Program highlights

• Specialize in community health, exercise and sport science, or health and physical education teaching
• Apply for a funded graduate research or teaching assistantship
• Study full-time or part-time

What will you learn in the kinesiology doctorate program?

The program combines in-depth coursework with hands-on research opportunities and customized mentoring. You have opportunities to apply for grants, present at scientific conferences, and publish your original work in scholarly journals.

Program curriculum

The Ph.D. in kinesiology requires 78 credits beyond the undergraduate degree, including:

• 15 credits of research methods
• 18 credits of a culminating dissertation
• Major coursework that aligns with your career goals 

You’ll work closely with your major advisor to create a tailored plan of work that aligns with your specific interests and career goals.

Review the Doctor of Philosophy in kinesiology program catalog.

Three concentration options to suit your career goals

Tailor your Ph.D. experience to match your interests by choosing from three concentrations within the kinesiology program. No matter which concentration you choose, you’ll build the skills and experience to succeed as a researcher and educator in higher education and beyond.

Community Health

Examine the social, environmental and behavioral factors that influence health outcomes and prepare to develop strategies for promoting healthier lifestyles and preventing diseases within communities.

Exercise and Sport Science

Explore the mechanisms behind physical performance, the effects of exercise on the body, and strategies for optimizing athletic training and conditioning.

Health and physical education teaching

Build the knowledge and skills you need to effectively teach health-related topics and physical education.

Conduct cutting-edge kinesiology research

Hands-on research is a core component of the doctoral program. In the classroom, you learn about active research programs in the field of kinesiology and participate in discussions with faculty and guest lecturers. Beyond the classroom, you explore your scholarly interests through independent research and collaborate with faculty members on innovative projects.

In recent years, our Ph.D. students have conducted research ranging from the effect of blood flow restriction training on performance changes to using social cognitive theory to predict physical activity participation for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

Careers with a Ph.D. degree in kinesiology

In an increasingly sedentary society, the need for a scientific approach to exercise and human performance is m

ore urgent than ever. A Ph.D. in kinesiology opens up a range of rewarding career opportunities in academia, research or clinical practice. It can also lead to opportunities in other industries that employ Ph.D.-trained professionals in exercise, health, wellness, human performance and disease prevention. 

Here are some potential career paths you can pursue with a Ph.D. in kinesiology:

• Research scientist 
• University professor 
• Sports scientist 
• Public health specialist 
• Policy analyst 
• Health education administrator

Funding opportunities for your Ph.D. degree

We want to invest in you. We award hundreds of scholarships each year, and we also offer generous assistantships and research funding:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships, which provide funding in exchange for a maximum of 20 hours of instructional support in courses such as our Lifestyle Fitness Activities program
• Graduate Research Assistantships, which give you the chance to support faculty research through activities such as literature reviews, data analysis, report/publication writing and presentations at national research meetings  
• The Dean’s Doctoral Research Fund, which provides up to $1,000 in funding for doctoral research projects in the College of Education

Learn more about graduate funding opportunities.

Admission requirements

Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School and the Division. In addition, you must have the following:

• Undergraduate and master's degrees from nationally accredited colleges or universities
• Verification of a faculty member from the division willing to serve as your major advisor 

Application deadlines

• Fall (classes begin in September): June 1
• Winter (classes begin in January): October 1

Learn more about graduate admissions at the College of Education.

Learn more about Wayne State University’s Ph.D. in kinesiology

Realize your full potential and advance knowledge in the exciting world of human movement, exercise science and physical performance.

• Want to find out more about kinesiology at Wayne State? Request more information