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Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition - PhD

Program Guide

• Dissertation Research

Domestically and globally, poor diet and lack of physical activity are the greatest contributors to the burden of disease and mortality. Globally, obesity rates are on the rise, often alongside severe undernutrition in developing countries. Overweight and obesity, along with other chronic conditions such as cardiovascular heart disease and Type II diabetes are largely attributable to lifestyle related behaviors, including insufficient physical activity, increased sedentarism, and poor nutrition.  We also have an aging population, whereby a healthy diet and physical activity become critical to live more healthfully for longer.

The PhD in Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition (EPAN) at GWSPH has been created as an actionable program with a fundamental and deep core appreciation that both nutrition and physical activity together are powerful in fighting many of the most significant public health problems of our time.  We strive to uniquely integrate both disciplines given their unique but often have synergistic impacts on health.

This multidisciplinary program provides a rigorous educational opportunity with a curriculum grounded in science and includes the use of sound methodological approaches and innovative thinking that leads to the advancement of knowledge that can be translated into real-world health applications in the fields of physiology and nutrition. Scholars in the doctoral EPAN program will have the opportunity to more fully integrate or specialize their focus in exercise physiology or applied nutrition through their elective coursework and dissertation research.

The program further provides scholars with opportunities to focus on health from laboratory to more community-based approaches. Ongoing research includes nutritional and physical activity epidemiology focused on aging and cancer, physiological and metabolic adaptations to dietary factors and exercise, chronic disease prevention and management, physical activity and dietary interventions, and community-based programs and interventions focused on physical activity and nutrition in children and youth. The program takes advantage of the strengths of the GW academic environment, including wet labs, applied nutrition and physiology labs, along with our location in Washington, D.C., where students and faculty have the opportunity to translate knowledge into real-world impact. 

Program Director:  Jennifer Sacheck, PhD, MS

GWSPH Doctoral programs admit students for the Fall term each academic year. Applications will be accepted beginning in August and are due no later than December 1st for the next matriculating cohort beginning in the following Fall term.  Find GWSPH graduate admissions information  here .

GWSPH is committed to support the highest standards and practices of diversity and inclusion in all of our processes, systems and interactions throughout the application and student experience.  

The PhD program will accept students every year.  Applications will be accepted beginning mid-August and are due no later than December 1st. Applications will be reviewed following the December 1st deadline and those applicants selected for an in-person interview (video conference if remote) can expect to be contacted no later than mid-February.

Our admissions process and requirements:

• Applicants with a graduate degree in exercise science, nutrition, public health, or a related discipline will be highly encouraged; however any major is acceptable as long as applicants show requisite knowledge and skills
• Typically an A average in graduate coursework 
• International students must provide language test results from the TOEFL or IELTS that are no more than 2 years old if they have not received a post-secondary degree from a US institution
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Prerequisite expectations  (what we are looking for) :

• General Biology and Chemistry (with labs)
• Human or mammalian physiology 
• Graduate level statistics or biostatistics course is a required prerequisite

Highly Preferred:

• Biochemistry (this will be discussed with student's research mentor prior to admission)
• Exercise Physiology and/or Nutrition Science
• Strong GRE score taken within 5 years of the matriculation date

In addition, we will thoroughly examine the research background of our applicants and give preference to students who have worked on research teams/laboratories or otherwise demonstrated research interest and aptitude. 

PUBH 6421  | Responsible Conduct of Research (1 credit) PUBH 8099  | PHD Seminar:  Cross Cutting Concepts in Public Health (1 credit) PUBH 8416  | Study Design and Evaluation (3 credits) PUBH 8418  | Applied statistical Analysis* (3 credits) PUBH 6080  | Pathways to Public Health** (0 credits)

*PUBH 6862 Applied Linear Regression Analysis may be taken in place of PUBH 8418 Applied Statistical Analysis. 

**For students without a prior public health degree, find FAQs for PUBH 6080 on the Advising page  here .

PHD CORE TOTAL: 8 credits

EXNS 6202 |  Advanced Exercise Physiology (3 credits) PUBH 6619  | Fundamentals of Nutrition Science (3 credits) PUBH 6611 |  Nutrition Assessment (2 credits) EXNS 6810  | Advanced Metabolism (3 credits) EXNS 8108 |  Lab Techniques in Human Physiology (2 credits) EXNS 8110  | Seminar in Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition (2 credits)

PROGRAM-SPECIFIC TOTAL: 15 CREDITS

Electives may be selected to focus specifically on individual areas of interest in accordance with advisors support.  Focus areas may include: epidemiology, exercise physiology, applied nutrition, social/behavioral interventions.  See program guide for examples of suggested courses.  For students entering with a relevant MS degree in physiology or nutrition, some core courses may be waived and additional tailoring courses can be taken in their place.

TAILORING TOTAL: 12-15 CREDITS

Course Descriptions

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION (no credits)

All  PhD students are required to pass a Comprehensive Examination, which typically occurs following the Spring semester of Year 2.  Comprehensive exams must be successfully completed within three years of matriculation to the PhD program.

DISSERTATION PREPARATION AND DISSERTATION

PUBH 8435  | Dissertation Proposal Development (2 credits) EXNS 8999  | Dissertation Research ( 9-12 credits)

DISSERTATION TOTAL: 11-13 CREDITS

Professional Enhancement

Students in the PhD program must participate in eight hours of Professional Enhancement. These activities are pre-approved by an advisor and may be Public Health-related lectures, seminars, and symposia related to your field of study.

Professional Enhancement activities supplement the rigorous academic curriculum of the SPH degree programs and help prepare students to participate actively in the professional community. You can learn more about opportunities for Professional Enhancement via the Milken Institute School of Public Health Listserv, through departmental communications, or by speaking with your advisor.  Students submit a completed  Professional Enhancement Form  to the Office of Student Records which is required documentation to be cleared for graduation.

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Training

All students are required to complete the Basic  CITI training module .  This online training module  will help new students demonstrate and maintain sufficient knowledge of the ethical principles and regulatory requirements for protecting human subjects - key for any public health research.

Academic Integrity Quiz

All Milken Institute School of Public Health students are required to review the University’s Code of Academic Integrity and complete the GW Academic Integrity Activity.  This activity must be completed within 2 weeks of matriculation. Information on GWSPH Academic Integrity requirements can be found  here.

Students in the PhD in the Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition program should refer to the guide from the year in which they matriculated into the program. For the current program guide, click the "PROGRAM GUIDE" button on the right-hand side of the page.

• Program Guide 23-24
• Program Guide 22-23
• Program Guide 21-22
• Program Guide 20-21

Our faculty at the Milken Institute School of Public Health are involved in a national profile of strategic research and serve as mentors to students across departments based on areas of specialized interest. These key faculty in the Exercise and Nutrition Sciences department will be directly associated with the PhD, Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition program:

Dr. Jennifer Sacheck , Program Director

Dr. Matthew Barberio

Dr. Loretta DiPietro

Dr. Karina Lora

Dr. Kim Robien

Dr. Emily Smith

Dr. Allison Sylvetsky

Dr. Sameera Talegawkar

Dr. Amanda Visek

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• Catalog Home
• Kinesiology: Exercise Physiology, PhD

This is a named option in the Kinesiology, PhD. For more information, please see our program website .

Exercise Physiology is the study of the biological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise. Research and graduate training at UW–Madison focuses on elucidating: 1) the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying these processes; and 2) the influence of exercise on health and disease.

Dr. Barnes focuses on how aging and exercise alter blood flow and blood pressure regulation. Her current projects focus on age-associated changes in cerebral blood flow, the sympathetic nervous system activity influences cerebral blood flow, and how these relate to the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia. Dr. Diffee studies the regulation of contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle and how this regulation is altered by perturbations such as exercise training, injury, or disease. Typical experiments involve measurement of contractile properties single skeletal muscle fibers and single cardiac myocytes and correlation of altered mechanical properties to changes in cell protein composition detected by biochemical and molecular biological techniques. Interaction with faculty and students from other departments (including Nutritional Sciences, Biochemistry, the School of Medicine, and the Institute on Aging) is encouraged by ongoing collaborative research efforts. The research of William Schrage’s laboratory is focused on how blood flow is regulated in muscle and brain circulations. Specifically, Dr. Schrage is interested in how acute exercise or environmental stress like hypoxia influences blood flow and how this is impacted by obesity and metabolic syndrome. He measures blood flow using state-of-the-art technology including ultrasound and MRI. A key approach is to use pharmacologic tools to understand how blood flow is controlled, and how obesity changes which mechanisms change the ability to regulate blood flow under stress.

The Exercise Physiology named option of the PhD program is designed to prepare students for scholarly research and teaching. Students are prepared with advanced coursework in Exercise Physiology along with supporting coursework in Biochemistry, Physiology, Statistics, and other areas of Kinesiology (including Biomechanics, Motor Control and Behavior, and Sports Psychology). An important advantage of graduate study at UW–Madison is the exceptional selection of elective courses (>40 departments offer graduate courses in biological sciences). Minor coursework can be performed in Biochemistry, Nutritional Sciences, Physiology, Preventive Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Zoology, or other relevant fields. Students are intensively involved in conducting research throughout their graduate training and are expected to present research at national scientific meetings and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. Most PhD students have the opportunity to teach during their training. Graduates of the PhD program commonly pursue post-doctoral training and then establish independent research programs as university faculty members. Graduates occasionally pursue careers in industry or in clinical settings.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

For admission, the Graduate School requires, as does the Kinesiology department, a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0=A scale) on the last 60 semester hours (or equivalent) of undergraduate coursework. An applicant must submit academic transcripts from each institution attended and a statement of reasons for graduate study. The statement should provide specific details on why the applicant names this particular named option.  If a professor in the area of specialization agrees to serve as the prospective student's advisor, then the department's graduate office recommends the applicant for admission to the Graduate School.  Please consult the Kinesiology website  for further details of these requirements and procedures.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Named option requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

 Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required Courses

All Kinesiology MS and PhD students are required to register for  KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology for 1 credit each semester they are enrolled in the program, for a minimum of 4 credits.

