San Diego University for Integrative Studies’ Doctor of Philosophy in Psychobiomechanics and Postural Therapy Degree Program is designed for personal trainers, chiropractors, massage therapists, psychotherapists, educators, physiotherapists, osteopathic physicians, and mature adults seeking to broaden their working knowledge of contemporary mind and body therapy approaches in the 21st century global health. These modules offer research-based applied techniques for future holistic therapists.
Requirements:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychobiomechanics and Postural Therapy degree requires the completion of 95 quarter units at the doctoral level. 100 supervised internship hours while in the practicum course must be fulfilled, in addition to 60 hours of personal counseling with licensed professionals during the student’s course of study or within two years prior to enrollment. Successful passage of the Doctoral Comprehensive Examination is required, after which the student must complete the Dissertation project.
Prerequisites:
A Master’s degree in Biomechanics, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Psychology or related field of study from an approved institution.
Curriculum:
Course titles that satisfy degree requirements:
Prerequisite Courses (20 units)
Course Units
BIO 631 Human Physiology 5
BIO 632 Applied Musculoskeletal
Anatomy 5
BIO 636 Posture Therapy &
Functional Assessment 5
BIO 639 Biomechanics
Instrumentation 5
Graduate Core Psychobiomechanics Course Requirements (55 units)
Course Units
BIO 600 Psychobiomechanics
Business Principles 5
BIO 730 The Science of Human
Movement 5
BIO 733 Exercise PsychoPhysiology II
BIO 735 Advanced Psychobiomechanics 5
BIO 736 Assessment & Rehabilitation
of the Hip, Spine & Pelvis 5
BIO 737 Assessment & Rehabilitation
Of the Upper & Lower
Prerequisites:
A Master’s degree in Biomechanics, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Psychology or related field of study from an approved institution.
Curriculum:
Course titles that satisfy degree requirements:
Prerequisite Courses (20 units)
Course Units
BIO 631 Human Physiology 5
BIO 632 Applied Musculoskeletal
Anatomy 5
BIO 636 Posture Therapy &
Functional Assessment 5
BIO 639 Biomechanics
Instrumentation 5
Graduate Core Psychobiomechanics Course Requirements (55 units)
Course Units
BIO 600 Psychobiomechanics
Business Principles 5
BIO 730 The Science of Human
Movement 5
BIO 733 Exercise PsychoPhysiology II
BIO 735 Advanced Psychobiomechanics 5
BIO 736 Assessment & Rehabilitation
of the Hip, Spine & Pelvis 5
BIO 737 Assessment & Rehabilitation
Of the Upper & Lower
Graduate Core Psychology Requirements (30 units)
Course Units
CPS 501 Writing Skills& Research 5
CPS 691 Behavioral Statistics 5
CPS 704 Psychopharmacology 5
CPS 705 Advanced Research Methods 5
CPS 706 Physiological Psychology 5
SPO 754 Nutrition & Lifestyle
Management 5
Dissertation (10 units)
Course Units
BIO 800 Dissertation/Project 5
Writing I
BIO 801 Dissertation/Project 5
Writing II
Students working on their Dissertation, Master’s Thesis, or Senior Project must be registered for the respective course every quarter until the project has been completed. The Dissertation, Master’s Thesis, or Senior Project is complete when the student has successfully passed the oral examination where applicable and the final approval forms have been signed by the project chairperson and SDUIS Director of Research.
Required Total Units: 95
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
1) All residential courses, other than independent study, are taught in a classroom setting. Each instructor provides students with a syllabus that contains an outline of the course objectives, the course content, student performance expectations, textbooks and related study materials, and evaluation methods used for grading purposes.
2) Courses are traditionally taught in lecture style with group discussions, student presentations and written assignments.
3) Instructional methods also include research projects and experiential components such as internship and practicum requirements. Faculty provide individualized academic advising as needed and encourage ongoing student dialogue in class and online. Upon completion of the core curriculum, students become involved in their capstone research project, the Doctoral Dissertation. Students are required to complete sixty (60) clock hours of personal counseling provided by a licensed
therapist approved by the University. Grading criteria are presented to students in the course syllabus provided at the beginning of class. The University’s grading policy is designed to meet the highest professional standards of objectivity, fairness, and accuracy.
4) Independent study courses are an in-depth study of a topic and directed by SDUIS faculty or an equally qualified mentor who is approved by the Chief Academic Officer.
5) Student learning performance outcome evaluations include essay and objective examinations, research, reports, and experimental activities.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD:
Distance Education
1) The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychobiomechanics and Postural Therapy program is also offered through distance education. Direct education is delivered to students via e-mail. Students submit their assignments to the instructor and class weekly. The instructor reviews the work and prepares a feedback to be sent to the students and class weekly.
2) Each student is provided with a syllabus that contains an outline of the course objectives, course content, weekly assignments and student performance expectations.
3) Instructors work closely with students to monitor their progress.
“Notice to Prospective Students
This institution approved by the Bureau for Private Post-secondary Education to offer degree programs. To continue to offer degree programs, this institution must meet the following requirements:
• Become institutionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, with the scope of the accreditation covering at least one degree program.
• Achieve accreditation candidacy or pre-accreditation, as defined in regulations, by July 1, 2017, and full accreditation by July 1, 2020.
If this institution stops pursuing accreditation, it must:
• Stop all enrollment in its degree programs, and
• Provide a teach-out to finish the educational program or provide a refund.
An institution that fails to comply with accreditation requirements by the required dates shall have its approval to offer degree programs automatically suspended. “