Program Overview

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Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy program in exercise and nutritional sciences trains scholars and leaders to conduct high-impact, interdisciplinary, and translational research in exercise and nutritional sciences.

Program Description

Within integrated disciplinary contexts, the curriculum trains scholars and leaders to conduct high-impact, interdisciplinary, and translational research in exercise and nutritional sciences. Students and faculty conduct high-quality, use-inspired research in exercise, nutrition, and health promotion that is intended to reduce the physical, social, and economic costs of unhealthy living.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Health Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core

• BMI 515 Applied Biostatistics in Medicine and Informatics (3) or EXW 640 Analysis of Variance for Exercise and Wellness (3)
• EXW 645 Advanced Applied Methods and Data Analysis (3)

Required Research

• CHS 600 Research Methods: Translational Science (3)
• CHS 791 Seminar: Exercise and Nutrition Journal Club (1)
• EXW 700 Research Methods (3)
• EXW 701 Scientific Grant Writing (3)
• EXW 780 or NTR 780 Practicum (6)

Elective Research

• 12 credit hours

Professional Development

• CHS 791 Seminar: Early Career Professional Development (3)
• EXW 784 Internship (2)

Focus Area

• 9 credit hours

Electives

• 24 credit hours

Culminating Experience

• EXW 799 or NTR 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information

Students tailor a course of study in one of three focus areas: behavioral and community health sciences, biomechanics and motor control, or translational metabolism and physiology. Courses in the focus area are determined in collaboration with the student's supervisory committee.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• A bachelor's or master's degree in nutrition, exercise science, kinesiology, or related field from a regionally accredited institution
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program
• Official transcripts
• Letter of intent
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Three references (academic or professional)
• Writing sample (four to eight pages; double-spaced)
• Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

Tuition information can be found on the university's website.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: December 1 (priority deadline)

Program Learning Outcomes

• Apply appropriate advanced research methodology in the design and evaluation of research studies in exercise and nutritional sciences.
• Apply appropriate statistical analyses to evaluate research and data relevant to exercise and nutritional sciences.
• Communicate research findings to scientific audiences, including peer-reviewed literature and presentations at scientific conferences and to lay audiences.
• Create a grant proposal that clearly demonstrates significance, innovation, and a scientifically justified approach to address a novel research question.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for research careers in research-intensive universities, government agencies, and health-related research positions in private industry. Career examples include:

• Consultant
• Entrepreneur
• Exercise physiologist
• Dietician or nutritionist
• Health, research, or sports scientist
• Postsecondary biomechanics, exercise science, or nutrition teacher
• Professor
• Public health professional
• Scientist in pharmaceutical, food science, and other related industries

Research Areas

• Translational metabolism and physiology
• Behavioral and community health sciences
• Biomechanics and motor control

Program Structure

The program integrates professional development through a teaching internship (EXW 784) and a three-semester seminar (CHS 791 Seminar: Early Career Professional Development) that addresses career opportunities and preparation for faculty or professional positions in the nutrition, exercise, and health promotion fields. Students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree in a related discipline may count up to 24 credit hours from the master's degree toward the total credit hours, with program approval.