Students should enroll in  KINES 953 Human Biodynamics Seminar each time it is offered, for a minimum of 1 credit.

The courses within the Exercise Physiology area include:

• KINES 615 Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Physiology
• KINES 773 Cardiorespiratory Adaptions to Environment and Exercise
• KINES 774 Metabolic Responses to Exercise and Environmental Stress
• KINES 779 Human Muscle Function in Health and Disease
• KINES 953 Human Biodynamics Seminar

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Named Option-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 18 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison

No credits from an other institution or UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer toward the degree.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW-Madison

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School: Advisor and Graduate School: Committees (Doctoral/Master’s/MFA) policies, except the dissertation committee must have a minimum of five members. 

PhD students work with two committees during their studies.

• Preliminary exams Committee (three graduate faculty members)
• Proposal committee
• Defense committee

Ordinarily the proposal and defense committees have the same membership.  Committee members are selected by the student in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Credits Per Term Allowed

Time limits.

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Within the Department, completion of required courses and passing preliminary exams within three years of starting the PhD program is considered satisfactory progress. See the Graduate Program Handbook link in Contact Information for more information. 

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)  (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

School of Education Grievance Policy and Procedures

The following School of Education Student Grievance Policy and associated procedures are designed for use in response to individual student grievances regarding faculty or staff in the School of Education.

Any individual student who feels they have been treated unfairly by a School of Education faculty or staff member has the right to file a grievance about the treatment and receive a timely response addressing their concerns. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these grievance procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies. The grievance may concern classroom treatment, mentoring or advising, program admission or continuation, course grades (study abroad grade complaints are handled through International Academic Programs ), or issues not covered by other campus policies or grievance procedures. 

For grievances regarding discrimination based on protected bases (i.e., race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, etc.), contact the Office of Compliance ( https://compliance.wisc.edu/eo-complaint/ ).

For grievances or concerns regarding sexual harassment or sexual violence (including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation), contact the Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program within the Office of Compliance.

For grievances that involve the behavior of a student, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards in the Dean of Students Office at https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/ ).

For grievances about, or directed at, faculty or staff in a School of Education department, unit, or program, students should follow these steps:

• Students are strongly encouraged to first talk with the person against whom the concern is directed. Many issues can be settled informally at this level. If students are unable to resolve concerns directly or without additional support, step 2 or 3 should be pursued.
• If the concern is directed against a teaching assistant (TA), and the student is not satisfied, the student should contact the TA's supervisor, who is usually the course professor. The course professor will attempt to resolve the concern informally.
• If the concern involves a non-TA instructor, staff member, professor, academic department, or School of Education office or unit, the student should contact the chair of the department or the director of the office or unit, or their designee. The chair or director, or their designee, will attempt to resolve the concern informally. If the concern is about the department chair or office/unit director, the student should consult the School of Education Senior Associate Dean for guidance.
• If the concern remains unresolved after step 2, the student may submit a formal grievance to the chair or director in writing within 30 business days 1 of the alleged unfair treatment. To the fullest extent possible, a formal written grievance shall contain a clear and concise statement of the issue(s) involved and the relief sought.  
• On receipt of a written grievance, the chair or director will notify the person at whom the grievance is directed with a copy of the written grievance. The person at whom the complaint is directed may submit a written response, which would be shared with the student.
• On receipt of a written grievance, the chair or director will refer the matter to a department, office, or unit committee comprised of at least two members. The committee may be an existing committee or one constituted for this purpose. The committee, or delegates from the committee, may meet with the parties involved and/or review any material either party shares with the committee.  
• The committee will provide a written description of the facts of the grievance and communicate recommendations to the department chair or office/unit head regarding how the grievance should be handled.

For the purpose of this policy, business days refers to those days when the University Offices are open and shall not include weekends, university holidays, spring recess, or the period from the last day of exams of fall semester instruction to the first day of spring semester instruction. All time limits may be modified by mutual consent of the parties involved.

If the grievance concerns an undergraduate course grade, the decision of the department chair after reviewing the committee’s recommendations is final. 

Other types of grievances may be appealed using the following procedures:

• Both the student who filed the grievance or the person at whom the grievance was directed, if unsatisfied with the decision of the department, office or unit, have five (5) business days from receipt of the decision to contact the Senior Associate Dean, indicating the intention to appeal.   
• A written appeal must be filed with the Senior Associate Dean within 10 business days of the time the appealing party was notified of the initial resolution of the complaint.
• On receipt of a written appeal, the Senior Associate Dean will convene a sub-committee of the School of Education’s Academic Planning Council. This subcommittee may ask for additional information from the parties involved and/or may hold a meeting at which both parties will be asked to speak separately (i.e., not in the room at the same time).
• The subcommittee will then make a written recommendation to the Dean of the School of Education, or their designee, who will render a decision. The dean or designee’s written decision shall be made within 30 business days from the date when the written appeal was filed with the Senior Associate Dean.  For undergraduate students, the dean or designee’s decision is final.

Further appealing a School of Education decision – graduate students only

Graduate students have the option to appeal decisions by the School of Education dean or designee by using the process detailed on the Graduate School’s website .

Questions about these procedures can be directed to the School of Education Dean's Office, 377 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, 608-262-1763.

• Office of Compliance (for discrimination based on protected classes, including misconduct) 179A Bascom Hall, 608-262-2378
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts between students, or academic integrity violations) 70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• Bias or Hate Reporting (for students who experience or observe bias or hate incidents)  70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• Graduate School (for graduate students who need informal advice at any level of review; for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions, see Graduate Assistant Policies and Procedures ) 217 Bascom Hall, 608-262-2433
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for UW–Madison employees, including graduate students) 523-524 Lowell Center, 608-265-9992
• Employee Assistance (for conflicts involving graduate assistants and other employees) 256 Lowell Hall, 608-263-2987
• Office of Human Resources for policies and procedures to address workplace conflict) 21 N Park Street Suite 5101, 608-265-2257
• Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for any students needing advice or support) 70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• School of Education, Office of Student Services (for students, particularly undergraduates, in the School of Education) 139 Education Building, 608-262-1651
• School of Education, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) 145 Education Building, 608-262-8427
• Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

Faculty mentors in Exercise Physiology include:

Jill Barnes Gary Diffee William Schrage

Contact information for faculty and lab information can be found on the Kinesiology website.

Affiliate advisors in exercise physiology include:

Marlowe Eldridge Troy Hornberger

• Requirements

Contact Information

Kinesiology School of Education https://kinesiology.education.wisc.edu/

Dr. Erin McGowan, Graduate Program Manager [email protected] 608-262-3369

Dr. Karla Ausderau, Director of Graduate Studies [email protected] 608-262-0653

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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We have 21 exercise physiology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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exercise physiology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Exercise physiology in the detection of high blood pressure, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

MRes – Assessing mountain bike downhill performance following high-intensity exercise bouts (Project ID SAS0207)

Self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

MRes – Is self-paced performance the key to normalising intensity of interval training across individuals? (Project ID SAS0206)

Molecular mechanisms of the increase in maximal aerobic capacity (vo2max) with regular exercise, effect of triglyceride supplementation before and during endurance exercise on metabolism and performance responses in trained athletes (ref: ssehs/ljtc), funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

The use of nutritional supplements combined with exercise training to promote metabolic flexibility and cardio-metabolic health

Neuromuscular function and muscle morphology in relation to sarcopenia, resistance exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (ref: ssehs/jfuf24), mres sport, exercise and health science (project id sas0202), investigating a novel exercise intervention in peripheral artery disease, funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

Gastrointestinal modulation using omega-3 and probiotic strategies and its effect on cardio-metabolic health in obese and non-obese populations

Self-funded phd opportunities in sport and exercise sciences.

The PhD opportunities on this programme do not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

PhD Research Programme

PhD Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Of mice and women: Defining the role of oestrogen in regulating sex specific bone matrix composition, bone strength and mechanisms of skeletal repair

Competition funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution. It is in competition for funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The funding is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

PhD Studentship in collaboration with Lululemon athletica inc.: Understanding human thermal behaviour and physiology to build health and resilience to climate change.

Funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project has funding attached for UK and EU students, though the amount may depend on your nationality. Non-EU students may still be able to apply for the project provided they can find separate funding. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Finding 30 minutes in the marathon: a systematic approach to training design for the non-elite competitive marathon runner

The role of nutrition and exercise in physical and cognitive function (such as sarcopenia and frailty), utilizing clinical, metabolomic, proteomic, and gut microbiota data.

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PhD in Exercise Physiology

Receive advanced exercise physiology training to help people adopt healthier lifestyles.

The PhD in Exercise Physiology is focused on training students to prepare for academic research careers related to exercise and physical activity to prevent and treat chronic health-related conditions, health and well-being, and the underlying physiological and/or behavioral mechanisms.

The degree prepares students for academic careers focused on research, teaching, mentoring, and translation of research findings to a variety of settings.

For students interested in primarily an academic research career, this degree will also prepare students for post-doctoral fellowships.

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Program Facts

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Time Commitment

3-5 years on average

Enrollment Term

Application Deadline

Admissions Requirements

No GRE Exam is required

Program Overview

Collaborate with Faculty

The student will work closely with their faculty mentor to develop a plan of study and research experiences.

