Doctor of Philosophy

Earning a Ph.D. in kinesiology and health represents the achievement of expertise in the study of physical activity and its relationship to health. Expertise in kinesiology and health means the individual has worked with a mentor (major professor) and Doctoral Academic Plan Committee (APC) to develop an in-depth program of research and study. A research program includes the development of theoretical and content knowledge, laboratory and/or field research skills, methodological and analysis skills, and ethical behavior. Many graduates of our Ph.D. program are trained as both researchers and teachers.

Areas of Emphasis

Students may choose from several areas of emphasis:

  • Exercise physiology (including metabolic, cardiovascular, and immunology)
  • Exercise psychology
  • Biomechanics
  • Motor control
  • Physical activity and public health (including physical activity epidemiology)

Kinesiology and Health Ph.D. Requirements

Emphasis

Doctoral students identify specialization areas within kinesiology and health and a focus area outside the department. The specialization areas are used to identify breadth of coursework and guide the selection of primary and secondary research experience.

Curriculum

  • Kinesiology and Health specialization areas – fifteen credits that provide a focused area and breadth beyond that focused area in kinesiology and health
  • Focus area outside the department – nine credits in the area related to, but outside of kinesiology and health. These nine credits don’t need to be from the same department. Examples include courses in human-computer interaction, statistics, engineering mechanics, gerontology, psychology, industrial engineering, human development and family studies, food science and human nutrition, etc.
  • Statistics – nine credits in statistics and advanced research methods, including KIN 6200. STAT 5101 and 5212 are basic graduate-level courses, but courses such as STAT 5820 or 5750 may be more appropriate depending upon the student’s background and interests
  • Ph.D. seminar – one credit each semester in the Ph.D. seminar during full-time enrollment (six credits minimum)
  • Ethics – one credit in research ethics course that has been approved for Responsible Conduct of Research training. GR ST 5650 is a recommended course
  • Dissertation – 21 credits of 6990. A minimum of nine credits are required prior to preliminary exams (credits may be concurrent) and a minimum of nine credits after preliminary exams (the additional three credits can be taken before or after preliminary exams)
  • Secondary area of research – students are encouraged to take one-three credits of KIN 5900 to document their secondary research experience if their time was not supported by a research assistantship

Other Requirements

A successful kinesiology and health doctoral student will complete the following:

  • Presented research papers at national and/or international conferences
  • Submitted research papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals
  • Demonstrated laboratory and/or teaching skills

Full-time Student Status Requirement

We expect all incoming doctoral students to be full-time students. To enable this, the Department of Kinesiology and Health provides financial support for students in the form of assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships during the fall and spring semesters. These types of financial support are from departmental, college, and university resources or from external grant/contract resources. With sufficient progress toward a degree, funding is provided to Ph.D. students for four years, with the opportunity to apply for funding beyond four years if needed to complete their program. Summer funding may also be provided for Ph.D. students depending on the availability of research/teaching assistantships and scholarships/fellowships.

Course Descriptions

Check out our catalog of courses for options to take during your Ph.D. studies.