Movement Science and Education

Doctor of Education (Motor Learning and Control)

In the preparation of doctoral students, the goal is to develop those competencies necessary to pursue scholarly and scientific work and to formulate strategies to enhance professional practice.

Research training uses an apprenticeship model. Students work closely with faculty throughout their preparation: initially as apprentices with access to considerable
advisement, subsequently as collaborators, then progressing to a position as independent researchers.

Typically, the dissertation research is an extension of one or two prior studies. Often, research leading up to the dissertation is presented at national meetings or is published in professional journals.

In addition to substantive study and research preparation, students are expected to design an individual program representing their research area and professional concerns. Such preparation requires a significant commitment to graduate study. Doctoral students (and Ed.M. students planning to pursue the doctoral degree) are required to be engaged in research at least three days per week (on or off-site) and be available for advisement at least two mornings or afternoons.

For the doctoral program with specialization in Motor Learning and Control, specific course requirements (or equivalents transferred from prior graduate study) are:

• BBS 5060         Neuromuscular responses and adaptation to exercise (2)
• BBS 5068         Brain and behavior I: Communication in the nervous system (1-2)
• BBSR 4050       Biomechanical analysis of human movement (3)
• BBSR 4060       Motor learning (3)
• BBSR 4151       Laboratory methods in biomechanics (3)
• BBSR 4161       Motor learning laboratory (2-3)
• BBSR 5151       Introduction to the analysis of biomechanical signals, or an approved course in computer programming (3) 
• BBSR 5504         Research training in motor learning (2-3 points each semester, continuous enrollment required until completion of degree requirements, typically 18 points)
• BBSR 5582         Research design in the movement sciences (3)
• Four courses (12 points) selected from: BBSQ 4047, BBSR 4055, BBSR 4070, BBSR 4865, MSTC 5000, BBSR 5050, BBSR 5028, BBSR 5055, BBSR 5057, BBSR 5251, BBSR 5860
• Three topical seminars (9 points) selected from: BBSR 5596, BBSR 6563, BBSR 6564, BBSR 6565
• Statistics sequence minimum (9 points): HUDM 4122, HUDM 5122 and HUDM 5123
  

Two courses in educationally-relevant areas must also be selected from the list below or substituted with advisor permission:

• C&T 4004         Basic course in school improvement (3)
• C&T 4052         Designing curriculum and instruction (3)
• C&T 4078         Curriculum and teaching in urban areas (3)
• C&T 4114         Multicultural approaches to teaching young children (3)
• C&T 4159         Teacher education programs (3)
• C&T 5020         The environments of school (3)
• ORLH 4010     Purposes and policies of higher education (3) 
• ORLH 4011     Curriculum and instruction in higher education (3)
• ORLH 4040     The American college student (3)
• ORLH 4820     Cultural diversity training in higher education settings:  Issues and concerns (3)
• ORLH 4830     Transforming the curriculum: Theory and practice (3)
• Individual program and electives (17)
  

Teaching Assistantships: Program faculty believe strongly in the value of assistant teaching. Teaching assistantship can provide students with valuable opportunities to learn new material, review material previously acquired and obtain teaching skills and materials. The objective of the required teaching assistantship is to provide Ed.D. students with a quality learning experience that will benefit them regardless of whether they pursue academic or nonacademic careers. Doctoral students are required to serve as a teaching assistant for
one Masters level course before graduating (whether in a paid or non-paid capacity). Every effort will be made to match student preferences with available opportunities, but students should expect that they may not always receive their first preference. Beyond this, additional teaching assistantship opportunities may be available for more advanced courses.

Graduate Study/Clinical Practice Traineeships are available for occupational and physical therapists enrolled in or admitted to degree programs in Movement Science. They are offered in collaboration with several clinical agencies located in the metropolitan New York area that provide services to diverse groups including pediatric, adult, and geriatric clients. These traineeships involve up to 20 hours per week in a clinical setting and provide stipend and tuition benefits. International students may qualify, contingent on obtaining appropriate New York State clinical licensure. The latter may take up to 12 months so interested prospective students should contact the coordinator as soon as possible during the application process. The instructional staff in Movement Science provides clinical supervision. A case study approach is used to directly bridge between substantive study and clinical practice. For more detailed information, contact the Coordinator of Clinical Traineeships at (212) 678-3325.