Current research expertise of the faculty includes the following:

• Obesity and Body Weight Regulation
• Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
• Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Chronic Disease
• Physical Activity Programming for Health and Fitness
• Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents
• Technology-Based Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
• Perceptual Responses to Physical Activity and Exercise

Required Credits

The program consists of a minimum of 90 credits.

A maximum of 30 credits can be transferred from a student’s previous master’s degree, plus up to 9 post-master’s doctoral-level courses may be applied to the doctoral plan of studies.

The minimum requirements of courses include:

• Exercise physiology, physical activity, and health (30 credits)
• Collateral area of study (9 credits)
• Statistical analysis (12 credits)
• Research methods (9 credits)
• Doctoral dissertation (18 credits)
• Additional credits as electives

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Degree Requirements

• Minimum of 90 credits
• Successful completion of Preliminary Comprehensive Examination.
• Successful completion of doctoral dissertation

Prerequisites

Applicants must demonstrate completion of a related degree and/or course work that are foundational to exercise physiology.

The applicant also needs to demonstrate a desire to pursue doctoral training in an area of study that is matched to the focus of graduate faculty in the department who may serve as their mentor, with a particular interest in pursuit of an academic research career.

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"The program has prepared me to be exceptionally successful in my young professional career. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I am given to learn and grow as a student every day." Caitlin Ann Cheruka - Pitt student

Program Faculty

Program Coordinator

Christopher Kline

Sirry Alang

April Chambers

Kelli Davis

Benjamin DH Gordon

Sharon Ross

Program News

Alum Works with CDC to Protect Workers during Pandemic

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Faculty Members and Students Recognized by American College of Sports Medicine

Faculty Members and Students Recognized by American College of Sports Medicine - Read more

Student Team Earns Top 10 Finish at Sports Medicine Conference

Student Team Earns Top 10 Finish at Sports Medicine Conference - Read more

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Exercise Physiology Ph.D.

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The doctoral program is firmly based in research and prepares students for academic careers in exercise physiology. Graduate students in this program have numerous applied physiological research opportunities in the program’s well-equipped laboratories of clinical and applied physiology, neuromuscular research and active aging, and sports medicine and motion analysis. Additionally, there are numerous collaborative research opportunities bolstered by the department’s strong relationships with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, College of Arts and Sciences, Health South Doctors’ Hospital, and the Varsity Athletics Department. The program is best known for its work in women’s health, obesity, pediatric physiology, aging, muscle, biomechanics, cardiovascular physiology, exercise biochemistry, and human metabolism. The Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology requires the completion of up 72 credit hours, depending on the student’s academic background, and takes approximately four to five years to complete.

Admission Requirements

• M.A. or M.S. in exercise physiology or a related field.
• Pre-requisite courses including one year of chemistry with laboratory, and one course each in human biology, human physiology, and exercise physiology.
• Admission preference will be given to those that have completed courses in organic chemistry and biochemistry.
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate and graduate GPA and a minimum 300 GRE score (verbal + quantitative) and 4.0 Analytical Writing Assessment score.

Program Contact

Program director.

Kevin Allen Jacobs Associate Professor Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Room: Merrick Building 317-C [email protected] 305-284-5873

For Application Process Questions, contact:

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Exercise Physiology

This degree will prepare students for academic careers focused on research, teaching, mentoring, and translation of research findings to a variety of settings.  For students interested in primarily an academic research career, this degree will also prepare students for post-doctoral fellowships.

Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Physiology

The PhD in Exercise Physiology is focused on training students to prepare for academic research careers related to exercise and physical activity to prevent and treat chronic health-related conditions, health and well-being, and the underlying physiological and/or behavioral mechanisms.

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Exercise Physiology (Ph.D.) Curriculum & Admission Requirements

Program structure, teaching requirement, residency requirement, program structure part 2, comprehensive examination, dissertation, field experience, program curriculum.

• HSES 996: College Teaching Experience
• HSES 998: Doctoral Seminar
• HSES 999: Doctoral Dissertation
• EPSY 715: Understanding Research in Education

Major Courses (36 credit hours) Research Courses (12 credit hours)

Graduate Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a master’s degree with a grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements. International applicants are strongly encourage to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines, in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants must have a faculty advisor that is willing to work with them for their application to be processed. Therefore, applicants are strongly advised to contact one (or more) of the faculty members in the department prior to applying for the doctoral program.

Application deadlines

Application checklist, ph.d. in exercise physiology.

Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:

Online application

Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions

Transcripts

One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended

English translation of transcripts

Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation

GRE exam scores

Official copy of scores no older than five years

Resume or CV

Statement of purpose.

1-2 page statement outlining how the program relates to one’s career goals

Online letters of recommendation

Names and email addresses of persons to be asked to complete letters of recommendation who can provide a thorough evaluation of one’s abilities at the graduate level

Proof of English proficiency

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency

Financial document (international students only)

Required by U.S. government in order to issue the I-20 or DS-2019

Application fee

$65 for U.S. residents; $85 for international applicants

Program Resources

The online application is designed to give applicants the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.

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Health and Human Performance

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Ph.D. in Kinesiology

Doctoral progam in exercise physiology.

Contact Us:

The University of Houston 3875 Holman St. Rm 104 Garrison Houston, TX 77204-6015 Phone Office: 713.743.9840 Undergraduate Advising : 713-743-2828 Fax: 713.743.9860

Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology

This emphasis provides students with the experimental, theoretical and analytical tools necessary to investigate the basic processes and mechanisms in exercise physiology.

The Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology program is designed for students interested in:

• Skeletal muscle physiology
• The impact of exercise and other stressors on the immune system, healthy aging, and/or cardiovascular disease
• Mechanistic links between obesity, accelerated biological aging, and immunological dysfunction
• Research careers in academia, industry, foundations, or government.

Exercise Physiology Faculty

The Laboratory of Integrated Physiology (LIP)

Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition (STEM)

Program Director: J. Sacheck

The doctor of philosophy (PhD) in exercise physiology and applied nutrition incorporates a fundamental core appreciation that both exercise and nutrition together are more powerful in fighting many of the most significant contemporary public health problems. The curriculum uniquely integrates both exercise physiology and applied nutrition, which often have synergistic impacts on health. This multidisciplinary program provides a rigorous educational opportunity with a curriculum grounded in science and includes the use of sound methodological approaches and innovative thinking that leads to the advancement of knowledge that can be translated into real-world health applications of physiology and nutrition.  

This is a STEM designated program.

Visit the  program website  for additional information.

Visit the  Milken Institute School of Public Health website  for additional information about academic programs and information about GWSPH. Graduate admissions information, including application requirements and deadlines, can be found on the  GWSPH Graduate Admissions website .

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 48 credits, including 10 credits in required program core courses, 15 credits in required  foundational courses, 12 credits minimum in  courses relevant to  specialization area, and 9 to 11 credits in dissertation research.

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Exercise Physiology Biology Ph.D.

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We're so glad you're interested in UNT! Let us know if you'd like more information and we'll get you everything you need.

Why Earn an Exercise Physiology Biology Ph.D.?

We offer opportunities to conduct research in:

• Aquatic biology
• Aquatic toxicology
• Cell and molecular biology
• Environmental science
• Forensic biology
• Neurobiology
• Plant sciences

Our faculty members include internationally renowned researchers who have earned recognition from the National Science Foundation, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Society for Microbiology, among others.

• Professional communication in life science environments
• How to develop and present alternative explanations
• How to conceive and design complex studies
• Leadership ability
• Supervision of research teams

Exercise Physiology Biology Ph.D. Highlights

What can you do with a exercise physiology biology ph.d..

There are many interesting careers available to you if you want to combine an education in biology with your interest in exercise, including:

• Corporate health & fitness screener
• University professor
• Athletic development coach

Exercise Physiology Biology Ph.D. Courses You Could Take

Learn More About UNT

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It’s easy to apply online. Join us and discover why we’re the choice of nearly 47,000 students.

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Phd program.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers coursework leading to a Ph.D. in Human Movement Science . This program is a joint effort among faculty in the areas of Athletic Training, Biomedical Engineering, Exercise Physiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Physical Therapy. The curriculum has four areas of concentration: Behavioral Studies (motor learning, motor development, and psychological factors), Biomechanics, Physiology, and Neuromuscular Control.

Athletic Training students enrolled in the program will take coursework related to the management and rehabilitation of orthopaedic and neuromuscular injury: conduct research through the Sports Medicine Research Laboratory; and teach in a CAATE accredited undergraduate athletic training education program. Additional opportunities may be available through the UNC Athletic Department. Certified athletic trainers holding a Masters Degree in an Athletic Training related area are welcome to apply.

For additional program information related to sports medicine, please contact:

Erik Wikstrom, PhD, ATC

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Exercise and Sport Science CB# 8700 Fetzer Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8700

[email protected]

Phone: 919-962-2260

Kinesi olo gy Doctorate

Phd in exercise physiology.

Get a Doctorate in Kinesiology with an Exercise Physiology Emphasis

Student-Centered Approach to Online Education

Application Deadline: August 19, 2024 Classes Start: September 3, 2024

Earn your degree in kinesiology or sport management.

Generous Transfer Credit

100% online, no gre/gmat, no comp exam, the value of csp global’s phd in exercise physiology.

CSP Global provides a doctorate in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology, tailored for students interested in health sciences. Our exercise physiology program curriculum ensures smooth credit transfers from prior academic endeavors, offers a fully online experience and eliminates the need for GRE/GMAT or comprehensive exams. Students graduate not just with theoretical understanding but with practical exposure that prepares them for thriving careers in human physiology.

