Ph.D. in Kinesiology, emphasis in Motor Neuroscience
Motor Neurosciences 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. The laboratories 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.
The Ph.D. in Motor Neuroscience trains students for post-doctoral appointments and positions in universities, industry, the military, and research institutes. The 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. 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.
ADMISSIONS
We will only review COMPLETE applications. A COMPLETE application includes:
- Apply Texas application
- Transcripts from all institutions of higher education that you have attended
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one must be from a prior professor who can attest to your academic abilities)
- Statement of purpose
- Your current resume
Program Details
Degree: Ph.D. in Kinesiology
Emphasis: Motor Neuroscience
Credit Hours: 67 hours
Delivery: Traditional
Student Testimonial
Austin McCulloch, Doctoral Student in Kinesiology – Motor Neuroscience
The motor neuroscience 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.
Resources
Resources
Research Experience Requirement
Prior to scheduling the dissertation proposal meeting, each student will: (a) have presented, as sole or first author, at least one presentation at a state, regional, or national conference; and (b) 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 the 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. HLKN’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
Carmen Hoffmann
Academic Advisor
Tyler Fadal
Academic Advisor
Dr. Marlene Dixon
Professor and Graduate Program Chair
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctoral
I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?
Please feel free to contact the Graduate Advising Office in 335 Blocker. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We can be reached at (979) 862-4052 (Tyler Fadal) or (979) 458-2673 (Carmen Hoffmann). You can e-mail us at info@hlkn.tamu.edu. Our mailing address is 4243 TAMU; College Station, TX 77843-4243.
What are the typical program costs?
The following website can help you estimate the cost of the program, including current costs of tuition and fees: Click here for the cost of attendance estimator
Please note, you must update the program hours.
Can you guide me through the application process?
Completed Application: A completed Apply Texas application. Apply online at www.applytexas.org. The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport. Application Fee: A non-refundable $50 application fee for domestic applicants and $75 application fee for international applicants. The application fee may be paid by check, money order or approved credit card. Applicants who wish to pay by credit card may do so as part of the online application. If you are unable to pay the fee online, you may call the Graduate Admissions Office at 979-845-1060. Official Transcripts and Records: Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. NOTE: You do not need to submit an official transcript from Texas A&M University. For information on submitting official transcripts to Texas A&M University, please visit their website.
How to Apply: Master’s Application Information | Doctoral Application Information
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 through the following offices: Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Is the GRE required?
Yes, the GRE is required.