Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Movement Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Human Movement Science is a program designed to equip students with advanced training in human movement science research and education. This program prepares students to advance education, research, and clinical practice in physical therapy, kinesiology, and other movement sciences.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Human Movement Science is a new program that emphasizes innovation and trains students to conduct research that expands the knowledge base and meets the growing demand for human movement science educators and researchers. The program meets the same standards of excellence as Oakland's other graduate health science programs and offers a flexible format, including online course options, allowing students to earn the human movement science doctorate while working.

The Oakland University Advantage

The nation's aging population has created a rising demand for effective movement science treatments and well-trained clinicians. Oakland's human movement science Ph.D. prepares students to address both of these critical needs. The program offers personalized training, cutting-edge facilities, preeminent faculty, multiple focus areas, and a flexible format.

Program Features

• Personalized training: Small and intimate, the human movement science Ph.D. program fosters close relationships between students and faculty, providing one-on-one attention and mentorship.
• Cutting-edge facilities: Oakland's School of Health Sciences offers modern research labs outfitted with state-of-the-art technology in movement analysis and exercise physiology and simulation.
• Preeminent faculty: Students learn from and collaborate with active researchers who are at the forefront of innovation in human movement science.
• Multiple focus areas: The Ph.D. in human movement science offers subject-matter concentrations in public health, oncology rehabilitation, orthopedic manual physical therapy, and education.
• Flexible format: Students can earn the human movement science Ph.D. on either a part-time or full-time basis, taking courses on campus and/or online.

Career Opportunities

The human movement science Ph.D. program gives students the foundation for careers in research, education, and practice leadership, covering all movement science disciplines, including physical therapy, kinesiology, sports medicine, orthopedic rehabilitation, and pediatric and geriatric care. Upon graduation, students are qualified for leadership jobs with a wide range of employers, including:

• Universities and colleges
• Research hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Sports medicine centers
• Rehabilitation hospitals

Human Movement Science Ph.D. Curriculum

The Ph.D. in human movement science requires completion of 80 credits of coursework beyond a bachelor's degree, culminating in a research dissertation. Coursework includes a 34-credit core, plus a concentration requirement that can be fulfilled by completing a graduate certificate, research specialization, or other approved set of related coursework. Areas of concentration include:

• Clinical exercise science
• Corporate and worksite wellness
• Exercise science
• Oncology rehabilitation
• Orthopedic manual physical therapy
• Orthopedics
• Teaching and learning for rehabilitation professionals

Academic Requirements

If students have previously earned a master's degree from an accredited university, they may be permitted to count up to 32 credits toward the human movement science Ph.D. (or up to 36 credits for a previously earned Ph.D. in physical therapy or a related field).

Related Programs

For students who are not sure if the human movement science Ph.D. is right for them, Oakland University offers other graduate programs, including:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy in Physical Therapy
• Master of Science in Exercise Science
• Master of Public Health

Accreditation

Oakland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.