Our distinct dissertation approach at CSP Global ensures students are well-prepared, introducing them to captivating and challenging advanced graduate training from the outset. With a PhD in kinesiology with an exercise physiology concentration from CSP Global, alumni are well-positioned to delve into real-world research, serve in medical environments and become wellness coaches, among other exciting roles.

Graduate Program Outcomes: EdD or PhD in Exercise Physiology

Deepened knowledge base.

• Acquire advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, building upon undergraduate and master’s level understanding.

Research Proficiency

• Demonstrate ability to design, conduct, and interpret high-level research methods in exercise physiology.
• Conduct research and disseminate findings through publications, presentations, or other appropriate outlets.

Applied Skills

• Exhibit proficiency in using contemporary tools and techniques in exercise physiology laboratories.
• Diagnose and provide recommendations for exercise-related conditions and issues.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with professionals from other health and sports disciplines for holistic patient or athlete care.

Ethical Practice

• Adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior in research, practice and professional conduct.

Communication Mastery

• Effectively communicate complex concepts, both in writing and oral presentation, to peers, patients and the public.

Teaching and Mentoring

• Develop skills in teaching and mentoring the next generation of exercise physiologists or related professionals.

Leadership and Advocacy

• Take on leadership roles within professional organizations or settings and advocate for the importance of exercise and physical activity in public health.

Career Readiness

• Be prepared for diverse career opportunities, including academic careers, careers in healthcare, wellness coaching, research institutions, and more.

Why Choose a PhD?

Our PhD in kinesiology , concentrating on exercise physiology, is tailored to equip you for roles in academia or research. As a graduate with this doctoral degree, you’ll be adept at publishing your research, collaborating with fellow researchers and instructing at tertiary educational institutions.

Distinguishing it from the EdD program, our PhD offering has a pronounced emphasis on research. As part of this program, students will undertake 55 hours encompassing core courses, research studies, and independent learning, culminating in 12 hours dedicated to their doctoral dissertation.

Why Choose an EdD?

Our EdD in kinesiology , with an exercise physiology emphasis, focuses on translating research into actionable solutions for real-world challenges. As a graduate, you’ll be poised to assume leadership roles in domains like corporate wellness, higher academia, elite sports entities, and more. Besides, you’ll also be equipped to teach at tertiary educational institutions. The EdD path typically gears students towards direct interactions with clients rather than primarily collaborating with academics.

The EdD curriculum encompasses 49 credit hours of structured coursework, supplemented by 12 hours of dissertation work.

Career Outcomes

The successful completion of CSP Global’s exercise physiology PhD program can open many doors. Graduates may pursue career advancement in education, research, and health and wellness, often in leadership positions. Please note some positions may require additional education, experience, or certification.

• Academic Researcher
• University Professor
• Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Sports Scientist
• Director of Corporate Wellness
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Health and Fitness Consultant
• Public Health Advocate
• Exercise Physiology Lab Director
• Wellness Coach or Personal Trainer

Our Unique Dissertation Process

CSP Global has adopted a unique dissertation process for our PhD in exercise physiology online that follows the Carnegie Model for Applied Research. This approach will allow you to complete your dissertation process faster while engaging in industry-relevant projects.

You won’t have to complete all coursework before you begin your dissertation. We embed the dissertation process early in coursework through four seminar courses:

• KHS7901 Seminar 1: Drafting the Dissertation Introduction
• KHS7902 Seminar 2: Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review
• KHS7903 Seminar 3: Drafting the Dissertation Methodology
• KHS7904 Seminar 4: Finalizing the Written Dissertation Prospectus

These one-credit courses get you thinking about and working on your dissertation topic from the beginning of your educational journey at CSP Global.

By the time you complete all coursework and enroll in dissertation courses (KHS7950 for the EdD and KHD8000 for the PhD), you’ll be well on your way to completing your dissertation and earning your doctorate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What salary can you expect to earn with a PhD in Exercise Physiology?

The expected salary for someone with a PhD in exercise physiology can vary based on the role they pursue. According to Payscale.com , common average annual salaries for roles that someone with a PhD in exercise physiology might hold can range from $95,000 to $186,000.

How long does it take to get a PhD in Exercise Physiology?

Where do people find work after graduating with a phd in exercise physiology.

Holding a PhD in exercise physiology unlocks a myriad of career avenues. Many graduates gravitate towards academic roles, becoming esteemed professors at universities, while others delve into research institutes or healthcare environments. Some entrepreneurial spirits even venture into launching their own fitness-centric businesses.

An exercise physiology degree truly presents a vast horizon of professional opportunities. Some graduates evolve into wellness or health coaches, while others carve a niche as sports scientists. There are also those who champion health education or anchor their expertise in specialized clinics. The landscape is expansive and inviting for those equipped with this degree.

Is the field of exercise physiology growing?

Yes! The field of exercise science physiology is growing dramatically. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 10% growth in employment for exercise physiologists from 2022 to 2032, which is higher than the national average employment growth rate. The BLS also estimates about 1,200 job openings each year on average over the decade.

What type of research can I do once I receive a PhD in Exercise Physiology?

Upon completing your online PhD in exercise physiology, numerous avenues open up. You might consider joining either a private or public research institution to further deepen your expertise. If the allure of research captivates you, stepping into the role of a professor at a college or university can be fulfilling. Here, you’d not only have the chance to impart knowledge to undergraduate or graduate students, but often, academic roles come with the added dimension of undertaking personal research, contributing to the progression of exercise science .

The research landscape is vast, spanning areas such as rehabilitation techniques, sports conditioning, disease prevention and beyond.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: August  19, 2024 Next Start Date: September 3, 2024

Core (10 credits)

KHS7000 Issues and Trends in Kinesiology (3) KHS7030 Professional Ethics and Program Management in Kinesiology (3) KHS7900 Seminar 1: Drafting the Dissertation Introduction (1) KHS7901 Seminar 2: Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review (1) KHS7902 Seminar 3: Drafting the Dissertation Methodology (1) KHS7903 Seminar 4: Finalizing the Written Dissertation Prospectus (1)

Exercise and Sport Nutrition Emphasis (27 Credits)

KHS7010 Medical Aspects of Exercise and Disease Prevention (3) KHS7020 Exercise and Health Behavior Change (3) KHS7120 Advanced Exercise and Sport Nutrition (3) KHS7210 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3) KHS7501 Nutrition for the General Population (3) KHS7511 Vitamins and Minerals (3) KHS7521 Nutrition Assessment and Analysis (3) KHS7531 Nutrition and Weight Management (3) KHS7541 Dietary Trends and Special Populations (3)

Research Methods and Statistics (12-18 Credits)

For the PhD (18 Credits) KHS7820 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3) KHS7830 Advanced Research Seminar in Kinesiology (3) KHS7550 Qualitative Research in Kinesiology (3) KHS7600 Quantitative Research in Kinesiology (3) KHS7650 Mixed Methods in Research in Kinesiology (3) KHS7700 Statistics in Kinesiology (3)

For the EdD (12 Credits) KHS7800 Action Research in Kinesiology (3) KHS7810 Applied Measurement and Evaluation Techniques in Kinesiology (3) KHS7820 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3) KHS7830 Advanced Research Seminar in Kinesiology (3)

Dissertation (12 Credits)

For the PhD KHS8000 Dissertation (12)

For the EdD KHS7950 Dissertation (12)

Total Credits for EdD = 61 Total Credits for PhD = 67

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Additional program information, edd course descriptions.

KHS7010: Medical Aspects of Exercise and Disease Prevention : This course utilizes an epidemiological approach to examine the relationship between physical activity and health and/or disease outcomes. Emphasis is on the role of exercise in preventative medicine. Topics include the impact of exercise on various diseases, and the effect of various medical conditions on the ability to participate in vigorous exercise and competitive sports.

KHS7020: Exercise and Health Behavior Change: Advanced analysis of theoretical health behavior models and their application to physical activity behavior. Includes practical techniques, tools and interventions (e.g., counseling skills, motivational interviewing) to enhance exercise adherence and motivation across the lifespan.

KHS7030: Professional Ethics and Program Management in Kinesiology: This course examines ethical and socio-cultural issues that kinesiology students will face during their training and professional practice emphasizing conceptual frameworks needed to articulate concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. Topics include the application of ethical program management, financial management, legal issues, and evaluation and planning.

KHS7120: Advanced Exercise & Sport Nutrition: This course examines the role of nutrient selection, metabolism, and timing play in supporting and improving health and human performance. Topics include nutrient bioenergetics, optimizing nutrient timing, micronutrients and macronutrients, ergogenic aids, thermoregulation, fluid balance, and weight management.

KHS7210: Advanced Exercise Physiology : The physiological responses to exercise performance and the effects of physical activity on the body’s functions are examined in theory and application.

KHS7501: Nutrition for the General Population: This course will introduce students to the biochemical, physiological, and microbiological basics of general human nutrition. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health by reviewing topics such as the nutritional needs of special populations, sociocultural influences of nutrition, community nutritional applications, and major public health concerns related to nutrition. Students will learn how to evaluate nutritional information or misinformation to create goals and apply publicly available guidelines or tools to dietary plans.

KHS7511: Vitamins and Minerals: This explores the metabolism of vitamins and minerals essential for health throughout the lifespan. Specific topics will include nutrient bioavailability, absorption, and proper micronutrient intake. The health effects of inadequate or excessive micronutrient intake will be covered along with methods to estimate nutrient requirements and upper limit levels.

