Graduate Studies
The Department of Human Physiology offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Each student’s program of study is planned in consultation with the student’s adviser and program committee. An integral part of the graduate program is the interaction with other disciplines throughout the university.
Departmental Focus
The central focus of the graduate program is the study of human physiological systems with special attention to the development and adaptations of these systems across the life span and in response to stressors such as exercise, disease, and trauma. The department has a distinguished faculty whose research interests and training lie within biomechanics and bioengineering, neuromuscular physiology, and cardio respiratory control. They study injury prevention and treatment, the neuromuscular control of balance, sensory-motor integration during dynamic coordinated human movements, and acute and chronic cardiovascular adaptations to environmental stress and exercise.
Graduate Teaching and Research Fellowships
The department offers graduate teaching and research fellowships (GTF’s) to qualified students who teach
undergraduate laboratories or assist in research projects. Each term, a GTF with an appointment greater
than or equal to 0.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) receives a monetary stipend based on the level of the
appointment and pays no tuition on the first 16 credits of course work.
Graduate students may also apply for a limited number of GTF positions in Physical Activity and Recreation
Services (PARS). These positions involve administrative duties. Application must be made directly to PARS
simultaneously with the graduate application.