Ph.D. in Kinesiology: Emphasis in Motor Neuroscience
Our Ph.D. in Kinesiology program with an emphasis in Motor Neuroscience prepares students for teaching and research careers in motor behavior.
Laboratories support the motor behavior programs with emphases in Motor Control, Motor Learning and Child Movement. These laboratories provide the most modern facilities and use technologies that allow online data collection and processing, sophisticated presentation of auditory and visual stimuli and the opportunity to use human and animal research models. In addition to work conducted in the laboratories, supplemental experiences are available in:
- Electrical engineering (robotics),
- Computer science (artificial intelligence),
- Industrial engineering (human factors) and
- Psychology.
Our program trains students for post-doctoral appointments and positions in universities, industry, the military, and research institutes.
Our program is experimentally oriented and is specifically designed to provide students with a thorough foundation in the theoretical processes that assist the performance and learning of perceptual-motor skills. We offer emphases in motor learning, motor control, and motor development are offered. Specific areas of research correspond to those listed for the motor behavior faculty.
A member of the graduate faculty to be admitted must accept students. Students must contact the faculty member directly.
Program Details
Degree: Ph.D. in Kinesiology
Emphasis: Motor Neuroscience
Credit Hours: 67 hours
Delivery: Traditional
For the tuition calculator: You will choose “Graduate” at the top in the maroon and select “Education and Human Development” in the College or School drop-down menu. A full-time graduate student takes 9 hours.
TUITION & FEES
For a better understanding of your total cost of attendance (COA), please visit our Cost and Tuition Rates page. This webpage will provide you with an opportunity to review estimated COA information for undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as other resources such as the tuition calculator and billing and fee explanations.
Student Testimonial
Austin McCulloch, Doctoral Student in Kinesiology – Motor Neuroscience
This program offers hands-on research opportunities the very first semester you arrive on campus. As you progress through your coursework, you are able to bridge knowledge gained in the classroom as you test and apply theories in experimental settings. These experiences help to cultivate your own research interests as you establish yourself as an independent researcher.
Texas A&M University is known for its excellence and dedication to research. The top reason I chose this program is because of the opportunities which are provided to graduate students. The availability of research funding and hand-on laboratory experience coupled with quality mentors and professors amongst the best in the field are invaluable for a student looking to grow and establish their own research interests.
Core Curriculum
Resources
Research Experience Requirement
Prior to scheduling the dissertation proposal meeting, each student will:
- Have presented, as sole or first author, at least one presentation at a state, regional, or national conference; and
- Will be an author on at least one research paper submitted to a peer-reviewed national or international journal.
In addition, dissertations will not be signed by the department head until the student has submitted as first author a manuscript (or manuscripts) of the study to a national or international refereed journal (or journals).
Minimum Hour Requirement
The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 67 hours beyond a master’s or 96 hours beyond a baccalaureate degree.
Depending on the preparation and experience, doctoral students may be required to complete undergraduate or graduate leveling work in addition to the minimum Ph.D. requirements.
Suggested Prerequisites or Competency
Refer to the Texas A&M University Undergraduate Catalog for the content of the courses listed below. Competency in the content of the course is required rather than the specific course. KNSM’s Office of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the graduate committee chair or temporary advisor, will be happy to review transcripts of potential graduate students.
Advisors
Faculty
The Division of Kinesiology faculty prepare students as leaders and innovators in careers in the public education forum and exercise science.
View Division of Kinesiology facultyFrequently Asked Questions
Doctoral
Will there be any scholarship opportunities?
The Kinesiology and Sport Management Department provides competitive Graduate Assistantship positions ($2000 per month stipend plus benefits and tuition) and grant opportunities. In addition some scholarships are also available.
I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?
The Graduate Advising Office is located on the first floor of the Gilchrist Building. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Graduate Advisor: Brandi Hatzenbuehler
- Office: Gibb Gilchrist Building
You can email us general questions at knsm-grad@tamu.edu.
I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?
Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?
Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance. Please visit the Funding Your Education page for more information.
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required.