KHS7521: Nutrition Assessments and Analysis: In this course, students will gain an understanding of the methods and approaches to conducting nutrition assessments of individuals throughout a lifecycle. Students will learn best practices and applications in evidence-based dietary, biochemical, and anthropometric assessments. An in-depth overview of the rationale of use, advantages, disadvantages, and validity of each assessment will be completed.

KHS7531: Nutrition for Weight Management: This course will review current evidence-based strategies to manage overweight and underweight individuals. The genetic, metabolic, and psychological factors affecting weight management will be covered. Students will gain knowledge and skills in assessment techniques, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

KHS7541: Dietary Trends and Special Populations: This course will provide students with an understanding of the ever-changing aspects of nutrition science, including emerging diets and controversies such as fad diets and supplementation. Additionally, students will learn about nutrition applications for special populations such as athletes and those with infectious or chronic diseases. Students will develop skills in the evaluation and interpretation of nutrition-related claims in both popular media and scientific studies.

KHS7800: Action Research in Kinesiology: This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, conduct, and evaluate action research projects within the field of kinesiology. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of action research and its use in promoting change and improvement in a variety of settings, including physical activity and exercise programs, sport organizations, and health promotion initiatives.

KHS7810: Applied Measurement and Evaluation Techniques in Kinesiology: This course develops skills for the selection, development, and implementation of various types of instruments and techniques for measuring and evaluating health and human performance interventions. Evaluation of these interventions includes general health behaviors, health related fitness, nutritional and dietary intake, body composition, and other areas related to an individual’s quality of life.

KHS7820: Research Methods in Kinesiology: This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the research process in the field of kinesiology. Emphasis will be placed on real-world examples of how research is effectively accessed, interpreted, and used in professional kinesiology settings.

KHS7830: Advanced Research Seminar in Kinesiology: This course builds on the previous course, but with an intentional focus on the dissertation topic of interest for each student.  In-depth research strategies, data reliability and credibility, and the IRB process are discussed and completed during this course. Students schedule the dissertation proposal during this course.

KHS7900: Seminar 1-Drafting the Dissertation Introduction: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a faculty mentor. Special focus on selecting the dissertation topic, forming the committee. and drafting an introduction.

KHS7901: Seminar 2-Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a dissertation advisor and advisory committee. Special focus on an annotate bibliography drafting the literature review.

KHS7902: Seminar 3-Drafting the Dissertation Methodology: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a dissertation advisor and advisory committee. Special focus on drafting the methodology.

KHS7903: Seminar 4-Finalizing the Written Dissertation Prospectus: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a dissertation advisor and advisory committee. Special focus on drafting a dissertation prospectus.

KHS7950: Ed.D. Dissertation: The dissertation is an independent, scholarly work of research completed by the doctoral candidate, under the guidance of a dissertation committee. A dissertation demonstrates a candidate’s ability to undertake scholarship in his or her field through intellectual endeavor and the application of research skills. The completion of a dissertation requires a scholarly mindset involving ongoing evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of previous, relevant research as well as one’s own work. A dissertation involves exploring an important problem that warrants investigation due to its centrality to issues of practice and application.

PhD Course Descriptions

KHS7000: Current Issues and Trends in Kinesiology : This course prepares students to analyze current problems, issues, and trends impacting kinesiology professions. The emphasis is on selecting and discussing emerging and controversial topics from research and everyday experiences that lead to action. Leadership principles will be examined as students develop and identify leadership strategies, tools and applications to successfully implement a personal mission and vision statement.

KHS7550: Qualitative Research in Kinesiology: This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative research, including research designs, data collection strategies, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation methods.

KHS7600: Quantitative Research in Kinesiology: This course provides an overview of quantitative research, including research designs, data collection strategies, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation methods.

KHS7650: Mixed Methods Research in Kinesiology: This course provides  students with an in-depth understanding of the advantages and limitations of different research methods in kinesiology, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. This course will cover the principles of research design and data analysis, with a focus on the development and implementation of mixed methods research studies.

KHS7700: Statistics in Kinesiology: This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of statistical analysis techniques and their application in the field of kinesiology. This course will cover a range of topics, including descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and non-parametric methods. Students will learn how to apply these techniques to analyze data from various kinesiology studies, including studies of physical activity, exercise, and sport performance. They will also gain experience using statistical software to perform data analysis and interpret results. Throughout the course, students will work on real-world data sets and case studies, and will engage in interactive discussions and group projects that encourage critical thinking and problem solving.

KHS8000 Ph.D. Dissertation: The dissertation is an independent, scholarly work of research completed by the doctoral candidate, under the guidance of a dissertation committee. The dissertation will create knowledge and/or test a theory through the demonstration of scientific inquiry, investigative skills, methodological and analysis skills, scientific writing and presentation skills, and ethical behavior.

Accreditation

Concordia University, St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org) , a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

No Comprehensive Exam

As part of our doctoral program, you will not have to take a comprehensive exam.

No GRE/GMAT Testing Requirement

There is no testing requirement to apply for our doctorate in kinesiology program. We consider your past performance as the best indicator of your future success. We’ll look at your prior college transcripts and request a writing sample showing that you can complete college-level writing.

Tuition & Financial Aid

CSP Global offers a variety of sources to help you pay for your education, including state and federal loans, payment plans, and scholarships for those who qualify. Many students also receive tuition reimbursement from their employers.

Application Requirements

1. online application.

• Create an account and submit our online application. Once submitted, you can follow your application process through the application portal.

2. Official College Transcripts

• Submit official transcripts from an accreditor recognized by the US Department of Education stating the conferral of a Master’s degree or higher with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 system.
• To be considered official, transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope from the institution or through secured electronic delivery.

3. Writing Sample

• Those seeking admission into the Doctorate in Kinesiology program should submit a Master’s-level scholarly work that includes APA in-text citations and references. A sample of work from a previous Master’s program and/or professional doctorate will be acceptable.

4. Letters of Recommendation

• Students seeking admission to the Doctorate in Kinesiology program should arrange to have two letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can speak to their greatest strengths and successes. It is recommended that these letters speak specifically to the applicant’s work ethic, disposition and academic ability.

5. Current Resume and Professional Goal Statement

• Provide a copy of your resume and a brief statement detailing your motivation for pursuing a doctorate in kinesiology and your persistence toward achieving long-term goals.

Core Program Faculty

Dr. matthew buns.

Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Science Director of the Doctorate in Kinesiology

Dr. Buns’s research examines the mechanisms of expertise in sport and the psychological and cognitive factors associated with motor skills. Dr. Buns has published more than 25 scholarly articles in sport and exercise science and is the founding editor of the Track and Cross Country Journal . Learn more about Dr. Buns here .

Dr. Katie Fischer

Associate VP for Academic Affairs and Strategic Program Development

Dr. Fischer’s background in higher education includes administration of in-class and online programs, development of new programs, and collaborative programming. Her academic focus includes public health, epidemiology, leadership, and program administration. Learn more about Dr. Fischer here .

Dr. Lana Huberty

Dean of the College of Kinesiology, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences

Dr. Huberty brings with her a wealth of industry practice in both private and public sport and recreation settings. Research interests and publications focus on sport marketing and sponsorship, gender diversity within sport management, and sport leadership. Learn more about Dr. Huberty here .

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Exercise physiology.

Exercise Physiology Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Doctoral students in the Ph.D. in Human Sciences program, who are interested in academic research and teaching careers in exercise physiology research, will be advised by Dr. Terry Housh . Students will acquire advanced competencies in nutrition, exercise, research design, and statistics. Following graduation, they will be well-prepared for teaching and research careers.

Courses include: 

• NUTR 884 Physiology of Exercise (3) 
• NUTR 886 Exercise Testing and Exercise Programming in Adult Fitness and Cardiac Rehabilitation (4) 
• NUTR 950 Integrated Principles of Human Nutrition (3) or other 800- or 900- level metabolism courses 
• NUTR 960 Nutrient Function During Exercise

If undergraduate course NUTR 484 or NUTR 486 has been completed, graduate courses appropriate to your career goals can be selected from:

• Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences (view online at:  catalog.unl.edu/professional/courses/nutr )
• Within other departments which align with your area of study (view online at: catalog.unl.edu/graduate-professional )

To view a listing of example courses of interest to NHS students, visit: cehs.unl.edu/nhs/courses-offered .

GRE is not required.

Doctoral Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantship  with Dr. Terry Housh

• Available annually starting in the fall.
• Teaching is in the fall and spring semesters, with summer teaching also available.
• are committed to a research career
• teach exercise physiology, exercise testing, and exercise programming in adult fitness and cardiac rehabilitation
• have completed courses in exercise science at the undergraduate or master's level 
• Only students with completed applications will be considered for this graduate assistantship.

For more information regarding assistantships and fellowships, visit:  cehs.unl.edu/nhs/assistantships .

• Nutrition and Exercise Consultant
• Health-Fitness Instructor-ACSM
• Exercise Specialist-ACSM
• Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist-ACSM
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist-NSCA

Application to this program

Associated faculty.

Shinya Takahashi Associate Professor of Practice, Associate Department Chair, CEHS Academic Program Lead

Terry Housh Professor

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UMass Boston

• Exercise & Health Sciences PhD

Accelerate your EHS career, improve lives.

UMass Boston's Exercise and Health Sciences doctoral program is a firmly research-based, interdisciplinary program. Your primary area of research will align closely with the research of a specific faculty advisor in the Department who you chose to work with.

The faculty’s broad expertise ranges from the cellular and molecular level (molecular mechanisms) to the society at large (community and population studies), with many collaborative research efforts focused on exercise physiology, behavior science, and physical activity and health promotion in diverse populations across the lifespan. You will also have the opportunity to explore other areas of interest in the form of directed research and elective courses, which will help you to become a more well-rounded researcher.

