PhD in Kinesiology (Human Movement Science)

Introduction

The Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Human Movement Science is a premier, research-oriented doctoral program designed for advanced scholarly study in the research areas of athletic training, biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, and motor control and learning. Students engage in rigorous coursework and conduct original, cutting-edge research alongside esteemed faculty in state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms.

The program delivers a balanced, in-depth understanding of the science of human movement, equipping graduates with the advanced analytical and technical skills necessary for research-intensive careers in university, government, and industry settings.

Highlights

• Three- to four-year program for those who have completed a master’s degree
• Kinesiology doctoral program ranked in top 10 by the National Academy of Kinesiology
• Access to well-equipped research laboratories
• Limited number of assistantships available on a competitive basis

Curriculum

This rigorous, research-oriented doctoral program offers ample opportunities to acquire the advanced scholarly expertise and foundational research experience necessary for a successful post-doctoral or professional career. Blending face-to-face instruction with the real-world issues found in practical experience, the curriculum balances academic depth with hands-on application.

Through a minimum of 30 hours of course work, dedicated research, and a comprehensive dissertation, students focus their training in one of the following research areas:

• Athletic Training
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Exercise Psychology
• Motor Control and Learning

Students will work with a major professor and advisory committee to design a course of study based on their 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 quantitative or qualitative research methodology
• One course in research methods in kinesiology
• At least three of the four core graduate courses (Advanced Exercise Psychology, Advanced Biomechanics, Advanced Motor Control and Learning, Advanced Exercise Physiology)
• Minimum of one credit hour of doctoral research
• Minimum of three credit hours of doctoral dissertation

Elective coursework commonly includes:

• Advanced nutrition
• Measurement in physical activity
• Grant writing
• Research design
• Statistical analysis
• Emergency care
• Neuromuscular mechanisms in exercise
• Exercise epidemiology
• Cognitive psychology

Faculty

• Athletic Training: Caroline Lisee , Rob Lynall , Julianne Schmidt

• Biomechanics: Deborah Barany , Caroline Lisee , Rob Lynall , Chris Modlesky , Jing Xu , Julianne Schmidt , Shijun Yan

• Exercise Physiology: John Akins , Jamie Cooper , Chris Modlesky ,Michael Schmidt , Tony Wolf

• Exercise Psychology: Pat O’Connor , Sami Yli-Piipari

• Motor Control and Learning: Deborah Barany , Chris Modlesky , Jing Xu , Shijun Yan

How to Apply

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.

Start A Graduate School Application

Admission to the program is competitive and considers a number of factors. In most cases, you should already have completed a master’s degree and thesis. In some cases, candidates with only a bachelor’s degree will be admitted if they meet the following formula: undergraduate GPA x 1000 x GRE verbal + GRE quantitative = 4300.

Applicants also must have a minimum of:

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• A background in physical and biological science is recommended. Example courses include:
• College physics
• Introductory college chemistry
• Biology
• Physiology
• Introductory college biomechanics

For international applicants, please consult the University’s English Language Proficiency Requirements .

We also expect you to have a background in physical and biological science, including:

• College physics
• Introductory college chemistry
• Biology
• Physiology
• Exercise science
• Math through integral calculus, engineering mechanics, and computer science knowledge are also desirable

Prospective Graduate Student Application Checklist

The following should be uploaded to the Graduate School’s application:

• Unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
• Statement of Purpose
  • Statement of Purpose should summarize your career goals and how the degree program would help you attain those identified goals.
  • If applying to the Ph.D. program, ensure you describe your research interests and how your interests fit with a specific faculty member as listed in the research areas above.
• A CV or resume
• Contact information for three references

Deadline To Apply

January 10

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