	RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION	3-6
or KINE 5698	THESIS
Elective Coursework
Select six to seven of the following (based on thesis or non-thesis track):		18-21
KINE 5322	METABOLISM & EXERCISE BIOCHEMISTRY
KINE 5326	CARDIOCIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE
KINE 5327	PULMONARY PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE
KINE 5328	NEUROMUSCULAR PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE
KINE 5329	STRENGTH & CONDITIONING IN SPORT AND PERFORMANCE
KINE 5331	OBESITY & WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
KINE 5345	SPORT NUTRITION
KINE 5350	APPLIED BIOMECHANICS
KINE 5390	SPECIAL TOPICS IN KINESIOLOGY
KINE 5393	PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE INTERNSHIP
KINE 5394	RESEARCH IN KINESIOLOGY
KINE 5340	ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY	3
Total Hours		36-42

Coursework that is more than six years old at the time of graduation or teacher/administrator certification program completion cannot be used toward meeting the requirements for a master’s degree or graduate-level certification. Master’s degree and graduate-level certification programs must be completed within six years (time in military service excluded) from initial registration in the Graduate School. Appropriate state exams and application to the State Board for Educator Certification for a standard certificate must be made within six months of completion of residency/practicum/program. If a candidate allows the six-month period to go by without passing all state exams and applying for certification, additional coursework and/or exams will be required.

Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology – Objective

The Department of Kinesiology at The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing quality educational programs that emphasize scientific theory, hands-on learning in the laboratory setting, and real-world application through clinical internships and other field-based experiences. The research of the faculty in The Department of Kinesiology conduct cutting-edge research related to health and disease across the lifespan. The Kinesiology Department's PhD in Kinesiology is a research-based program where graduate students can refine their research skills while learning about the effects of exercise on health and well-being. Our graduate program provides opportunities for potential graduate students to work and learn in an exercise science research laboratory or the public schools as a physical educator.

This Ph.D. program will build upon the Department of Kinesiology’s and The Center for Healthy Living and Longevity’s existing research, education, and community outreach initiatives in health and the human condition across the lifespan. Graduates of the program will be prepared as researchers who generate new knowledge and apply existing knowledge in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of motor difficulties, chronic diseases, and musculoskeletal injuries. The program’s interprofessional and multidisciplinary curriculum, as well as research focus, will incorporate basic and clinical science approaches to identify disease markers and mechanisms, as well as evidence-based interventions designed to prevent and treat specific health conditions such as chronic illnesses and injuries in vulnerable and at-risk populations comprised of obese, older, and/or minority persons. Students will work with their advisor to design an individualized program of study to meet their research interests and career goals.

The Ph.D. program will prepare graduates equipped to perform interprofessional research that will lead to improvements in health and the human condition across the lifespan. Research focus will be on counteracting the physiological and motor declines associated with motor difficulty, physical inactivity, chronic disease, injury, and aging. Through our interdisciplinary and interprofessional approach, coursework, laboratory experience, and research mentorship, we are uniquely able to emphasize how movement conditions and physical inactivity are associated with several chronic disorders such as obesity, Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bone diseases, vascular dysfunction, hypertension, and cognitive decline across the lifespan. In such disease states, our training will be dedicated to deciphering the mechanisms of physical decline, reversing the decrements in physical function, improving performance, and promoting healthier behaviors in vulnerable populations. This attenuation and/or reversal of the negative consequences associated with the aforementioned conditions (i.e., disease, aging, injury, etc.) will ultimately improve health and the human condition, as well as optimize wellness across the lifespan.

Successful graduates will pursue careers as movement scientists (e.g. human subject researchers) or health and physical educators (e.g., postsecondary teachers) along with leaders in the fields of physiology, health, and rehabilitation sciences.

Students are encouraged to present their research at state and national meetings of the following organizations: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE).

Admission Standards for Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology

Faculty Sponsorship

Please note that all PhD students (regardless of Bachelors – Ph.D. or Masters to Ph.D.) must be accepted by a faculty member based on faculty research/mentoring alignment in order to be accepted into the program: https://www.uta.edu/conhi/academics/kinesiology/phd-kinesiology/faculty.php

Admissions Standards

Please make sure to follow the admissions standards that applies to your degree option.

Masters to Ph.D. option:

1.Master’s degree from a US accredited institution or an equivalent foreign institution.

2.GPA of 3.25 on all graduate work.