Emerge from this program prepared to:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of fundamental concepts of exercise science and/or health promotion
• Conduct systemic inquiry and apply critical thinking to evaluate scientific literature relevant to the specialization area in exercise science and health promotion
• Use an appropriate theoretical framework and quantitative and/or qualitative methods to acquire, analyze and interpret data
• Disseminate scientific findings at local, national, and global levels through publications and presentations
• Demonstrate leadership as a researcher and educator to promote physical activity and improve health in diverse populations

Career Possibilities

Work in a clinical or research setting to assess patients’ fitness levels and and design programs tailored to their needs as an exercise physiologist. Improve the lives of a corporation’s employees as a health and wellness coordinator. Or, focus on the health and wellbeing of entire communities as a health promotion specialist. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

• Exercise physiologist
• Corporate Wellness Specialist
• Health Promoter
• Personal Trainer
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist

Download the Exercise & Health Sciences PhD Fact Sheet.

Attend An Info Session    --> Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• A completed application form
• The specific interest and rationale for pursuing a PhD in exercise and health, and career goals after completing the PhD studies
• Current major research and interests in the fields of exercise or health sciences (we strongly recommend that applicants contact EHS faculty directly concerning their research interests before applying)
• Official transcripts from all schools attended
• Three references
• TOEFL scores, if applicable (UMass Boston's institution code is 3924)
• Résumé

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: February 1 (priority) and April 1 (final) for fall, October 1 (priority) or December 1 (final) for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Graduate Assistantship Information: The EHS Department offers two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantship (TA) and Research Assistantship (RA). TAs primarily work with faculty instructors who teach undergraduate classes. RAs are generally offered by a specific faculty member who has active research fundings and students primarily work with the specific faculty member on their research projects.

For RAs, it is highly recommended to reach out directly to individual faculty to determine if their research interests match with yours and if there is an opening for a graduate student. Please also include the faculty member who you would like to work with in your personal statement for your application.

BS to PhD Route

Required master’s level courses (15 credits).

• EHS 625L - Quantitative Research Methods 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 630 - Advanced Health Fitness and Nutrition Assessment 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 655 - Advanced Physical Activity and Health 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 685 - Applied Exercise Physiology 3 Credit(s)
• NURSNG 760 - Introduction to Biostatistics: Biostatistics I 3 Credit(s)

Concentration Courses (6 Credits)

Complete two courses from one of the concentrations below.

Applied Exercise Physiology Concentration

• EHS 680 - Clinical Exercise Physiology 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 682 - Exercise Metabolism 3 Credit(s)

Physical Activity and Health Promotion Concentration

• EHS 656 - Advanced Nutrition and Health 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 670 - Designing Exercise and Health Promotion Interventions 3 Credit(s)

Required Doctoral Level Courses (12 Credits)

• EHS 825L - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods I 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 887 - Advanced Topics in Exercise and Health Sciences 3 Credit(s)
• NURSNG 705 - Health Disparities 3 Credit(s) OR
• NURSNG 757 - Social Behavioral Determinants of Health 3 Credit(s)
• NURSNG 770 - Biostatistics II: Advanced Statistical Methods in Healthcare Research 3 Credit(s)

Electives (12 Credits)

Complete four additional courses offered by Nursing or other departments (e.g. Gerontology, Psychology, and Biology).

Dissertation/Research Courses (30 Credits)

Complete 30 credits from below with at least 18 credits of dissertation study.

• EHS 898 - Directed Research in Exercise and Health Sciences 1-6 Credit(s)
• EHS 899 - Dissertation 1-6 Credit(s)

MS to PhD Route

Required courses (12 credits).

• NURSNG 705 - Health Disparities 3 Credit(s)

Electives (6 Credits)

Complete two additional courses offered by Nursing or other departments (e.g. Gerontology, Psychology, and Biology).

Dissertation/Research Courses (24 Credits)

Complete 24 credits from below with at least 18 credits of dissertation study and no more than 6 credits of directed research.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 75 credits from at least 17 courses including five required master’s level courses, two concentration courses, four required doctoral level courses, four electives, and 30 credits of dissertation/research courses.

Concentration: Select a concentration in applied exercise physiology or physical activity and health promotion. Doctoral candidacy: Candidates must pass a written qualifying exam at a time to be designated by the student’s pre-dissertation committee. Content covered in the exam is agreed upon by the major faculty advisor and the student. The exam will be completed over the course of several days within a two-week period. Students must pass all areas on either the first or second try before being allowed to continue in the program and work on their dissertation proposal. Dissertation: Candidates must propose and ultimately compose and defend a dissertation based on original research. The dissertation document will include an introduction, rationale and hypothesis, review of the literature, description of methods, presentation of results, and discussion of the relevance of the study’s findings to the field at large. The results of the research will be presented in manuscript-ready format, including two or more separate papers that are ready to be submitted to peer-reviewed journals. The student will be required to submit at least one of these papers to a journal prior to orally defending their dissertation; the paper must be under peer review to meet this requirement.

Statute of limitations: Eight years.

Complete 42 credits from seven or eight courses including four required courses, two electives, and one to two dissertation/research courses.

Doctoral candidacy: Candidates must pass a written qualifying exam at a time to be designated by the student’s pre-dissertation committee. Content covered in the exam is agreed upon by the major faculty advisor and the student. The exam will be completed over the course of several days within a two-week period. Students must pass all areas on either the first or second try before being allowed to continue in the program and work on their dissertation proposal. Dissertation: Candidates must propose and ultimately compose and defend a dissertation based on original research. The dissertation document will include an introduction, rationale and hypothesis, review of the literature, description of methods, presentation of results, and discussion of the relevance of the study’s findings to the field at large. The results of the research will be presented in manuscript-ready format, including two or more separate papers that are ready to be submitted to peer-reviewed journals. The student will be required to submit at least one of these papers to a journal prior to orally defending their dissertation; the paper must be under peer review to meet this requirement.

Graduate Program Director Kai Zou kai.zou [at] umb.edu (617) 287-7282

Program Assistant Lourdes Ortiz Tapper lourdes.ortiz-tapper [at] umb.edu (617) 287-7594

Exercise & Health Sciences Graduate Programs [email protected]

Exercise & Health Sciences

Learn more about UMass Boston's Exercise & Health Sciences department, our research, and our faculty.

Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Exercise Physiology (PhD)

The PhD in Exercise Physiology at Springfield College gives students a comprehensive understanding of Exercise Physiology and prepares them to teach a broad range of Exercise Science-related college-level courses. In addition to a common core, students have the flexibility to focus in either Sports Physiology or Clinical Exercise Physiology depending upon their professional interests.

In addition to required courses in the specialization, you’ll take courses in pedagogical content knowledge and issues in higher education, which prepare you for entry to a higher education teaching career. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of the field, as well as how to navigate being a professional in higher education.

Students will engage in professional activities including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at both regional and national conferences prior to graduation. Dissertations are developed in collaboration with knowledgeable faculty and with the goal to yielding publishable results.

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Michelle Stehman, PhD’23

“Being a part of Springfield College’s exercise physiology PhD program has allowed me to develop a strong foundation for building my professional career through education and experience. Just during my first semester alone I was given the opportunity to teach through a doctoral fellowship, support to explore research, and encouraged to participate in service. Every faculty member I have encountered here at Springfield College has been nothing short of supportive and have played a role in helping me transform from a graduate student to a young professional. I cannot wait to step out into the real world soon with full confidence that I can continue to educate those in spirit, mind, and body just like I was from being a part of Springfield College.”

Greg Spicer, PhD’21

“Members of the Springfield College faculty welcomed and supported me while helping me reach my full potential as a graduate student.”

Jackie (Rickson) Day, PhD’20

“I have been lucky enough to have a massive support team in the exercise physiology program, and now, I hope to use what I’ve learned from the faculty here to lead, provide impact, and guidance to others.”

How to Apply:

Academic prerequisites/proficiencies.

Download the Competencies Requirements

Admissions Requirements

• Complete the FREE online application :  Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
• Essay:  In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
• Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
• Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
• Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to [email protected] or mailed to the college address: 
• GRE : This program requires the GRE, The Springfield College GRE code is 3763. You will be able to input your scores on your application, but please make sure your official scores are submitted.

Springfield College Office of Graduate Admissions 263 Alden Street Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit:

• Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS:  Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our  language requirements  for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
• Please note:  Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the  National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) . For this we recommend  SpanTran , with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants.  World Education Services  or  Josef Silny & Associates, Inc.  are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing  [email protected] .

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

• Application and Supporting Materials Priority Deadline:  February 16

Applications received after  January 15  will not be considered for fellowships, but may be considered for entry to the program depending upon available space in the program.

International Students:

Professor of Exercise Science Samuel A.E. Headley has been accepted as a Fellow in the inaugural cohort of the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA), a recognition of his outstanding service to the field of clinical exercise physiology. Headley is one of the founders of CEPA and previously served as its president. He is a well-known scholar in the field with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, 30 peer-reviewed abstracts, and six books or book chapters in exercise physiology.

Fellowships & Scholarships

Student employment, employee partnerships.

During summer 2018, faculty members from the Springfield College School of Physical Education, Performance and Sport Leadership conducted intensive instruction to mid-level Chinese educators interested in sports performance and sports medicine. Visiting the campus from several different cities across China, these educators attended the Springfield College International Summer Program, which focuses on fitness, management, and leadership.

Springfield College , 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109-3739 (413) 748-3000        Copyright © 2024 Springfield College. All rights reserved.

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Exercise Physiology

Doctor of Philosophy

Build superior skills that help you stand out in the competition for faculty appointments.

