College of Education, DEPARTMENT OF KINESIOLOGY & HEALTH PROMOTION Exercise Science (Ph.D.)

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The Ph.D. in Exercise Science offers two specializations: biomechanics or exercise physiology. The degree gives students an understanding of the full spectrum of exercise science and an in-depth knowledge in the selected specialization. Our graduates conduct exercise science-related research, teach at the university level, direct discipline-specific education programs, and collaborate with other professionals on various issues pertaining to exercise science and health-related topics.

Delivery Method: In-person

Credit Hours: 36+

Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion

Application Deadlines

Spring: December 1

Summer: April 1

Fall: February 1

Timeline

Each program requires 36+ credit hours prior to sitting for the qualifying exam, followed by the completion of a dissertation. The student's course plan is determined in consultation with the student and their approved advisory committee. The dissertation is guided and approved by the student’s dissertation committee.

The Exercise Science Core includes 20 hours and provides the student with a broad understanding of the various disciplines involved in this field. Each student must also take at least 7 hours in research/statistic coursework and 3 hours of computer programming or demonstrate proficiency in programming. Beyond this minimum of 30 hours, the structure and content of the doctoral program are set by an advisor and committee in consultation with each student. The number of formal courses within each area of specialization may vary. It is expected that the depth of knowledge in each area of study comes from independent study and research experiences, in addition to the dissertation, which are under the faculty's direction. Each student will demonstrate their depth of knowledge by their qualifying exams. Typically, it will take from 3-5 years for the student to complete the degree requirements including the dissertation.

Faculty

Biomechanics	Exercise Physiology
Fan Gao, Ph.D.	Mark Abel, Ph.D.
Mike Samaan, Ph.D.	Haley Bergstrom, Ph.D.
	Stuart Best, Ph.D.
	Lance Bollinger, Ph.D.
	Jody Clasey, Ph.D.

Affiliated Faculty

Biomechanics	Exercise Physiology
Tim Butterfield, Ph.D., ATC	Tim Butterfield, Ph.D., ATC
Brian Noehren, PT, Ph.D.	Darren Johnson, M.D.
Tim Uhl, Ph.D., ATC	Tim Uhl, Ph.D., ATC

Curriculum

Each student will be expected to develop an in-depth understanding in one of the offered disciplines of biomechanics or exercise physiology. The coursework taken in this area will be developed with faculty members with expertise in that area and will take into account the student’s background. Coursework will include appropriate advanced professional disciplinary topics and electives in related areas.

To assure a thorough understanding of the instructional and research issues in exercise science, each student’s research and instructional competencies will be assessed. Students who lack prior research experience will be required to complete a research project under a faculty member's supervision, which will serve as preparation for the dissertation. In addition, in order to prepare students for their future roles as faculty members, a supervised teaching experience will be provided. This experience may be fulfilled by formal seminars or in other supervised teaching arranged by the supervisor.

Learn more about how to apply below.

CV

Personal Statement

Submit a statement of your professional aspirations and explain how you believe graduate study at the University of Kentucky will enhance your ability to achieve those professional goals. In your statement, provide information about your background, research skills and experiences, personal and professional achievements, and educational, work or life experiences that influenced you and your life goals.

Writing Sample

Students who have not written a master's level thesis will be required to submit an example of their research writing. A literature review or project from a completed class are acceptable examples for submission for application. Special circumstances will be considered at the discretion of the applicant’s designated potential advisor.

A master's degree or graduate level professional (e.g. M.D.) degree from a fully accredited institution of higher learning.

The Graduate School of the University of Kentucky requires an overall grade point of 3.0 on all prior graduate work and a 2.75 from undergraduate work.

For the Graduate School, the minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based) 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5; Submitted scores must be no more than two years old.

Four letters of recommendation

EXCEPTION: For application to the Biomechanics program only: A total of 3 reference letters are required, with a minimum of 2 out of 3 of these letters being submitted by someone with a terminal degree (i.e. Ph.D., M.D., Ed.D., etc.)

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Information on assistantships is available here.

Mentor-based admissions

The Ph.D. program in exercise science uses a mentor-based admission process. This means students are admitted into the program under the direct supervision of a specific faculty member. Other programs may admit students without a faculty mentor, and then allow the students to decide on their primary advisor over a period of time. Our program makes this link between the student and the faculty mentor from the beginning. This link can occur during the application process, or the student could identify the faculty member with whom they wish to work prior to applying to the program. The ultimate decision then lies with each faculty member within a given specialization (i.e., biomechanics or exercise physiology). Therefore, even though a student might qualify for the program based on the admission criteria, they might be denied admission because they do not have a faculty member willing to accept them as a student. We believe this system provides the greatest benefit to the development of the graduate student and faculty advisor.

With this system, it is advantageous for the student to initiate conversations with a potential faculty advisor well before applying to the program. We encourage you to contact potential advisors and initiate one-on-one conversations to discuss research interests and potential dissertation areas. If you are attending national conferences, you might be able to schedule a meeting with them there.

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