How to Apply

Please review the application requirements below. The application for the Movement Science PhD Program opens on September 1.

When starting your application, select “School of Medicine” as your Graduate Application type. You will be prompted to choose your Intended Level of Study (Doctoral) and then may select Movement Science (Ph.D.) as the Academic Program.

The Application for Fall 2024 matriculation is now Closed.

The Application Deadline is December 1, 2024.

The PhD Application will open on September 1, 2024 for Fall 2025.

Questions about the Movement Science Program should be directed to Jennifer Brown, Manager of Recruitment- jennifer.brown@wustl.edu 

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Movement Science Program must submit the following:

  • A completed application
  • Transcripts of all post-secondary academic work
  • CV or Resume
  • Personal statement
    General tips: 1) there are many good online resources and examples of personal statements to help get you started; 2) write, read, reflect, solicit feedback, and revise repeatedly – this statement is the review committee’s chance to see who you want to become; 3) be sincere; and 4) be concise. Specific information to share with our review committee: 1) your current career interests and goals; 2) your reasons for pursuing a PhD in Movement Science; 3) your specific research interests at present and how these match with specific Program faculty interests; and 4) additional knowledge or life experiences that you bring to the PhD training experience.    
  • Sample of professional writing
    General tips: 1) first-author scientific publications where you have done most of the writing are the best, first choice; 2) another great choice is a paper written for class or professional work responsibilities; 3) avoid submitting middle-author papers where you were not responsible for the majority of writing; 4)  6-10 pages is typically a good length; and 5) do not submit scientific abstracts – they are too short for the review committee to evaluate your written communication skills.  
  • Three letters of recommendation.
    General tips: 1) request letters from writers at least one month in advance; 2) provide a CV and other information to the letter writer to facilitate the process; and 3) request letters from faculty who are familiar with PhD training and can comment on your potential for successful PhD training and a career in science.
  • For international candidates whose native language is not English:  Transcripts must be evaluated by an approved credentialing agency if courses were completed at an institution outside of the United States. Documentation must be include course names, grades and credits in American terms.
  • Official TOEFL Scores: Washington University in St. Louis – School Code 6929
  • Official IELTS Scores
    Washington University in St. Louis Graduate Admissions
    Graduate Admissions
    1 Brookings Drive
    St. Louis, MO 63130
    United States
  • For any candidates: GRE scores are optional. If scores are sent officially, our code is 6929. Please do not select 7734.

Admissions Procedures

Applications will be reviewed by the Movement Science Program Steering Committee. Selected applicants will be invited for the Movement Science Program Interview Day in January. Offers of acceptance will be made in early Spring.

Prerequisites

To be eligible for a position in the Movement Science Program, you must hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

You must possess the knowledge and skills derived from undergraduate or graduate courses in biology, calculus, chemistry, computer science, human anatomy, physics, physiology, and statistics.