online phd exercise science programs

Kinesiology Doctorate

Online phd in exercise science.

Enroll for July 2024. Become an expert in your field with a doctorate in kinesiology.

Student-Centered Approach to Online Education

Application Deadline: August 19, 2024 Classes Start: September 3, 2024

Earn your degree in kinesiology or sport management.

Generous Transfer Credit

100% online, no gre/gmat, no comp exam, elevate your career with a phd in exercise science.

At CSP Global, our meticulously crafted online PhD in exercise science program bolsters your expertise and sets you apart in the innovative field of exercise science. Gain advanced knowledge, practical skills and unravel the cutting-edge of human performance. This exercise science PhD program explores injury prevention and wellness management through a lens of scientific inquiry.

Why is a PhD in Exercise Science Essential for Your Career?

Profound expertise.

Unlock an in-depth understanding and mastery over key concepts, research methodologies, and practical applications in exercise science .

Global Recognition

A PhD is universally acknowledged as the pinnacle of academic achievement, propelling your credentials to a global stage.

Academic Leadership

Create, lead, and inspire through academic and research positions, influencing the next generation and driving forward the field of exercise science .

Innovation and Development

Be the catalyst for innovation, developing new strategies, methods, and technologies that advance our understanding and application of exercise science .

Online Learning for the Mid-Career Professional

Health professionals often find themselves at a crossroads—wanting to elevate their expertise while balancing ongoing work commitments and personal obligations. The online PhD in exercise science at CSP Global is an innovative solution, offering advanced education and adaptable learning, particularly catered for those well-immersed in their career journey .

Global Access, Local Convenience

Engage with a world-class curriculum without relocating or compromising your professional or personal commitments. Access your coursework, resources and network from anywhere, at any time.

Flexible Learning Environment

Structured with your busy schedule in mind, our program allows you to learn at your own pace, ensuring that your educational journey aligns seamlessly with your professional life.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with like-minded professionals, academicians, and researchers from around the globe, fostering collaborations, and enriching your professional network without geographical barriers.

Skills with Immediate Applicability

Our curriculum is crafted with a balance of theoretical depth and practical applicability, enabling you to integrate cutting-edge skills into your professional repertoire immediately.

No Compromise on Personal Time

Pursue your Ph.D. without sacrificing precious moments with your family and loved ones. Be physically present while propelling your career forward academically.

Accelerate Career Progression

Armed with new knowledge and skills, become a key influencer in your current role and harness improved career prospects, all while continuing in your present position.

A Learning Experience Designed For You

The online PhD in exercise science from CSP Global represents more than an academic journey; it’s a tailor-made pathway allowing mid-career professionals to propel their expertise to the next echelon without pausing their career trajectory. Engage with a learning experience designed with you at its core – flexible, accessible, and unreservedly relevant.

Take a Step Forward with CSP Global – Where Your Career and Learning Advances

Skills Developed through CSP Global’s Exercise Science PhD

Embarking on the journey with CSP Global’s exercise science PhD degree program immerses students in a multifaceted learning experience, including:

• Mastering Research Techniques: Immerse yourself in sophisticated research methodologies and approaches prevalent in human movement. Grasp the nuances of experimental framing, statistical review, and qualitative research strategies.
• Navigating Through Data: Acquire proficiency in dissecting substantial datasets and translating statistical outcomes into insightful conclusions that show findings and inform further research.
• Articulating Scientific Narratives: Cultivate the ability to craft research papers and devise scientific presentations with clarity and precision, translating complex data into accessible information.
• Sharpening Analytical Prowess: Develop the ability to scrutinize research results critically, pinpoint existing research voids, and conceptualize inventive research propositions through honed analytical capabilities.

Through the PhD program, students don’t merely learn; they transform into adept professionals capable of steering the future of exercise science research.

Benefits of Enrolling with CSP Global

Cutting-edge online learning.

Experience the pinnacle of digital education with our innovative, interactive and flexible online learning environment.

World-Class Faculty

Learn from an elite cadre of experienced educators and researchers who are global leaders in the field of exercise science .

Global Network

Become a part of a worldwide network of professionals and researchers, fostering collaborations and expanding your career horizons.

Practical Skill Development

Engage in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing you for the multidimensional challenges of the field.

Get started on evolving your career today. Contact CSP Global for simple first steps.

Core Program Faculty

Dr. matthew buns.

Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Science Director of the Doctorate in Kinesiology

Dr. Buns’s research examines the mechanisms of expertise in sport and the psychological and cognitive factors associated with motor skills. Dr. Buns has published more than 25 scholarly articles in sport and exercise science and is the founding editor of the Track and Cross Country Journal . Learn more about Dr. Buns here .

