Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program

The doctoral program trains students for research and teaching in higher education and for research careers in medical schools and other agencies and facilities that conduct research.

Ph.D. program applicants must indicate their choice of one of three intended areas of academic specialization: Biomechanics and Motor Systems, Physical Activity and Health, or Physiology.

Before being formally accepted into the program applicants must also correspond with an adviser in one of the specialty areas concerning sponsorship for the Ph.D. and permission to work in a designated specialty area.

A minimum of 72 post-baccalaureate credit hours, including research credits and formal coursework credits, are required, as well as graduate seminar credits. These include a minimum 24 credits of formal coursework, a minimum 30 credits (including 12 for the dissertation) for research, credits for graduate seminar (requirement for every semester student is in residence, [1 credit each semester]) and a minimum of either 12, 3, and 3 credits or 9, 6, and 3 credits in the student’s major and minor and a third area of specialization.

In addition to these standard credit requirements, faculty sponsors may, on a case-by-case basis require specific additional coursework and research credits.