Graduate Programs

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Doctoral Program Student Learning Outcomes

We offer a Master of Science in Biomechanics and a Doctor of Philosophy in Biomechanics & Kinesiology with concentrations in Biomechanics and Motor Development and Control, where graduate students have access to world renowned research facilities and the latest equipment and technology in the field of biomechanics.

Master of Science in Biomechanics

The MS in Biomechanics is a degree program designed to enable students from Nebraska, the Midwest region, and abroad to develop skills and competencies in Biomechanics.

Our program provides a new understanding of the dynamic aspects of human movement via multidisciplinary research using an evidence-based approach through clinical and translational research.

The goal of the program is to prepare students for the workforce and/or pursue a doctoral degree. Career opportunities in biomechanics span the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree levels. The MS in Biomechanics is the right degree for you if you are interested in working in:

Gait analysis research in clinical facilities
Prosthetic laboratories
Rehabilitation facilities
Research and design in companies of equipment apparel
Industry for the development of biorobotics for performance enhancement
Industry for the design of human-machine interfaces and biomechatronics
Research and testing of clinical populations
Instruction of courses in biomechanics

Learn more about our Graduate Visitation Program.

Internationally ranked as one of the best universities in the United States for MS in Biomechanics*

For admission requirements, degree requirements, and course descriptions, please visit our catalog page.

Admission Criteria

Students interested in applying to the MS in Biomechanics are required to submit the following items:

Written statement of goals and rationale for entering the graduate program
Two letters of recommendation.
Official transcripts from previous institutions
GPA of 3.0 in the undergraduate program
For applicants whose native language is not English, the minimum total score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL, with at least 20 in all categories (listening, reading, writing, and speaking)
Undergraduate deficiency courses**: Anatomy and Physiology I, Biomechanics, Calculus I***

**Students that have not completed these courses prior to admission may be required to enroll in undergraduate deficiency courses along with their graduate coursework

***(If Calculus I is identified as an undergraduate deficiency course the Math Department requires a 6 ALEKS translated score (76-100 ALEKS raw score) Quantitative Literacy General Education and the Mathematics Placement Exam)

The GRE is no longer a requirement for admission.

Program Forms and Resources

MS in Biomechanics Worksheet
Graduate Program Committee Handbook
Sample Thesis Timeline
UNO Biomechanics Degrees One-Sheet

Apply to the Master of Science in Biomechanics.

Application materials should be submitted by February 1 for consideration for a Graduate Assistantship.

Applicants are encouraged to upload unofficial documents when first applying and upload official documents upon admission.

Students are enrolled in thesis option once they identify a faculty mentorand submit the supervisory committee form

The MS in Biomechanics has a STEM-designated CIP Code

*Internationally ranked (top 20) in MS in Biomechanics by GoUSA

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomechanics and Kinesiology (formerly Ph.D. in Exercise Science)

The Doctorate in Biomechanics and Kinesiology is a joint program between the Department of Biomechanics and the School of Health and Kinesiology.

Based on the physiology, biochemistry, biophysics, motor control and development, and psychosociology of human movement, the Exercise Science doctoral program is aimed at improving movement function and physical activity level using evidence-based approaches through interdisciplinary clinical and translational research.

A problem-solving approach is used across the age and health spectrum for disease prevention, health enhancement, physical rehabilitation, and exercise motivation. The degree offers concentrations in Biomechanics, Motor Development and Control, Physiology of Exercise, and Physical Activity.

For admission requirements, degree requirements, and course descriptions, please visit our catalog page.

Meet Our Alumni

Degree: Doctorate in Biomechanics and Kinesiology

Major: Biomechanics and Kinesiology with a Concentration in either Biomechanics, Motor Development and Control, Physiology of Exercise, or Physical Activity

Career options include:

Academician
Scientist for federal agencies such as NASA or National Institutes of Health
Scientist for industries such as sport equipment manufacturing, nutrition, ergonomics, or research equipment
Laboratory director for hospitals or universities

Concentrations:

Biomechanics

This concentration provides advanced knowledge in the acquisition and analysis of human movement using equipment such as motion capture (including laboratory and field-based systems), force platforms, virtual reality, 3D printing, and electromyography. Such tools are used to investigate movement patterns in healthy, aging, and pathological populations.

Findings may be applied to rehabilitation or treatment protocols intended to improve performance. These tools are also used to investigate the movement of animals to better inform robotic and device designs. Courses will be taken in biomechanics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, statistics, and motor control.

Motor Development and Control

This concentration provides advanced knowledge on the study of the motor sciences, motor control, development, and learning. Students are educated on the theories, principles, and underlying mechanisms that characterize the motor sciences. Different types of healthy and pathological movement patterns may be examined such as balance and locomotion with special emphasis on their development, control, and learning. The usage of advanced technologies such as virtual reality, robotics, and brain imaging techniques will also be covered. Courses will be taken in the motor sciences, biomechanics, computer science, statistics, psychology, and neuroscience.

Physiology of Exercise

This concentration focuses on research in cutting-edge topics in sports, aging, special populations, and tactical personnel such as law enforcement, fire, and military. Laboratory facilities allow for the assessment of gene expression, mitochondrial function, energy expenditure, muscle blood flow (Doppler ultrasound), and environmental effects of altitude and temperature (environmental chamber). Courses will be taken in exercise physiology, advanced research methods, and statistics.

Physical Activity

This concentration provides advanced knowledge related to physical activity behavior including the application of behavior change theory to promote the adoption and maintenance of physical activity, designing interventions for physical activity, using methodology for measurement of physical activity behavior in a variety of populations and settings.

Students will use a variety of objective and subjective assessments of physical activity as well as qualitative research methods within a lab and community-based setting. Courses will be taken in health behavior theory, physical activity assessment, advanced research methods, and statistics.

Ph.D. applicants, please note:

Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Kinesiology Catalog Page

Applicants are encouraged to upload unofficial documents when first applying and upload official documents upon admission.

Applications are processed through UNO's Office of Graduate Studies

The TOEFL may be required for students without a degree from a U.S. institution.

View more information about International Studies and Programs at UNO.

Beginning in Fall 2021, the Ph.D. in Biomechanics & Kinesiology will have a STEM-designated CIP Code.

The GRE is no longer a requirement for admission.