Graduate Assistantships

This unique and rigorous program includes advanced coursework in biomechanics and neighboring fields of science, weekly colloquia and seminars, apprenticeship in the biomechanics laboratory and instructional mentoring. Students develop a coherent area of expertise by designing an academic program that includes introductory and advanced graduate courses in classes such as Experimental Methods in Biomechanics and Motor Control, Advanced Biomechanics of Human Movement, Modeling in Biomechanics, Sports Biomechanics, Locomotion Studies, Musculoskeletal Mechanics, Forensic Biomechanics, Motor Control, Motor Learning, Neurophysiological Basis of Movement, Psychophysiology of Movement, Applied Muscle Physiology, Skeletal Physiology, and others. In addition to the courses offered by the Department of Kinesiology, students take classes in other areas, such as Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, and Psychology. Additional advanced courses, including research seminars, are also offered. Some background in the biological sciences is desirable for this curriculum; a good aptitude for math/mechanics is crucial.

For admission of a student into the Biomechanics Program, the main considerations are: (a) the course background of the student (science courses, including Physics, Mechanics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Anatomy, Physiology, etc.); (b) the student’s mathematics (“quantitative”) GRE score, which should be at least in the high 600’s, and preferably in the 700’s; and (c) the student’s record of interest and academic performance in the biomechanics of human movement. Outstanding students from the biological and engineering sciences are encouraged to apply.

If you are seriously considering Graduate Work at Penn State, please request Department and University information and application forms from:

Graduate Program Staff Assistant
Dept of Kinesiology
The Pennsylvania State University
275 Recreation Bldg
University Park, PA 16802
e-mail: kinesgrad@psu.edu
phone: 814-863-0847