Start your journey
Support health through innovation and real-world application with a PhD in kinesiology
Our kinesiology doctoral program prepares students to excel in research, teaching, clinical, and leadership roles. As a student in the program, you'll develop expertise by choosing an area of specialization, called an emphasis area, to focus your studies, while being exposed to other interdisciplinary work.
In addition, you'll further your development through teaching opportunities, conducting research with faculty, and attending and presenting at conferences.
Upon graduation, you'll have the technical expertise and interdisciplinary perspective necessary to drive innovation in human movement and health.
Careers
A PhD in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota prepares graduates for leadership roles in research, academia, and industry. Our alumni bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application.
Tenure-track faculty and postdoctoral research positions at top-tier universities and medical schools
Lead scientists for government agencies (NIH, CDC, Department of Defense) and private industry (medical devices, wearable tech, and ergonomics)
Directors of clinical exercise physiology and rehabilitation in major hospital systems and specialty clinics
Sports scientists and performance directors for professional sports teams (NFL, NBA, MLS) and Olympic training centers
Analysts and specialists focusing on physical activity promotion and national health initiatives
How to apply
Applications for the kinesiology PhD program must be submitted by December 1.
- Application deadline: December 1
- Admission decision: January/February
- Assistantship decision: January/February
All admission communication will be sent via email. Potential students who have not received an admission decision notice by late March should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.
1. Satisfy admission requirements
The School of Kinesiology follows the University’s requirements for graduate program admission. International students must complete additional steps for their application.
2. Identify a potential emphasis area and contact potential faculty advisors
Admission to our research-based programs (MS and PhD) runs through individual faculty members who choose to accept students that match their area of research.
Potential applicants should decide an emphasis area of interest and contact a faculty member associated with that area. Contacting the faculty member allows you to learn more about this area and the faculty’s capacity for taking on new students.
3. Prepare your application materials
The following materials are required to submit an application for our graduate programs. You're encouraged to review the application material guidelines as you prepare.
- Personal statement
- Research statement
- Writing sample
- Three letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcript
- Application fee
Please note: No GRE or GMAT is required to apply.
4. Apply online by December 1
All applications are submitted online through the University of Minnesota Graduate School. Letters of recommendation must also be submitted by the December 1 deadline, so reach out early in advance.
Tuition and funding
Tuition
Visit the University’s tuition page for tuition information. Information relevant to this program is found in the College of Education and Human Development section of the page.
Financial aid
For qualified applicants, the University and the School of Kinesiology may provide financial assistance in forms of fellowships, scholarships and assistantships. Note that some of them require U.S. citizenship. An assistantship typically comes in form as a teaching or research assistantship and provides a tuition waiver and health insurance. Other funding opportunities can come from:
- College of Education and Human Development fellowships and scholarships
- University of Minnesota financial aid opportunities
- Funding webpage for additional opportunities.
- Students admitted to the MS or PhD programs will be considered for assistantship funding by their admitting advisor and/or other members of the emphasis group area
Request information
Coursework
The program requires 60-72 credits to be completed, which include coursework in your emphasis area and research-based thesis credits. You’ll work closely with your faculty advisor to develop a course plan tailored to you.
In addition to coursework, doctoral students complete:
- Written preliminary examination to assess your foundational and emphasis-area knowledge
- Oral preliminary examination to evaluate your ability to synthesize research and defend key concepts
- Final defense of your original research contributing to the field of kinesiology
Areas of emphasis
The PhD in kinesiology is designed to develop knowledge and research expertise within your chosen area of specialization, called an emphasis area. The program supports interdisciplinary learning while allowing you to focus on an area that aligns with your interests and professional goals.
Contact
We’re here to help. Get in touch with our Graduate Studies Office through the request information form or contact one of our staff.
