Kinesiology, PhD

Program Overview

The Kinesiology PhD program at the University of Central Florida prepares students to become teacher-scholars and leaders in the field of kinesiology. The program emphasizes research, teaching, and collaboration with healthcare and sports organizations. Students choose from two areas of specialization and complete a dissertation project. The program has a strong job placement rate and offers cutting-edge research facilities and experienced faculty.

Program Outline

The program focuses on exploration of human movement, applied physiology, sports performance, sports medicine, and clinical rehabilitation. Students will become proficient in conducting research, interpreting and applying their findings to impact professional practice.

Outline:

The Kinesiology, PhD program requires a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. Students must complete:

• 24 credit hours of foundational research core courses:
• APK6703 - Statistical Methods in Kinesiology (3)
• APK6713 - Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
• EDF7403 - Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research (3)
• EDF7405 - Quantitative Methods II (3)
• APK7981 - Dissertation Proposal Preparation (3)
• IHS7103 - Leadership in Academic Health Professions and Sciences (3)
• At least 6 credits from IDS7500 - Seminar in Educational Research (1 - 99)
• 24 credit hours of specialization elective courses:
• At least 24 credits from the following:
• APK6102 - Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology (3)
• APK6104 - Youth Physical and Athletic Development (3)
• APK6107C - Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology (3)
• APK6124 - Environmental Exercise Physiology (3)
• APK6127 - Assessment and Evaluation in Kinesiology (3)
• APK6167 - Sport Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids (3)
• APK6170 - Exercise Physiology II (3)
• APK6176 - Program Design in Strength and Conditioning (3)
• APK6235 - Kinesiology Instrumentation (3)
• APK6909 - Problem Analysis - Review of Literature (3)
• EDF7406 - Multivariate Statistics in Education (3)
• EDF7410 - Application of Nonparametric and Categorical Data Analysis in Education (3)
• EDF7474 - Multilevel Data Analysis In Education (3)
• EDF7488 - Monte Carlo Simulation Research in Education (3)
• APK6168 - Exercise, Nutrition and Weight Control (3)
• APK6118C - Neuromuscular Physiology of Human Movement (3)
• PHT6115C - Gross Anatomy/Neuroscience I (6)
• PHT6118C - Gross Anatomy/Neuroscience II (6)
• APK6116 - Exercise Physiology I (3)
• APK6111 - Clinical Exercise Physiology (3)
• APK6129C - Clinical Assessment and Exercise Testing (3)
• APK6090 - Professional Practices in Kinesiology (3)
• APK6415 - Exercise Behavior Change and Client Education (3)
• PHT6161C - Neuroplasticity of Human Movement (3)
• APK6173C - Body Composition and Anthropometrics (3)
• APK6612 - Monitoring Training and Athletic Performance (3)
• 15 credit hours of dissertation:

Teaching:

Doctoral students learn through collaborative opportunities with local healthcare and fitness facilities, sports organizations, and the UCF Sports Science Initiative. Ample research opportunities help students foster a team-approach to healthcare and wellness through interdisciplinary research conducted with faculty through the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science. Students contribute to educating future clinicians and scientists with research and teaching in a robust undergraduate kinesiology program.

Careers:

Potential career paths include:

• University Professor
• Sport Scientist
• Clinical Research Scientist
• Postdoctoral Fellow

Other:

• The Kinesiology, PhD program has had a 100% job placement for graduates since 2011.
• The kinesiology field is expected to see 10-20% employment growth over the next decade.
• The program is offered by the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, home to the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science in the College of Health Professions and Sciences.
• The degree program combines state-of-the-art research facilities using cutting-edge technology with high quality and innovative instruction and curriculum.
• The program welcomes students from a variety of educational backgrounds including the biological and health-related professions, exercise science, physical education, or athletic training.
• Students must present a prospectus for the dissertation to the doctoral adviser, prepare a proposal and present it to the dissertation committee, and defend the final research submission with the dissertation committee.
• All students must complete the candidacy examination prior to enrolling in Dissertation.
• The purpose of the Qualifying Examination is to evaluate the student’s depth and breadth of knowledge in the field of study, including theory and research methodology.
• The Qualifying Examination is intended to be completed near the end of the second year of study and must be completed prior to taking the Candidacy Exam.
• The purpose of the Candidacy Examination is to evaluate the student’s proposed research plan for their dissertation.
• The Candidacy Examination is completed after the Qualifying Examination and includes both a written dissertation proposal and an oral presentation of the proposal.