Dr. Katie Fischer

Associate VP for Academic Affairs and Strategic Program Development

Dr. Fischer’s background in higher education includes administration of in-class and online programs, development of new programs, and collaborative programming. Her academic focus includes public health, epidemiology, leadership, and program administration. Learn more about Dr. Fischer here .

Dr. Lana Huberty

Dean of the College of Kinesiology, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences

Dr. Huberty brings with her a wealth of industry practice in both private and public sport and recreation settings. Research interests and publications focus on sport marketing and sponsorship, gender diversity within sport management, and sport leadership. Learn more about Dr. Huberty here .

Online Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science

Learn More About The Program

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science

Strengthen your knowledge of human performance with a ph.d. in health sciences – exercise and sport science degree online.

Do you want to further your career in research, academia, sports science, exercise physiology, or occupational performance? With Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science, you can prepare to pursue higher-level roles in clinical settings or teach human performance-related topics at the college level. Our goal is to help you thrive as a professor, scientist, scholar, or industry leader.

Throughout this program, you can hone your skill set and prepare to pursue new opportunities as an allied health professional. In particular, you’ll learn about important aspects of sports performance, so you can help athletes achieve peak performance. The knowledge you gain in this program can also help you work with clients and patients who want to accomplish physical wellness goals. Our 100% online courses give you the flexibility to earn a terminal degree from the comfort of your home. Partner with us and prepare to help meet the diverse needs of the healthcare community.

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s Online Exercise and Sport Science Program?

• Healthcare delivery systems, risk management, and evidence-based practices
• Methods for teaching health sciences at the college level
• Sports performance, biomechanics, and physiology

In this program, you’ll explore a variety of advanced topics in health sciences, including leadership, ethical issues, and cultural competency in the field of health sciences. You’ll also study important research methods and conduct original research as you complete the dissertation process. With training from our seasoned faculty, you can prepare to make a positive difference as an allied health professional.

Within the exercise and sport science specialization, you can become equipped to strengthen your effectiveness as a military performance specialist, exercise physiologist, sports scientist, or occupational performance specialist. You’ll learn about practical methods for helping athletes and other clients achieve physical wellness. Some of the topics you’ll study include conditioning, occupational and environmental physiology, assessment and programming, and the effects of performance-enhancing substances.

Potential Careers for Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science Graduates

Depending on your previously obtained certifications and licenses, some of the roles you could pursue after earning this degree include:

• Exercise physiologist
• Human performance specialist
• Nutritional consultant
• Sports scientist
• Strength training and conditioning coach

Benefits of Pursuing Your Doctorate in Exercise and Sport Science with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are  recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank among Niche.com’s  top 3 online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
• You can complete this Ph.D. in Health Sciences – Exercise and Sport Science in as little as 3 years!
• As an online student, you can access a wealth of resources through our top-notch library portal.
• You’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders in sports science and human performance from across the country while pursuing your doctoral degree in exercise and sport science.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more !

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Aug 19, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Academic Quality

These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

Access Academic Support

Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

An Online Education with On-Campus Benefits

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Graduate with your peers

Be inspired by world-renowned speakers at Convocation

Why we’re nonprofit.

As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Financing Options

Financial aid.

Nearly 80% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid. Virginia residents may qualify for additional aid — learn more !

Corporate Tuition Assistance

Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you pay only a portion of your balance up front. You submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay the remaining balance for your classes.

Tuition Discounts

Qualified military service members, veterans, and their spouses can receive up to 55% off their tuition rate for eligible programs!

Contact one of our Admissions Counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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Ph.D. in Human Movement Science

School of Health Sciences This doctoral degree program is designed for physical therapists as well as exercise science and movement science professionals interested in obtaining the relevant knowledge and skills to conduct research in the field of human movement science, teach the topic in a higher education environment or serve as a leader in the field.

The 100% online option is available to students who choose to complete their elective credit requirement in Oncology Rehabilitation or Teaching and Learning for Health Science Professionals.  Please contact the PhD coordinator, Kris Thompson, PT, PhD at  [email protected]  to discuss the 100% online option prior to applying. Delivery Type:  100% Online and on-campus Credit required/Time to completion: 80 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree / OU graduates or graduates from an accredited program with a masters or doctoral degree may be able to reduce credit hours required from 32 to 36 credit hours. Cost of degree: Tuition rates

Projected National Average Salary: $87,500

Projected National Job Growth: 19.7% Who should apply:  Physical therapists and exercise or movement science professionals who are interested in conducting research in their field or teaching in a post-secondary environment.

