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Kinesiology, PhD

The Kinesiology doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee focuses on the interrelationships between human movement and health and performance. The program provides students with both classroom and experiential training, culminating in an innovative and publishable collection of work that reflects an integration of scientific discovery and application.

Overview

The foundation of the PhD in Kinesiology curriculum provides students with balanced and comprehensive doctoral-level training in Kinesiology theory, research methodology, and statistics. The program develops scholars in areas of emphasis that align with faculty expertise, preparing them for academic and professional careers that require theory-driven basic and/or applied research skills.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the PhD program in Kinesiology, applicants must meet the minimum UWM Graduate School's criteria for admission and additional requirements, including:

• Submitting a curriculum vitae that includes all academic institutions attended, degrees achieved, and academic and professional accomplishments
• Demonstrating a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for the highest degree program in which the student enrolled and/or completed
• Soliciting two confidential letters of recommendation from previous university instructors and/or faculty advisors
• Submitting a writing sample from a research project in which the applicant was involved
• Submitting a letter of intent that addresses the applicant's research interests, conducted research, ongoing research, and career goals

Credits and Courses

The program requires students to complete a minimum of 58 graduate credits beyond the master's degree, or a minimum of 79 credits beyond the bachelor's degree. The curriculum is comprised of five main components:

1. Core curriculum
2. Area of emphasis curriculum
3. Cognate
4. Electives
5. Dissertation

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum focuses on developing the knowledge and skills necessary for students to conduct sound and innovative research, and to develop as a scholar. Coursework included in the core curriculum focuses on research methodology and design, statistical analysis, ethical conduct of research, professional development, and teaching and learning coursework.

Area of Emphasis Curriculum

Students will propose an area of emphasis in consultation with their advisor and take an array of courses that explore the main dimensions of that area. The academic area of specialization within Kinesiology will be identified prior to the student's entry into the program.

Cognate

The cognate area will complement the student's area of concentration and will be identified by the end of the first year of coursework. Coursework in the cognate may include classes offered within and/or outside the Kinesiology Program.

Electives

Students will have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge by taking supplemental courses in teaching and learning, grantsmanship, manuscript preparation, professional development, and other areas that complement their program of study.

Dissertation

The completion of a dissertation, consisting of original research, will be the final step in earning a PhD in Kinesiology. The dissertation is a major piece of original research representing a substantial contribution to the existing body of knowledge.

Preliminary Exam

After students successfully complete the required credits of didactic coursework, the student will sit for the preliminary examination. The preliminary examination will assess the level of knowledge and understanding related to coursework taken in the area of emphasis, cognate area, as well as research methodology and statistics.

Time Limit

All degree requirements must be completed within ten years from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program.

Kinesiology PhD Learning Outcomes

The UWM doctoral program in Kinesiology will provide students with advanced theoretical, methodological, and analytical abilities with which to create, interpret, evaluate, apply, and disseminate kinesiology knowledge in their area of specialization. Upon successful completion of the PhD Kinesiology Program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of Kinesiology and Public Health
• Make informed judgments on complex issues in Kinesiology and the related fields of Public Health
• Demonstrate the general ability to conceptualize, design, and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications, or understanding at the forefront of Kinesiology and Public Health
• Demonstrate a detailed understanding of applicable techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry in Kinesiology and related Public Health fields of study
• Create and interpret new Kinesiology and/or related Public Health knowledge in their area of expertise, through original research or other advanced scholarship
• Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in academics, industry, or a clinical setting, requiring the application of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations.