Graduate Academic Programs

Doctoral Degree Program (PhD)

Human Performance Major, Emphasis - Motor Learning/Control

Description of Program

The program in motor learning and control focuses on the neuromuscular aspects related to the execution of human movement and learning. Students take a variety of neuroscience courses related to the control of human movement. General research topics include strength acquisition, goal-directed movement control, and the effects of human aging on movement execution with emphasis given to postural control and balance.

Degree Requirements

Requirements for this degree are prescribed by an advisory committee for each individual student. Common requirement components include:

  • Research Skills – Typically 9 credits of course work providing required skills to conduct research, such as statistical analysis.  These credits to not count toward the 90 credits required in the major, minor, electives, and dissertation portions of the degree.
  • Major – 30 credits minimum
  • Minor – 12 to 15 credits
  • Electives –  0 to 28credits (may include second major or minor)
  • Dissertation – 20 to 30 credits
Special Opportunities

Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels can assist in a wide variety of ongoing research experiments in the motor control laboratories.

Careers
  • Careers for the M.S. degree—Students pursuing the M.S. degree are well prepared for research-related positions at research laboratories and/or research rehabilitation clinics. The M.S. degree also serves as preparation for pursuing the Ph.D. degree.
  • Careers for the Ph.D. degree—Students earning the Ph.D. in motor control are well prepared for faculty research and teaching positions at colleges and universities.

Academic Bulletins