Program Overview

PhD in Exercise Physiology

The PhD in Exercise Physiology is focused on training students to prepare for academic research careers related to exercise and physical activity to prevent and treat chronic health-related conditions, health and well-being, and the underlying physiological and/or behavioral mechanisms.

Program Overview

The degree prepares students for academic careers focused on research, teaching, mentoring, and translation of research findings to a variety of settings. For students interested in primarily an academic research career, this degree will also prepare students for post-doctoral fellowships.

Program Facts

• Degree Type: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Credits: 72 credits
• Format: In-Person
• Time Commitment: Full-Time or Part-Time
• Duration: 3-5 years on average
• Enrollment Term: Fall
• Application Deadline: December 1

Admissions Requirements

• No GRE Exam is required
• Applicants must demonstrate completion of a related degree and/or course work that are foundational to exercise physiology.
• The applicant also needs to demonstrate a desire to pursue doctoral training in an area of study that is matched to the focus of graduate faculty in the department who may serve as their mentor, with a particular interest in pursuit of an academic research career.
• Applicants must complete the School of Education online admissions application that will include:
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Goal statement
  • Contact information for three professional references
  • Academic transcript
  • Writing sample

Curriculum

The PhD in Clinical Exercise Physiology is a 72-credit program. The curriculum consists of study through research methods, major-area courses, electives, a research practicum, first-year seminars, and an original dissertation created by the student.

Credit Transfer

A maximum of 30 credits from the masters degree, plus 9 post masters doctoral-level courses may be applied to the doctoral plan of studies.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum of 72 credits
• Successful completion of Preliminary Comprehensive Examination
• Successful completion of doctoral dissertation

Program Faculty

The program faculty includes:

• Christopher Kline, Associate Professor
• Sirry Alang, Professor and Associate Dean for Equity and Justice
• April Chambers, Associate Professor
• Kelli Davis, Associate Professor of Practice
• Benjamin DH Gordon, Assistant Professor
• Duck-chul Lee, Director, Physical Activity Research Center (PARC), Professor
• Sharon Ross, Associate Professor and Interim Director, Office of Child Development

Research Areas

Current research expertise of the faculty includes:

• Obesity and Body Weight Regulation
• Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
• Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Chronic Disease
• Physical Activity Programming for Health and Fitness
• Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents
• Technology-Based Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
• Perceptual Responses to Physical Activity and Exercise

Collaborate with Faculty

The student will work closely with their faculty mentor to develop a plan of study and research experiences.