• Programs at the University of Northern Colorado
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Exercise Physiology PhD

Cutting-edge Research, Innovative Clinical Approaches

UNC has a national reputation for training outstanding Sport and Exercise Science researchers and educators. You’ll get exceptional preparation for an academic career in our Sport and Exercise Science Ph.D. program with Exercise Physiology emphasis. The department is known for its collegial atmosphere, with superior faculty who excel both as researchers and mentors. You’ll also enjoy first-rate research opportunities at UNC, with the chance to conduct studies at the ground-breaking UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute.

Our exercise physiology program stands out for its integration of pure science with clinical practice. Work across silos and collaborate with laboratory researchers and hands-on practitioners in medicine, rehabilitation, athletic performance and other specialties. This interdisciplinary approach yields outstanding career benefits, providing you with an adaptable skill set and broad perspective. Alumni of the Exercise Physiology Ph.D. program have earned faculty placements at institutions across the United States.

Degree Details

Credits required:, location/delivery:.

Cost Estimator

Degree Option

Ph.d. in sports and exercise science: exercise physiology.

In UNC’s Exercise Physiology Ph.D. program, you’ll examine how the body adapts to exercise, with particular emphasis on heart, muscle tissue and metabolism. Focus your studies on either basic science or clinical practice. The program offers comprehensive research training that includes lab techniques, computer applications, statistics and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In addition, you’ll gain classroom experience as the teacher of record for an undergraduate course.

Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

Greeley Campus Program

Your Future in Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology holds very high research currency, thanks in part to its implications for emerging practices such as clinical exercise. As a faculty researcher and educator in exercise physiology, you'll have the ability to influence future trends in cancer treatment, cardiac rehabilitation, healthy aging and other highly relevant areas. Job openings and research dollars are on the rise in this growing academic field.

Consider UNC's Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology if you want to:

• Earn a faculty appointment in Sport and Exercise Science
• Integrate clinical research with basic science research
• Conduct research in a one-of-a-kind cancer rehabilitation facility
• Develop a well-rounded academic skill set that stands out in the job market

You’ll learn:

• Design of applied research studies for clinical therapies
• Extensive teaching skills, including classroom management, pedagogy, curriculum development and assessment
• Physiology at multiple levels, from individual cells to whole organisms
• How exercise affects disease recovery, rehabilitation, aging and overall health

Sample courses:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Neural Aspects of Kinesiology
• Advanced Sociological Kinesiology

Beyond the Classroom

UNC offers extraordinarily robust research venues in exercise physiology. The UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute is nationally recognized for its ground-breaking therapies and unique clinical approaches. You’ll be able to conduct investigations at UNCCRI that no other U.S. facility can support. In addition, we have a fully equipped Biomechanics Laboratory on campus which supports an active research program. The public health program and nursing school offer additional partnership opportunities.

Where can your degree take you?

• College or university professor
• Basic science research
• Biomedical research
• Clinical research

Current Research in Exercise Physiology

Found in translation.

Groundbreaking UNC research melds scientific lab work with real-world clinic to reveal benefits of exercise for cancer patients

Sitting in a small, instrument-packed lab in Ross Hall is a squat, benign-looking gray tank that contains liquid nitrogen. It also contains a spectrum of cancer cells from various lines. But this is one instance where cancer cells are helping make cancer patients’ lives better. These cells are used in animal research that helps doctors understand exercise’s effect on cancer patients during and after chemotherapy treatment.

Read full article

UNCCRI Director Reid Hayward, Ph.D.

Ready for what's next? Here's what you need to know.

If there's anything else we can do, be sure to connect with us . We're only a shout away.

Still not completely sold? We understand. Here's more information on costs and funding  and how to apply .

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Department of Kinesiology

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Ph.D. Concentration in Exercise Physiology

The doctoral concentration in exercise physiology is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, and/or clinical settings.

Students who pursue the concentration in exercise physiology have opportunities to participate in research exploring the relationship between exercise and the various physiological systems, and the interaction of exercise with such factors as diet and disease across the lifespan.

In addition to specific coursework in physiology of exercise, all students will study research design and practice through additional required coursework and research practicum experience.  Students are expected to present dissertation results at national/international conferences and to publish their work in leading peer-reviewed journals

Degree Requirements

Students must complete all  MSU and KIN requirements for the PhD degree , including area of concentration, breadth requirement, supporting area cognate, research cognate, research practicum, comprehensive exams, and dissertation. The exact program of study is specified in an individual  program plan  approved by the student’s guidance committee. Typical courses in the exercise physiology concentration include:

Core courses in exercise physiology

• KIN 810 – Metabolic Responses to Exercise (3 credits)
• KIN 811 – Methods of Physiological Evaluation and Exercise Prescription (2 credits)
• KIN 812 – Cardiorespiratory Responses to Exercise (3 credits)
• KIN 813 – Neuromuscular Responses to Exercise (3 credits)
• KIN 814 – Endocrine Responses to Exercise (3 credits)
• KIN 910 – Current Issues in Exercise Physiology (3-9 credits)

Other courses often included in the program plan

• PSL 431-432 – Human Physiology I and II (3 credits)
• CEM 351-352- Organic Chemistry I and II (3 credits)
• BCH 401 – Basic Biochemistry (4 credits) or BCH 461-462 – Biochemistry I and II (6 credits)
• BCH 802 – Metabolic Regulation & Molecular Endocrinology (4 credits) or BCH 831 – Physiological Biochemistry (4 credits)
• KIN 870 – Physical Activity and Well Being (3 credits)
• KIN 990 – Independent Study in Kinesiology (1-6 credits)

Students in the exercise physiology concentration often complete external cognates in areas of study such as physiology, epidemiology, human nutrition, pharmacology, public health, and zoology. Consult the  Academic Programs  and  Description of Courses  catalogs for a full listing of academic programs and courses.

Expectations

The majority of KIN doctoral students prepare for careers in higher education; therefore, it is important that they acquire sufficient expertise and experience in research, teaching, and service to prepare for successful careers in the academy. Departmental expectations related to that goal are described in  Expectations of Ph.D. Students , and related learning experiences are described in  Professional Development Opportunities . These expectations are individualized for students during advising and guidance committee meetings

Graduate Studies Secretary 308 W. Circle Drive, Room 134 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: (517) 355-4736

Fax: (517) 353-2944 Email:  [email protected]

Contact Information

Contact the following faculty member about the concentration in exercise physiology.

Dr. Katharine D. Currie Department of Kinesiology 27Q IM Circle Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: (517) 432-4073 Email: [email protected]

Dr. David Ferguson Department of Kinesiology 308 W. Circle Drive, Room 27S Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824 Phone: (517) 355-4763 Email:  [email protected]

Dr. Karin Pfeiffer Department of Kinesiology 308 W. Circle Drive, Room 27 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1049 Phone: (517) 353-5222 Fax: (517) 355-1689 E-mail:  [email protected]

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Spartan Alert

Kinesiology, ph.d. exercise physiology concentration.

The Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology is designed to prepare its graduates for careers in teaching or research-based academia, as well as industry-related research positions. The program is mentor-based, and it is generally expected that students gain ample experience in both research and teaching while at UNCG. Students learn the impact of exercise at the whole body, system, and cellular level. Students apply this knowledge to work with healthy and clinical populations in the community using state-of-the-art equipment, novel, cutting-edge procedures, and advanced data analytics. Since 1892, the Department of Kinesiology has been a cornerstone department of the University. Historically, the department took the progressive view that women should be physically active to improve their health and wellness. As the department evolved, our name changed, but our core mission to promote physical activity and education about physical health remains unchanged.

Program Distinctions

• Nationally, the doctoral program in Kinesiology at UNCG is ranked in the top 15 overall and #1 for R2 universities (Doctoral Universities — High Research Productivity).
• One of only three Kinesiology doctoral programs in North Carolina.
• State of the art facilities, including a metabolic kitchen, environmental chamber, DXA and MSD and Luminex biomarker assessment equipment.

The Student Experience

• We tailor opportunities for students based on their goals, interests, and passion.
• Each student progresses through their degree based on his/her individual plan of study. A plan of study must be approved by four (Ph.D.) committee members chosen by the student and their advisor. The Ph.D. plan of study generally includes specialized physiology courses (i.e., cardiovascular, endocrine, pathophysiology) and additional elective courses related to nutrition, biochemistry, neurophysiology, psychology and biomechanics. Students are encouraged to take professional development courses such as grant writing. In addition, students may elect to take a statistical minor.
• Students have access to the Exercise Endocrinology Lab, Cardiac Metabolic Lab, Exercise Physiology Research Lab, and The Metabolic, Energetics and Sleep Laboratory (METS), which encompass over 4000 square feet of research space. The laboratories include state of the art instrumentation.

After Graduation

Most alumni work in academic positions (faculty or post-doctoral fellowships) upon graduation. However, several alumni also work in research and innovation-related industry jobs.

Apply to Program

• Process and Requirements

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Program details.

Degree Type: Doctoral

College/School: School of Health and Human Sciences

Program Type: Majors & Concentrations

Class Type: In Person

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Similar Degree Offerings

• Kinesiology, M.S.
• Athletic Training, M.S.A.T.
• Kinesiology, Ed.D.

Kinesiology Department Coleman Building, 2nd floor, Suite 250 1408 Walker Avenue Greensboro, NC 27402 [email protected]

Dr. Paul Davis 336-334-3030 [email protected]

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• Kinesiology

Physical Activity & Well-Being

College of health.

Physical Activity and Well-Being Overview

The Physical Activity and Well-Being theme strives to understand and optimize physical activity patterns and physiological and psychological well-being across all populations.

Research Pillars

Physical activity epidemiology.

