Program Description
The Biomechanics program at Ball State University provides students with the skills necessary to continue onto a doctoral program or to obtain jobs in clinical, academic and industry settings. The laboratory consists of two separate, yet functionally different rooms allowing students to explore a wide range of human movement/performance. Upon entering the program students are immersed in ongoing research projects looking at various aspects of human movement as well as in clinical assessments of individuals with movement disorders or disabilities. We work closely with the students and ensure that they become competent in assessing multiple aspects of movement.
The laboratory is fully equipped with the necessary biomechanical tools to allow students to conduct research to further our understanding of mechanical and neuromuscular aspects of human movement that include the measurement of forces during normal walking or running (force plates or split-belt force instrumented treadmill), 3D motion analysis (30 high speed cameras), computer simulation and modeling of movements, electromyography (multiple systems including hard-wired, telemetry and indwelling), neuromuscular posture and balance, in addition to whole body vibration, and muscular reflex responsiveness, plus much more...see Resources.
Students accepted into the Biomechanics degree program must complete a minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate courses including six hours of a thesis project for a Master of Science degree. Students must take a final oral examination covering the thesis to be given by the thesis committee.
Program Requirements
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School; have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution; have a grade-point average (G.P.A.) of at least 2.75 on a scale of 4.0; and submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, resume, GRE scores, and the Exercise Science application form. Applicants for the Exercise Science Division must obtain approval from a review board in the area of specialization.
The primary considerations for admission include: 1) academic background (with emphasis on basic science and mathematics course work) 2) quantitative and verbal GRE scores, and 3) research interest of the student.