3.GRE Quantitative score of 150 and Verbal score of 150. Additionally, satisfactory Writing scores are required. If scores are below these standards the application will still be considered as the Department takes all components of the application into consideration.

4.A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 40 on the TSE, a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum TOEFL iBT total score of 79 with sectional scores that meet or exceed 22 for the writing section, 21 for the speaking section, 20 for the reading section, and 16 for the listening section.

5.A resume or CV of the applicant (maximum of 2 pages). This should highlight the educational background of the applicant, work / volunteer history, awards, research experience etc.

6.A Statement of Purpose (maximum of 2 pages). This should highlight the previous achievements and experiences of the applicant that have led to the decision to consider a Doctoral graduate degree in Kinesiology as well as the previous achievements that would qualify the applicant for admission into the Kinesiology Doctoral Program. The statement should also include future career goals following obtaining a Doctoral degree in Kinesiology.

7.Three (3) letters of reference. The Department accepts letters through email and/or postal mail.

§Recommendation Ford (PDF)

§Email: Reviewers can email recommendations directly to Dr. Matthew Brothers (matthew.brothers@uta.edu).

§Postal Mail: Reviewers should directly mail physical forms to the address specified at the bottom of this page. We suggest that prospective students provide their reviewers with the form and a stamped envelope with the correct address as a convenience to their reviewers.

Bachelors to Ph.D. Option:

1.Undergraduate degree from a US accredited institution or an equivalent foreign institution.

2.GPA of 3.5 and/or 3.5 GPA during the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

3.3.5 GPA on all Kinesiology-related work.

4.GRE Quantitative score of 150 and Verbal score of 150. Additionally, satisfactory Writing scores are required. If scores are below these standards the application will still be considered as the Department takes all components of the application into consideration.

5.A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 40 on the TSE, a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum TOEFL iBT total score of 79 with sectional scores that meet or exceed 22 for the writing section, 21 for the speaking section, 20 for the reading section, and 16 for the listening section.

6.A resume or CV of the applicant (maximum of 2 pages). This should highlight the educational background of the applicant, work / volunteer history, awards, research experience etc.

7.A Statement of Purpose (maximum of 2 pages). This should highlight the previous achievements and experiences of the applicant that have led to the decision to consider a Doctoral graduate degree in Kinesiology as well as the previous achievements that would qualify the applicant for admission into the Kinesiology Doctoral Program. The statement should also include future career goals following obtaining a Doctoral degree in Kinesiology.

8.Three (3) letters of reference. The Department accepts letters through email and/or postal mail.

• Recommendation Form (PDF)
• Email: Reviewers can email recommendations directly to Dr. Matthew Brothers (matthew.brothers@uta.edu).
• Postal Mail: Reviewers should directly mail physical forms to the address specified at the bottom of this page. We suggest that prospective students provide their reviewers with the form and a stamped envelope with the correct address as a convenience to their reviewers.

Address for Letters of Reference

All letters of reference should be mailed to the following address:

Dr. R. Matthew Brothers 
Associate Chair for Graduate Programs in Exercise Science and Kinesiology 
Department of Kinesiology 
P.O. Box 19259 
University of Texas at Arlington 
500 W. Nedderman Drive 
Arlington, TX 76019-0259

Addresses for Transcripts and GRE Scores

Transcripts and GRE scores should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions using the appropriate address below.

U.S. Postal Mail for Graduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions
Box 19167
Arlington, TX 76019

Courier Service Address for Graduate Admissions - UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.
Graduate Admissions
701 S. Nedderman Dr.
Davis Hall Room B17
Arlington, TX 76019

______________________________________________________________________

Degree Requirements for Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Kinesiology

The degree requirements differ slightly depending on if a student enters the B.S. to Ph.D. program or the M.S. to Ph.D. program.

• B.S. – Ph.D. program: Requires 24 required course credit hours, 36 credit hours (minimum) of track electives, and 9 – 12 credit hours of dissertation (69 total credit hours minimum).
• M.S. – Ph.D. program: Requires 17 required course credit hours, 16 credit hours (minimum) of track electives, and 9 – 12 credit hours of dissertation (69 total credit hours minimum).

Required Courses (B.S. – Ph.D.)

KINE 5300 Research Methods

KINE 5305 Applied Statistics in Kinesiology

3 hours of advanced statistics OR Advanced Research Methods (course can be taken outside of the department).

