College of Education and Human Development

School of Kinesiology

Kinesiology PhD

A PhD in kinesiology prepares students for a career in academics, teaching, research, or clinical settings. Students will work closely with a faculty advisor with expertise in their area of interest to conduct research and write a dissertation. The PhD program explores kinesiology through an interdisciplinary curriculum approach across emphasis areas in the life sciences and social sciences. 

Graduate funding

Our programs have multiple types of funding opportunities. View our graduate funding webpage for more information.

87% PHD STUDENTS WHO RECEIVED FULL OR PARTIAL FUNDING*
4.5 years AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE OUR PHD PROGRAM
62% PHD STUDENTS WHO HAVE PUBLISHED ONE OR MORE PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS*

* Fall 2020 data

Emphasis areas

All students pursuing a kinesiology PhD will select their emphasis area and faculty advisor prior to applying. Students should review the emphasis area options and the associated faculty below for more information. Make sure to choose an emphasis area that aligns with your future career goals and research interests.

Questions about an emphasis area?

Contact the faculty member(s) who are associated with the emphasis area you're interested in. These faculty can be found by clicking on an emphasis area below.

Emphasis: Biomechanics and neuromotor control Emphasis: Biomechanics and neuromotor control

Provides advanced knowledge for understanding how the human nervous system controls movement and how the neurological disease affects motor function. Students will focus on the application of the laws of physics to the motion of biological systems

Emphasis: Sport and exercise psychology Emphasis: Sport and exercise psychology

Explores the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people in physical activity contexts. Research focuses on participants of competitive sport, exercise and fitness, sports medicine and rehabilitation, physical education, and health and wellness

Emphasis: Sport sociology Emphasis: Sport sociology

Focuses on the scientific study of human behavior and social organization in the sport context. The primary objective is to attempt to identify, describe, and explain the role and relationship of sport in society

Please configure this component to see content.

How to apply

Before you apply

Before you apply review the MS/MA vs MEd information. All master's programs are designed to educate students in their chosen degree path and prepare them for professional or academic work. Read through the MS/MA versus MEd comparison page to decide which program is the best fit for you.

It is highly recommended that applicants contact the professor they are interested in working with before applying online. It helps facilitate the application process and familiarizes the professor with applicants and their interests.

Questions?

We’re here to help. Get in touch with our Graduate Studies Office through the request information form or contact one of our staff.

Juergen Konczak Juergen Konczak

  • Professor, Biomechanics and Neuromotor Control; Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)
  • 612-624-4370
  • jkonczak@umn.edu

Director, Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory Director, Center for Clinical Movement Science Faculty, Center for Cognitive Sciences Faculty, Graduate Program in Neuroscience Adjunct Professor of Neurology Director, Human Sensorimotor Control…

Image
Juergen Konczak
Please specify content to reference
Please specify content to reference