Physical Activity (online) (PHAO)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Public Health

ABSTRACT

The Master of Public Health (MPH Online) degree with a concentration in Physical Activity is a 45-credit professional degree administered by the Department of Kinesiology. All MPH students with a concentration in Physical Activity will complete six public health core courses, eight courses in the physical activity and related cognate area, an internship, and a capstone project.

CONTACT

Shannon Jette
Graduate Director
Department of  Kinesiology
2363 School of Public Health Building
4200 Valley Drive
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone: 301.405.2497 
Email:  jette@umd.edu 

Website:  https://sph.umd.edu/academics/masters-degrees/mph-master-public-health/mph-physical-activity

The MPH in Physical Activity Online program has a two-part application process: applicants must submit the SOPHAS application (www.sophas.org), the centralized application service for schools and programs of public health, and the UMD Supplemental application. Applications will not be reviewed until both the SOPHAS and the UMD Supplemental applications are completed.

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor's degree

• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA

• At least one undergraduate math course

• Transcripts from all previous coursework

• English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) (international applicants)

• Statement of purpose and objectives, including career and educational goals, professional experience, and areas of interest

PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• SOPHAS application & UMD Supplemental application 

• Three letters of recommendation

• Resume or curriculum vitae

• Fit between applicant's goals and expectations and program degree competencies

• Official GRE Test Score submission is not required. GRE scores won’t be reviewed.

• Applicants being considered for the program may be invited for a virtual interview via Zoom. 

Note for applicants with foreign credentials:

• The SOPHAS application requires that applicants submit a WES credential evaluation.

• The UMD supplemental application requires uploading unofficial transcripts issued in the original language with a literal English translation. Visit the Graduate School website for additional information

• Evidence of English Language proficiency is required if the applicant does not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English-speaking countries listed on the Graduate School website.

For detailed instructions on how to submit your application, please visit the School of Public Health Website: (https://sph.umd.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/graduate-application-process)

APPLICATION DEADLINES

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Program Website: sph.umd.edu/academics/departments-units/department-kinesiology
Application Process: https://sph.umd.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/graduate-application-process
Admissions FAQ: https://sph.umd.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/graduate-application-faqs

The Department of Kinesiology has three areas of specialization: Cognitive Motor Neuroscience, Exercise Physiology, and Physical Cultural Studies. Laboratories are maintained, which support original investigations in each of the three areas. Laboratories include equipment for measuring metabolic parameters, strength, body composition, postural sway, ground reaction forces, amount of physical activity in daily life, as well as muscle biopsies and movement analysis. The response of the human body to physical activity/exercise can be viewed through ECG, EEG, EMG and systematic behavior observation systems. Each of the three research areas has interfaced computer hardware and software to support data collection and analysis. Collaborations with the School of Medicine at the Baltimore campus and with NIH often result in the availability of other facilities and equipment. All graduate students have access to computers and other forms of technology. Details and pictures of current facilities and equipment are available at our website: www.sph.umd.edu/KNES/.