6 hours of a NURS course. Choose 2 courses of: NURS 6302 - Issues in Studying the Health of Culturally Diverse and Vulnerable Population; NURS 6304 - Measurement in Culturally Diverse and Vulnerable Populations; NURS 5390 – Heart Failure Pathophysiology and Exercise Rehabilitation; NURS 5390 – Current Biotechnology in Health Care.

KINE 6293 Grant Writing

KINE 6105 Laboratory Techniques in Kinesiology I

KINE 6106 Laboratory Techniques in Kinesiology II

KINE 6103 Professional Development

4 hours of KINE 6100 Seminar in Kinesiology (this is a 1 hour credit course that must be taken in a minimum of 4 different semesters).

Required Courses (M.S. – Ph.D.) KINE 5300 Research Methods

3 hours of advanced statistics OR Advanced Research Methods (course can be taken outside of the department).

6 hours of a NURS course. Choose 2 courses of: NURS 6302 - Issues in Studying the Health of Culturally Diverse and Vulnerable Population; NURS 6304 - Measurement in Culturally Diverse and Vulnerable Populations; NURS 5390 – Heart Failure Pathophysiology and Exercise Rehabilitation; NURS 5390 – Current Biotechnology in Health Care.

KINE 6293 Grant Writing

KINE 6105 Laboratory Techniques in Kinesiology I

KINE 6103 Professional Development

4 hours of KINE 6100 Seminar in Kinesiology (this is a 1 hour credit course that must be taken in a minimum of 4 different semesters).

Electives for Either Track

KINE 6322 Metabolism & Exercise Biochemistry

KINE 6326 Cardiocirculatory Physiology of Exercise

KINE 6327 Pulmonary Physiology of Exercise

KINE 6340 Environmental Physiology of Exercise

KINE 6328 Neuromuscular Physiology of Exercise

KINE 6329 Strength & Conditioning

KINE 6331 Obesity and Weight Management

KINE 6338 Exercise Prescription for Special Populations

KINE 6350 Applied Biomechanics

KINE 6393 Physiology of Exercise Internship

KINE 6394 Research in Kinesiology

Students in the B.S – Ph.D and the M.S. – Ph.D. tracks MUST complete 9 – 12 credit hours of dissertation

Individual graduate advisors / research mentors may require additional courses.

Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology – Dissertation Committees and Candidacy

The Dissertation requirement for the Ph.D. in Kinesiology includes two components:

1.A written Dissertation to include at least 2 manuscripts of quality and format that are submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal and

2.A successful oral defense of the Dissertation.

The Dissertation Committee is responsible for the evaluation of both the written dissertation and oral defense. The Committee must be comprised of a minimum of four members, including the Committee Chair who will be the student's primary faculty mentor. This Committee Chair must be a member of the Department of Kinesiology Graduate Studies Committee or have status on the Department of Kinesiology Graduate Studies Committee. The remaining Committee members must include at least one additional faculty member from the Department of Kinesiology. If the Committee Chair is not a full time member of the Department of Kinesiology Graduate Studies Committee the remaining Committee members must include at least two members from the Department of Kinesiology. In addition the Committee must include at least one member who is external to the Department of Kinesiology. The external member may include individuals not working within UT Arlington if applicable. All Committee members must hold a terminal degree in their field and/or demonstrate the required expertise and appropriate faculty status for serving on dissertation committees.

Comprehensive Examination

B.S. to Ph.D.students will become eligible for the comprehensive examination when they have completed 36 hours of their graduate work.

M.S. to Ph.D. students will become eligible for the comprehensive examination when they have completed 18 hours of their graduate work (at UT Arlington).

These completed course hours represent the minimum requirement; however, eligibility for the comprehensive examination will be dependent on approval from the Chair of the Dissertation Committee.

Successful completion of the comprehensive examination makes students eligible for PhD candidacy. Students must be enrolled in the semester they take the comprehensive examination.

The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to evaluate the extent to which students have acquired the basic principles / knowledge in pertinent coursework. The expectation will be that students will be able to apply, integrate, and synthesize their knowledge.

When students are eligible for the comprehensive examination, the student's graduate mentor/advisor will recommend the student for the examination to the Department of Kinesiology Graduate Studies Committee for approval.

Upon completion, the comprehensive examination committee will meet to discuss the merits of the student's examination. Comprehensive examinations will only be held in regular, long semesters.

