| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Kinesiology, PhD
The purpose of the Kinesiology PhD program is to develop the next generation of teacher-scholars and professional leaders to advance the broad discipline of kinesiology through exploration of human movement, applied physiology, sports performance, sports medicine, and clinical rehabilitation. Students will become proficient in conducting research, while interpreting and applying their findings in order to impact professional practice.
Program at a Glance
- Program: Doctorate
- College: College of Health Professions and Sciences
- Department: Kinesiology & Phys Thpy, Schl of
- Years: 4
- Tuition:
- In State: $369.65 per credit hour
- Out of State: $1,276.48 per credit hour
Conducting Cutting-Edge Research to Advance the Understanding of Human Movement
The Kinesiology, PhD program requires a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond the master's degree. Students must complete 24 credit hours of foundational research core courses, 24 credit hours of specialization elective courses, and 15 credit hours of dissertation after being admitted to candidacy. Advancement to candidacy and completion of dissertation hours requires support from a qualified faculty mentor.
Highlights
- Top 10 doctoral program rankings (relative to size) by the National Academy of Kinesiology in 2015 and 2020.
- UCF's PhD in Kinesiology program has had a 100% job placement for graduates since 2011.
- The kinesiology field is expected to see 10-20% employment growth over the next decade.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Priority: December 1
- Fall: January 1
Course Overview
Research Design, Methods & Analysis
Students develop mastery in advanced research methodologies, experimental design, and sophisticated statistical techniques to rigorously investigate impactful questions pertaining to kinesiology and rehabilitation sciences.
Scientific Communication & Grant Writing
Coursework emphasizes proficiency in technical writing—crafting publishable manuscripts and competitive grant proposals under faculty mentorship to support scholarly success and a path to scientific independence.
Specialized Elective Integration
Through a broad array of electives, students deepen knowledge in areas such as applied physiology, human movement, sports performance, or clinical rehabilitation—aligned with faculty expertise and current research trends.
Dissertation Planning & Professional Leadership
Students develop original research projects in preparation for candidacy, while cultivating leadership through roles in academic instruction, collaborative research, and professional service—preparing them to lead in academia and beyond.
Kinesiology Skills You'll Learn
- Proficiency in conducting research related to human movement and interpreting scientific findings
- Gain expertise in technical writing through the preparation of research manuscripts and grant applications under guidance of a faculty mentor
- Confidence in the delivery of STEM and/or health-related education to a variety of populations
- How to improve health professions and healthcare delivery through the advancement and dissemination of relevant kinesiology-specific knowledge
Career Opportunities
- University Professor
- Sport Scientist
- Clinical Research Scientist
- Postdoctoral Fellow
Admission Requirements
The UCF Kinesiology, PhD program admits once per year for the fall semester. Applicants must apply online and all requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline. Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.
To apply, submit the general graduate admissions requirements, as well as the following items by the deadline:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
- A master's degree in a closely related field and master's level competency in educational research and statistics
- Three letters of recommendation
- Goal statement
- Resumé/vita reflecting relevant experience
- Writing sample
Degree Requirements
Required Courses: 48 Credit Hours
- Complete all of the following Core Courses: 36 Credit Hours
- Complete all of the following
- Complete the following:
- IHS7103 - Leadership in Academic Health Professions and Sciences (3)
- APK7920 - Kinesiology Colloquium (3)
- APK7981 - Dissertation Proposal Preparation (6)
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- APK6713 - Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
- EEX7527 - Professional Writing Grant Writing in Special Education (3)
- ENC6934 - Writing for Graduate Research Fellowships (0 - 3)
- HSC6737 - Introduction to Clinical Trials (3)
- NGR7916 - Research Grants Process and Proposal Writing (3)
- Other graduate level courses may be accepted to fulfill this requirement with approval by the Graduate Program Director.
- Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following:
- APK6703 - Statistical Methods in Kinesiology (3)
- EDF7403 - Quantitative Methods I (3)
- EDF7405 - Quantitative Methods II (3)
- EDF7406 - Multivariate Statistics in Education (3)
- EDF7410 - Application of Nonparametric and Categorical Data Analysis in Education (3)
- EDF7415 - Latent Variable Modeling In Education (3)
- EDF7427 - Psychometrics (3)
- EDF7463 - Analysis of Survey, Record, and Other Qualitative Data (3)
- EDF7474 - Multilevel Data Analysis In Education (3)
- EDF7476 - Advanced Research Methods (3)
- EDF7488 - Monte Carlo Simulation Research in Education (3)
- EDF7489 - Quantitative Research Synthesis (3)
- HSC6059 - Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in Health Sciences (3)
- HSC6513 - Statistical Methods for Health and Behavioral Research (3)
- HSC6508 - Quantitative Methods in Epidemiology (3)
- Other graduate level courses may be accepted to fulfill this requirement with approval by the Graduate Program Director.
