A candidate for the Ph.D. degree must complete one of three research skill options. A minimum grade of B (3.0) must be obtained in each course used in meeting this requirement. Credits earned in meeting research skill requirements may not be counted in the total of 90 credits required in the major, minor, and elective course components of the course prescription.

• Option I Appropriate research skill courses such as those described below, typically totaling 9 credit hours. Possibilities under this option include:

1. Advanced statistics courses, typically HPER-T 592, HPER-T 691, and HPER-T 693.
2. Engineering (mandatory for biomechanics): one course in each of statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials. These courses should have the content of standard theoretical courses in engineering. Acceptance of equivalent courses requires support of the student's advisor and approval of the associate dean for graduate studies.
3. Other appropriate research skills that have been endorsed by the doctoral advisory committee and approved by the associate dean for graduate studies. Some examples of other appropriate skill areas are computer science, mathematics, and electronic techniques in physics.

• Option II Reading proficiency in the selected foreign language and at least 5 credit hours from the research skill courses described below. Demonstration of reading proficiency is described in Option III. Possibilities under this option include:

1. Advanced statistics courses (6 credits). Students typically select two courses from HPER-T 592, HPER-T 691, and HPER-T 693.
2. Other appropriate research skills that have been endorsed by the doctoral advisory committee and approved by the executive associate dean. Some examples of other appropriate skill areas are computer science, mathematics, and electronic techniques in physics.

• Option III Demonstrate reading proficiency in two languages or proficiency in depth (test or two courses) of one foreign language selected from French, German, or Russian. Permission may be sought to substitute another language for this requirement. International students will not be permitted to use their primary languages in meeting this requirement. Such students may, however, elect to present English proficiency as the foreign language, which requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test, or a 79 on the Internet-based test. In addition, verification in English proficiency must be obtained from the Indiana University Center for English Language Training, Memorial Hall 330, (812) 855-6457. A special form requesting this action must be obtained from the Records Office, HPER 115.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: I completed HPER-T 591 Interpretation of Data in HPER. May I use this course as three of the nine required research skill course credits?
Answer: No, HPER-T 591 is an entry-level statistics, and as such, it does not qualify as an acceptable research skill course. In fact, HPER-T 591 does not count anywhere on a doctoral student's course prescription.

Question: I completed HPER-T 590 Introduction to Research in HPER. May I use this course as three of the nine required research skill course credits?
Answer: No, HPER-T 590 is not an acceptable research skill course. However, it may be used in a doctoral students elective credit area if a student's advisory committee determines that it belongs there.

Question: I meet the criteria for the research skill option III. Does this mean I don't have to take any statistics courses?
Answer: No, it simply means that you do not need to have statistics courses in your research skills area.  If your advisory committee decides that you need statistics courses in preparation for your dissertation project, they will be prescribed as part of your electives or possibly a minor.  In this case, the benefit to you would be that you may count the statistics courses as part of the ninety required credits for the Ph.D. degree.