The composition of the comprehensive examination committee will be decided by the Department of Kinesiology Graduate Academic Committee. This comprehensive examination committee will be comprised of at least one member of the Graduate Academic Committee and a minimum of 2 additional members with relevant content expertise.

Following completion of the examination the Committee may recommend any of the following outcomes:

1.Unconditional pass. With an unconditional pass, students become eligible for PhD candidacy and prepare for the defense of their dissertation proposal.

2.Pass with conditions. A pass with conditions requires that students perform each of the conditions satisfactorily in order to become eligible for PhD candidacy.

3.Unsatisfactory with opportunity to retake the examination. With this recommendation, the committee will specify when the retake will occur.

4.Unsatisfactory, do not continue in program.

If the outcome of the comprehensive examination is an unconditional pass, students immediately become eligible for PhD candidacy. If the outcome is a pass with conditions, students may only become eligible for candidacy when the examining committee coordinator notifies the Associate Dean or designee that the student has successfully met the conditions stipulated by the committee.

Dissertation Proposal

Following successful completion of the oral examination the student will then need to draft a grant application to be written in the format of a National Institute of Health Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (F31) grant (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-16-309.html).This grant application will describe the student's dissertation projects and will also serve as the student's dissertation proposal. The student will give an oral presentation of the research proposal outlined in the grant application which will be open to the public. Following this oral presentation the student will defend the research proposal in front of the dissertation committee. This proposal defense must occur in the first long semester following successful completion of the oral comprehensive examination.

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice: Mission and Objectives

PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of the University of Texas at Arlington’s graduate Public Health programs is to prepare students to become leading public health practitioners and advocates who serve communities and organizations, promote collaboration between public health and health care practitioners, and protect and advance community health through applying the core public health functions of assessment, policy development and assurance.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Through completing the Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice (GCPHP), students will:

1. Gain graduate-level introductory knowledge and accompanying foundational skill sets in the five core public health disciplines:  Biostatistics, epidemiology, health systems and policy, environmental health, and social and behavioral health.
2. Be prepared to apply fundamental skills from each of the five core public health disciplines to complement current job skills, or gain new public health knowledge and career opportunities.
3. Be equipped to execute skills to assess, implement interventions, and evaluate the health of a population within their organizations or communities.

Admission Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice

ADMISSION CRITERIA

Official transcripts showing an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, with a 3.0 or higher grade point average for the last 60 undergraduate or the last 18 graduate/post-baccalaureate credit hours completed.

• Only GPA will be considered for admission to the program. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or other standardized graduate school exam is not required for admission to the certificate program.

A one-page personal statement written in English describing the applicant’s interest in and potential for contributing to public health, career objectives, and self-assessment of abilities and preparation for succeeding in a public health graduate program. The quality of written expression in the applicant’s personal statement will be considered.

An applicant whose native language is other than English must demonstrate a sufficient level of skill with the English language to assure success in graduate studies as defined under Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog.

The applicant’s resume or CV, highlighting professional experience such as accomplishments, linguistic abilities, computer expertise, and analytics expertise.

PROBATIONARY ADMISSION

Applicants who fail to meet the admission criteria may be considered for probationary admission. Applicants admitted on a probationary basis must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first two semesters of program enrollment.

PROVISIONAL, DEFERRED AND DENIED ADMISSION

Provisional, deferred and denied admission decisions meet the criteria as defined under Admission Requirements and Procedures in the UTA Graduate Catalog.

TRANSFER CREDIT

Students may transfer one course (3 SCH) into the GCPHP program. The course must have been completed at the graduate level at an accredited university, with a grade of “B” or above, and be determined to be equivalent to the course offered at UTA. The course should not have been used for another degree or certificate program. Determination of course equivalency will be made by the course instructor on a case-by-case basis.

Degree Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health Practice is a certificate program consisting of 15 credit hours to include one required 3-hour course in each of the five public health disciplines:

REQUIRED COURSEWORK

The following courses will be required for completion of the Graduate Certificate in Public Health Program. Students have three years to complete the program.

Biostatistics

KINE 5376 Introduction to Biostatistics

or

KINE 5305 Applied Statistical Principles in Kinesiology

Epidemiology

KINE 5372 Introduction to Epidemiology

Health Policy and Health Management

KINE 5377 Introduction to Health Systems and Policy

Environmental Health

            KINE 5373 Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health

Social and Behavioral Health

KINE 5375 Community and Behavioral Health

FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS

No previous specific coursework is required.