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PhD in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology)

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Undertake in-depth studies and original research into how the body responds to human movement and study ways to encourage habitual exercise and physical activity across the lifespan with a PhD in Kinesiology specialization in exercise physiology.

You will work with esteemed faculty in our well-equipped laboratories to complete your dissertation and prepare for research-intensive careers in university, government, or private sector settings.

Program Highlights

  1. Three- to four-year program for those who have completed a master's degree
  2. Kinesiology doctoral program ranked in top 10 by the National Academy of Kinesiology
  3. Access to well-equipped research laboratories
  4. Engage in research throughout the course of the program
  5. Interdisciplinary focus with collaborative faculty

Curriculum

Overview of Academic Demands

Through this specialization, you will undertake advanced scholarly study and research into exercise physiology.

Through a minimum of 30 hours of coursework, plus research and a dissertation, you will build in-depth knowledge in your area of specialization as well as proficiency in designing and conducting research. You will also engage in active research throughout the course of the program in our well-equipped research laboratories.

You will work with an advisory committee to design a course of study based on your background, interests, and career goals. All students, however, must complete the following:

  • Four hours of a research seminar, including a one-hour seminar for new doctoral students
  • Two courses in statistics
  • A minimum of three hours of doctoral dissertation work
  • You may use courses taken as part of your master's degree to fulfill requirements

Coursework commonly includes:

  • Advanced exercise physiology (metabolic, neuromuscular, clinical, cardiovascular)
  • Advanced nutrition (sport, chronic disease)
  • Measurement of physical activity
  • Physical activity and exercise interventions
  • Grant writing
  • Research design
  • Statistical analysis

At the culmination of the program, you will demonstrate proficiency in research, scholarship, and knowledge in your field to your major professor and advisory committee through the successful completion of a dissertation.

Our faculty have expertise in a range of subjects, with si faculty members who serve as advisors to students in the exercise physiology emphasis:

  • Jarrod Call (director, Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction Lab)
  • Ellen Evans (director, Center for Physical Activity and Health and the Body Composition and Metabolism Lab)
  • Nathan Jenkins (director, Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology Lab)
  • Kevin McCully (director, Exercise Muscle Physiology Lab)
  • Chris Modlesky (director, Neuromusculoskeletal Health Laboratory)
  • Michael Schmidt (director, Physical Activity Measurement Lab)

Admissions

The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.

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Deadline to Apply

January 10

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Additional Resources

Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition and Financial Aid

Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.

Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.

Tuition Rates Browse Financial Aid

Meet Your Advisor

Meet Your Advisor

Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.

Find Your Advisor

Student Life

Student Life

You will gain hands-on experience in our many well-equipped research laboratories, including labs to study body composition and metabolism, exercise muscle physiology, integrative cardiovascular physiology, physical activity measurement, and skeletal muscle dysfunction.

Our Center for Physical Activity and Health, which offers supervised exercise opportunities for university faculty and staff and the Athens community, provides additional opportunities to apply what you are learning, including interdisciplinary translational research, education, and outreach.

Our faculty members believe in team science, which allows you to participate in research projects across many labs and disciplines. Also, you may participate in research funded by grants from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Book A Campus Visit

See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.

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