Program Overview

Program Overview

The Doctoral Degree (PhD) in Exercise Science is designed for students who are passionate about human physiology, physical performance, and health, and wish to conduct advanced research in areas like fitness, sports medicine, or rehabilitation. This program prepares graduates for careers as university professors, exercise physiologists, sports scientists, or clinical researchers, equipping them with the expertise to develop evidence-based interventions, optimize athletic performance, and advance health outcomes in diverse populations.

Objectives

The objectives of the program are to:

• Provide a multidisciplinary doctoral program in exercise science with coordinated and expanded course offerings to meet the varied needs and interests of students wishing to pursue a research and/or academic career in the exercise science areas of exercise physiology or biomechanics.
• Develop scientific expertise and knowledge of resources which will enable students to conduct independent research in their given area of expertise.
• Foster cooperative interdisciplinary research.
• Provide opportunities for critical interdisciplinary evaluation of current research trends.
• Participate in guided research projects of sufficiently complex scope and design to prepare students for conducting their own research.
• Prepare leaders to educate others in the area of exercise science.

Program Details

• The program is offered by the College of Education.
• Credential: PhD
• Tuition/Credit Hour:
  • Resident: $825.50
  • Non-Resident: $2,060.50

Admission Requirements

Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed, those will also apply.

Application Requirements

Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed, those will also apply.

Application Deadlines

Domestic

• Fall: 07/24/2026
• Spring: 12/12/2025
• Summer: 04/18/2026

International

• Fall: 04/15/2026
• Spring: 09/15/2025

What You'll Learn

Degree requirements, course descriptions, and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

Funding Options

As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program.