Explore correlations between physical activity and physical and mental health-related variables in specific populations, such as academic achievement/cognition in youth populations. 

Physical Activity Interventions

Examine the feasibility and effectiveness of physical activity programs on behavioral and health outcomes implemented in a variety of settings. Outcome variables include physical activity, sedentary behavior, health-related fitness, motor competency, obesity, etc.

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation

Epidemiological studies on the patterns and prevalence of tobacco use among youth and young adults. Inform and evaluate interventions and policies to reduce tobacco use. 

Physical Activity Assessment

Determine the reliability and validity of novel physical activity assessment instruments for improving the quality of physical activity measurements in epidemiological and clinical research.

Psychology of Physical Activity, Exercise, & Sedentary Behavior

Explore variability in physical activity and sedentary behavior in relation to mental well-being and ill-being. Determine the efficacy of theoretically grounded psychological interventions in impacting patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior as well as psychological well-being.

Research Facilities

The physical activity and well-being research laboratory.

This lab, located in HPR W 107, is designed to meet interdisciplinary and state-of-the-art research needs focusing on the assessment of physical activity and health-related fitness, interventions of physical activity and other health behaviors, and associations of physical activity with health outcomes in various populations. The lab is equipped with devices and resources for innovative teaching and collaborative research programs including: a journal library, graduate student office spaces, a meeting and presentation space, Cholestech supplies, a computer with various statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, STATA, Matlab, R), over 350 ActiGraph accelerometers, 1,400 Yamax CW-600 pedometers, 10 Lifecorder EX activity monitors, 30 Polar E600 heart rate monitors, 50 Polar Vantage XL heart rate monitors, 50 SW-200 Digi-walker pedometers, 50 NL-2000 and 225 NL-1000 Piezo-electric pedometers, 3 Alere Cholostech LDX analyzers and printers, 3 Contec 08A electronic blood pressure monitors with infant-adult cuffs, a POLAR Tri-Fit portable assessment unit, FITNESSGRAM testing supplies, active video game systems, and a 42-inch flat panel HDTV with a DVD player for direct observation. The lab is also equipped with a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry machine (DXA) and a Cosmed K5 portable indirect calorimetry system. Students interested in the research being conducted in this lab should contact Dr. Bai , the Laboratory Director.

The Human Performance Research Laboratory

This lab, located in HPR N 235, provides educational and research experiences in exercise physiology. Topics include energy metabolism, oxygen consumption, cardiovascular and pulmonary function, muscular power, and body composition. Exercise Physiology Laboratory (KINES 4301) and Applied Exercise Programming (KINES 4466) courses, as well as exercise testing, and research studies conducted by faculty members in the Health & Kinesiology Department are performed in The Human Performance Research Laboratory. Students interested in the physical activity and well-being research being conducted in this lab should contact Dr. Bai . Questions regarding lab courses should be directed to  Dr. Groot , the Laboratory Director.

MS Thesis Program Details

​​​​​​You will have a primary mentor but also be supported by all of the faculty in the Physical Activity and Well-Being Research Theme. You will complete a 36 credit hour program of study along with your thesis. Your courses will emphasize content area knowledge, research methods and statistics, seminar experiences with your mentors, and the completion of your thesis. Your completed thesis will be in manuscript form and submitted to a journal upon completion. 

Required for this Program

• BS in Kinesiology or a related field
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher 
• The GRE requirement has been suspended.  You do not need to submit your scores during the application process.

PhD Program Details

You will have a primary mentor but also be supported by all of the faculty in the Physical Activity and Well-Being Research Theme. You will complete a 67 credit hour program of study along with your dissertation. Your courses will emphasize content area knowledge, research methods and statistics, specialized content knowledge, seminar experiences with your mentors, and the completion of your dissertation. Your dissertation will consist of multiple manuscripts. 

• Degree in Kinesiology or a related field
• Students entering the PhD program must have a demonstrated capacity for independent research. This capacity is most commonly demonstrated through completion of a master’s thesis. However, other experiences, such as, but not limited to, intensive undergraduate research experience, industry experience, clinical research or practice, or experience presenting or publishing research can be examples of a capacity for independent research. Students with a bachelor’s degree who wish to enroll in the PhD program are encouraged to speak with a prospective mentor about their suitability for the PhD program.
• Undergraduate and Graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

Core Faculty

• Timothy A. Brusseau, PhD
• Maria Newton, PhD
• * Yang Bai, PhD
• Ryan Burns, PhD 
• Wonwoo Byun, PhD

*Research Theme Leader

Graduate Students

• Hayley Almes
• Bolyard, Mickey
• Fu, Lingyi {Carrie}
• Wyatt, Mitchell

Co-Directors of Graduate Studies

Julie Lucero, PhD

Genevieve Albouy, PhD

Program Manager

Andrea Moss

Graduate Resources

Test Your Focus: Can You Spend 10 Minutes With One Painting?

Focus Is a Skill. We’ll Help You Practice.

By Francesca Paris and Larry Buchanan

Our attention spans may be fried, but they don’t have to stay that way.

In a modest attempt to sharpen your focus, we’d like you to consider looking at a single painting for 10 minutes, uninterrupted.

Our exercise is based on an assignment that Jennifer Roberts, an art history professor at Harvard, gives to her students. She asks them to go to a museum, pick one work of art, and look at only that for three full hours.

We are not asking for hours. But will you try 10 minutes?

Ready to try?

Find somewhere you can sit comfortably. Consider silencing notifications on your phone or other devices. When you’re ready, press the button below.

You made it , longer than about percent of readers.

Here’s a view of all Times readers’ progress on this exercise:

Based on data from more than New York Times readers. This chart includes readers who spent at least two seconds looking at the art.

The Painting

As you may recall, the painting you just spent time with is “Nocturne in Blue and Silver,” by the American artist James McNeill Whistler. (You may be familiar with one of Whistler’s more famous paintings — a portrait of his mother .)

The one you just spent time with currently hangs on the second floor of the Harvard Art Museum s :

Lauren O'Neil for The New York Times

The painting, part of a series that Whistler started in the late 1860s, shows the industrial banks of the River Thames in London in hazy blue tones.

In an 1885 lecture on the interaction between nature and the artist, Whistler spoke of the transition from day to night, “when the evening mist clothes the riverside with poetry as with a veil, and the poor buildings lose themselves in the dim sky, and the tall chimneys become campanili, and the warehouses are palaces in the night.”

That feels like the moment painted here; some things are as they seem, others change.

Smokestacks and factories are reflected in the brushy water. Blobs of orange, yellow and white suggest the night’s lights and their reflections.

As you look further down the painting, things start to get confusing. Here we see a faint, almost ghostlike second reflection.

But this one seems mirrored.

What’s this over here?

And what’s this …

… doing down here?

That mark we just saw is Whistler’s “signature,” and we see a version of it in many of his paintings. It is derived from the form of a butterfly; he iterated on the symbol throughout his life.

And the second reflection? Well, this is where things get fun. You may crave a definitive answer, but the painting itself doesn’t really provide one.

Kate Smith, a senior conservator of paintings and head of the paintings lab at the Harvard Art Museums, has looked at infrared photographs of the painting. She has a theory of her own.

She believes Whistler may have started the painting one way and then simply changed his mind, flipped the panel upside down and started over.

Ms. Smith explained that this mystery reflection could be what’s called a pentimento — a change to a piece of art that slowly emerges over time. It’s possible that when this painting was finished, this reflection wasn’t there — by design. It may have emerged only decades later.

Or Whistler may have intentionally left the ghostly reflection in for us to see. He described the paintings in this series as arrangements of “line, form and color first.” Once, he was asked to confirm if figures in another painting were people. He wouldn’t say one way or another.

“They are just what you like,” he said.

(If you want, look again now that you know more.)

This painting was well suited as a subject of our experiment: It has mysteries revealed upon close inspection. But the point of the exercise was not exactly for you to notice the mysteries. It was just to get you to notice at all .

The act of focusing is both possible and valuable, researchers say, no matter how intimidating or pointless it might seem. That’s particularly important in a world where typical office workers spend an average of less than a minute at a time on any one screen, according to research by Gloria Mark , a professor at the University of California, Irvine, and author of “Attention Span.”

When you’re used to a manic social media feed, “it’s hard to pay attention to content that doesn’t change,” she said.

Think again about the time you spent looking at the painting .

At first, you may have felt that it was too dull to hold your interest for even 10 seconds, much less 10 minutes.

When Professor Roberts at Harvard first conceived of this assignment — the three-hour version — she saw it as a launching point to help students write an art history research paper. But these days she also sees it as a way to teach patience. (She recommended this Whistler painting for our exercise.)

Many of her students, she says, react to the assignment with “horror.” (This may have happened to you, too.)

“It’s a combination of, ‘Oh, my God, that’s impossible,’” she said. “And also at the same time, the sense that it’s remedial.”

But they usually find the experience, as you may have, neither too difficult nor too simple. The students see that they did not notice everything worth seeing in the painting at first glance, she said. And they find that by being a little bored, and a little outside their comfort zone, they can see something new.

If you liked the way you felt, try the exercise again with any piece of art. Or, if you’re feeling bolder, print out Professor Roberts’s original assignment . Then go to a museum, pick a work of art and settle in.

Consider also a song , or a poem . Or skip art altogether.

“You can just go look at a tree,” she said. “You can look at a rock.”

Your attention is a product of a lot of things, said Professor Mark, not all of which are in your power. But a little practice can help. “We do many behaviors that are automatic,” she said. “Becoming aware of such automatic behaviors is a skill, and we can then better control where we place our attention.”

And with that skill honed, you may linger more, and better.

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