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following:
- Earn at least 4 credits from the following:
- APK7935 - Research Seminar in Kinesiology (1)
- Earn at least 8 credits from the following:
- APK7919 - Doctoral Research (99)
- Complete the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Specialization Courses: 12 Credit Hours
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
- APK6102 - Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (3)
- APK6104 - Youth Physical and Athletic Development (3)
- APK6107C - Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology (3)
- APK6124 - Environmental Exercise Physiology (3)
- APK6127 - Assessment and Evaluation in Kinesiology (3)
- APK6167 - Sport Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids (3)
- APK6170 - Exercise Physiology II (3)
- APK6171 - Exercise Prescription for Special Populations (3)
- APK6176 - Program Design in Strength and Conditioning (3)
- APK6235 - Kinesiology Instrumentation (3)
- APK6909 - Problem Analysis - Review of Literature (3)
- EDF7406 - Multivariate Statistics in Education (3)
- EDF7410 - Application of Nonparametric and Categorical Data Analysis in Education (3)
- EDF7474 - Multilevel Data Analysis In Education (3)
- EDF7488 - Monte Carlo Simulation Research in Education (3)
- APK6168 - Exercise, Nutrition and Weight Control (3)
- APK6118C - Neuromuscular Physiology of Human Movement (3)
- PHT6115C - Gross Anatomy/Neuroscience I (6)
- PHT6118C - Gross Anatomy/Neuroscience II (6)
- APK6116 - Exercise Physiology I (3)
- APK6111 - Clinical Exercise Physiology (3)
- APK6129C - Clinical Assessment and Exercise Testing (3)
- APK6090 - Professional Practices in Kinesiology (3)
- APK6415 - Exercise Behavior Change and Client Education (3)
- PHT6161C - Neuroplasticity of Human Movement (3)
- APK6173C - Body Composition and Anthropometrics (3)
- APK6612 - Monitoring Training and Athletic Performance (3)
- APK6908 - Independent Study (99)
- EDF7427 - Psychometrics (3)
- EDF7463 - Analysis of Survey, Record, and Other Qualitative Data (3)
- EEX7527 - Professional Writing Grant Writing in Special Education (3)
- ENC6934 - Writing for Graduate Research Fellowships (0 - 3)
- HSC6737 - Introduction to Clinical Trials (3)
- NGR7916 - Research Grants Process and Proposal Writing (3)
- EDF7405 - Quantitative Methods II (3)
- EDF7415 - Latent Variable Modeling In Education (3)
- EDF7476 - Advanced Research Methods (3)
- EDF7489 - Quantitative Research Synthesis (3)
- HSC6059 - Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses in Health Sciences (3)
- HSC6513 - Statistical Methods for Health and Behavioral Research (3)
- HSC6508 - Quantitative Methods in Epidemiology (3)
- EDF7403 - Quantitative Methods I (3)
- Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
- Additional graduate-level coursework may be accepted for use as Specialization credit upon program approval.
- Complete all of the following
Dissertation
15 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Doctoral students must present a prospectus for the dissertation to the doctoral adviser, prepare a proposal and present it to the dissertation committee, and defend the final research submission with the dissertation committee. All students must complete the candidacy examination prior to enrolling in Dissertation.
- Earn at least 15 credits from the following:
- APK7980 - Dissertation (99)
Candidacy Requirements
0 Total Credits
- The following are required to be admitted to candidacy for the Kinesiology Ph.D. and to enroll in dissertation hours:
- Submission of an approved program of study.
- Completion of all graduate course work, except for dissertation hours, with an overall 3.0 GPA.
- Proof of current professional certification(s) demonstrating industry-relevant competencies.
- Formation of a qualifying examination committee consisting of approved graduate faculty and graduate faculty scholars.
- Successful completion of the qualifying examination/pre-dissertation project.
- Formation of a dissertation advisory committee consisting of approved graduate faculty and graduate faculty scholars.
- Successful defense of the written dissertation proposal which serves as the candidacy examination.
Qualifying Examination
0 Total Credits
- The purpose of the Qualifying Examination is to evaluate the student's depth and breadth of knowledge in the field of study, including theory and research methodology. The Qualifying Examination is intended to be completed near the end of the second year of study and must be completed prior to taking the Candidacy Exam. Students must be enrolled in the university during the semester an examination is taken. Details about the Qualifying Exam can be found in the Kinesiology PhD Student Handbook.
Candidacy Examination
0 Total Credits
- The purpose of the Candidacy Examination is to evaluate the student's proposed research plan for their dissertation. The Candidacy Examination is completed after the Qualifying Examination and includes both a written dissertation proposal and an oral presentation of the proposal. Details about the Qualifying Exam can be found in the Kinesiology PhD Student Handbook.