Program Overview

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

Overview

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.

Admissions

The admissions process for the Doctor of Philosophy in the Field of Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition (STEM) program requires students to fulfill specific requirements, which can be found on the relevant university website.

Requirements

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
  • 9 to 11 credits in dissertation research

Course List

• Required:
  • Core PhD program courses:
    • PUBH 8001: Doctor of Philosophy Seminar on Cross-Cutting Concepts in Public Health
    • PUBH 8416: Study Design and Evaluation Methods
    • or PUBH 6247: Epidemiologic Methods I: Design of Health Studies
    • or PUBH 6495: Field Trial Methods and Application
    • PUBH 8418: Applied Statistical Analysis
    • or PUBH 6862: Applied Linear Regression Analysis for Public Health Research
    • PUBH 8435: PhD Dissertation Proposal Development
    • PUBH 8475: Research Ethics and Integrity in Domestic and International Research
    • or PUBH 6421: Responsible Conduct of Research
    • PUBH 6080: Pathways to Public Health 1
  • Foundational courses:
    • EXNS 6202: Advanced Exercise Physiology I
    • PUBH 6619: Fundamentals of Nutrition Science
    • PUBH 6611: Nutrition Assessment
    • EXNS 6810: Advanced Metabolism
    • EXNS 8108: Laboratory Techniques in Human Physiology
    • EXNS 8110: Seminar in Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition (2 credits)
• Electives:
  • At least 12 credits in elective courses relevant to a specialization area
• Dissertation research:
  • EXNS 8999: Dissertation Research (taken for 9 to 11 credits)

Comprehensive Examination

After completion of the course requirements, students take a comprehensive examination based on core courses. Upon successful completion of the examination, students officially enter the doctoral candidacy phase of the program.

Dissertation

Doctoral candidates prepare a written dissertation research proposal with guidance from their dissertation advisor and committee. Each doctoral candidate gives an oral presentation and defense to the committee who determines the student's readiness to commence the dissertation.

Doctoral candidates are required to conduct original research on a contemporary problem or issue. The dissertation includes at least one written manuscript and an oral presentation and defense.

Additional Requirements for Degree Completion

• Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI) training requirement: All students must complete training regarding human subject protection regulation and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
• Integrity quiz and plagiarism requirement: Students must review the university's Code of Academic Integrity, take the quiz within their first semester of study, and ensure documentation is submitted to the relevant office.
• Professional enhancement requirement: Students must attend/participate in eight hours of epidemiology conferences.
• Grade-point average: A minimum program grade-point average of 3.0.
• Time limit: The degree must be completed within seven years of matriculation.