Four areas of emphasis in human performance
The doctoral degree in Human Performance has the following four areas of emphasis:
Biomechanics
Research the mechanical aspects of human motion, with an emphasis in gait and running mechanics, to improve performance and prevent musculoskeletal injury. Performance-related research includes: gait energetics, improving walking function in older adults, alleviating pain, and mobile monitoring using wearable technology. This doctoral degree will prepare you for faculty and teaching positions as well as a research career in clinical or private industry settings.
Exercise Physiology
Understanding how the various cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems respond to challenges posed by acute exercise and exercise training is the primary goal of this emphasis. Exercise physiology often aims to optimize physical performance and/or improve health outcomes in a range of populations, including elite athletes, manual laborers, older adults, and those with chronic diseases. This area of emphasis will prepare students well for post-doctoral training and a tenure-track faculty appointment at a research-oriented institution.
Motor Learning & Control
The neural and psychological aspects of human performance are the focus of the Motor Learning and Control emphasis. You will take a core of research-oriented classes and engage in research projects before you begin working on your dissertation. With this emphasis, you will be well prepared for faculty research and teaching jobs at colleges and universities.
Sport Management
This competitive program offers you an interdisciplinary approach to the study of sport management intended to build upon your personal interests with a thorough foundation in sport. This emphasis will provide you with a wide variety of study and research opportunities within the field of sport management, such as business, communication, and history. You will develop the research, critical thinking, and teaching skills necessary to be successful in academia. Admission to the doctoral program is dependent on the availability of a faculty advisor in the area of study.