Ph.D. in Kinesiology - New Mexico Tech

F. QUALITY OF THE PROGRAM
1. Graduate Program Plan
General Issues and Planning Principles. The budgetary and staffing requirements for the
PhD program in Kinesiology are guided by the following:
• That a PhD in Kinesiology implies a solid foundation in the Core Content Areas in
Kinesiology as described by the American Kinesiology Association:
o The interrelationships among physical activity, health, and quality of life
o The scientific foundation of physical activity and human movement
o The historical, social, and cultural context for the study of physical activity
o The practice of physical activity
• The development of adequate laboratory spaces and equipment to provide the
competencies, skills, and abilities identified as critical by organizations such as the
American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning
Association, and the National Athletic Training Association.
• Employing adequate graduate teaching assistants, to support the program.
• Sufficient recurring funds to support unique needs of graduate programs such as
conference travel costs, publication costs, library materials, etc.
• Sufficient recurring funds to meet demands of expected growth in undergraduate
programs.
2. Compliance with 5.3.12.8 NMAC. Title 5 and Chapter 3 of The New Mexico
Administrative Code outlines several features that pertain to the “Academic Quality”
expectations of state-funded programs. Some of the features are specific to the institution
and the support it provides. We will not elaborate on those items here as we ask that the
reviewers of this proposal consider the existence of other funded PhD programs at NMSU as
evidence of institutional commitment to graduate programming. However, we elaborate on
the programmatic issues of quality below:
a. Programs have Student Learning Outcomes. The department of HPDR works
closely with the office of institutional research to provide student-learning outcomes
as a part of formal program assessment. These student-learning outcomes are tied to
decision-making structures within the department, college, and ideally the university.
Student-learning outcomes are malleable and are subject to change as the discipline
of Kinesiology evolves over time. However in Appendix C we include our proposed
general student-learning outcomes for those graduating with a PhD in Kinesiology
b. Degree Programs are Coherent and Complete. The curriculum is previously
described on pages 8-11 of this proposal.
c. Interactions between Faculty and Students and among Students. The strength of
this program will lie in the mentorship provided through this traditional arts and
sciences model of doctoral instruction. PhD students will work closely with faculty
mentors. The student’s progress in the PhD program will be a shared responsibility
between student and mentor. In addition, students will be expected to enroll in PEP
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