Who is hiring OU grads:  Corewell Health, McLaren Healthcare, Trinity Health, University of Michigan, Ascension, and more.

*Data was last reviewed in February 2024. Projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

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• Kinesiology: Exercise Physiology, PhD

This is a named option in the Kinesiology, PhD. For more information, please see our program website .

Exercise Physiology is the study of the biological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise. Research and graduate training at UW–Madison focuses on elucidating: 1) the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying these processes; and 2) the influence of exercise on health and disease.

Dr. Barnes focuses on how aging and exercise alter blood flow and blood pressure regulation. Her current projects focus on age-associated changes in cerebral blood flow, the sympathetic nervous system activity influences cerebral blood flow, and how these relate to the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia. Dr. Diffee studies the regulation of contraction in skeletal and cardiac muscle and how this regulation is altered by perturbations such as exercise training, injury, or disease. Typical experiments involve measurement of contractile properties single skeletal muscle fibers and single cardiac myocytes and correlation of altered mechanical properties to changes in cell protein composition detected by biochemical and molecular biological techniques. Interaction with faculty and students from other departments (including Nutritional Sciences, Biochemistry, the School of Medicine, and the Institute on Aging) is encouraged by ongoing collaborative research efforts. The research of William Schrage’s laboratory is focused on how blood flow is regulated in muscle and brain circulations. Specifically, Dr. Schrage is interested in how acute exercise or environmental stress like hypoxia influences blood flow and how this is impacted by obesity and metabolic syndrome. He measures blood flow using state-of-the-art technology including ultrasound and MRI. A key approach is to use pharmacologic tools to understand how blood flow is controlled, and how obesity changes which mechanisms change the ability to regulate blood flow under stress.

The Exercise Physiology named option of the PhD program is designed to prepare students for scholarly research and teaching. Students are prepared with advanced coursework in Exercise Physiology along with supporting coursework in Biochemistry, Physiology, Statistics, and other areas of Kinesiology (including Biomechanics, Motor Control and Behavior, and Sports Psychology). An important advantage of graduate study at UW–Madison is the exceptional selection of elective courses (>40 departments offer graduate courses in biological sciences). Minor coursework can be performed in Biochemistry, Nutritional Sciences, Physiology, Preventive Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Zoology, or other relevant fields. Students are intensively involved in conducting research throughout their graduate training and are expected to present research at national scientific meetings and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. Most PhD students have the opportunity to teach during their training. Graduates of the PhD program commonly pursue post-doctoral training and then establish independent research programs as university faculty members. Graduates occasionally pursue careers in industry or in clinical settings.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

For admission, the Graduate School requires, as does the Kinesiology department, a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0=A scale) on the last 60 semester hours (or equivalent) of undergraduate coursework. An applicant must submit academic transcripts from each institution attended and a statement of reasons for graduate study. The statement should provide specific details on why the applicant names this particular named option.  If a professor in the area of specialization agrees to serve as the prospective student's advisor, then the department's graduate office recommends the applicant for admission to the Graduate School.  Please consult the Kinesiology website  for further details of these requirements and procedures.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Named option requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

 Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required Courses

All Kinesiology MS and PhD students are required to register for  KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology for 1 credit each semester they are enrolled in the program, for a minimum of 4 credits.

Students should enroll in  KINES 953 Human Biodynamics Seminar each time it is offered, for a minimum of 1 credit.

The courses within the Exercise Physiology area include:

• KINES 615 Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Physiology
• KINES 773 Cardiorespiratory Adaptions to Environment and Exercise
• KINES 774 Metabolic Responses to Exercise and Environmental Stress
• KINES 779 Human Muscle Function in Health and Disease
• KINES 953 Human Biodynamics Seminar

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Named Option-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

With program approval, students are allowed to transfer no more than 18 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison

No credits from an other institution or UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer toward the degree.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW-Madison

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School: Advisor and Graduate School: Committees (Doctoral/Master’s/MFA) policies, except the dissertation committee must have a minimum of five members. 

PhD students work with two committees during their studies.

• Preliminary exams Committee (three graduate faculty members)
• Proposal committee
• Defense committee

Ordinarily the proposal and defense committees have the same membership.  Committee members are selected by the student in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Credits Per Term Allowed

Time limits.

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Within the Department, completion of required courses and passing preliminary exams within three years of starting the PhD program is considered satisfactory progress. See the Graduate Program Handbook link in Contact Information for more information. 

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)  (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

School of Education Grievance Policy and Procedures

The following School of Education Student Grievance Policy and associated procedures are designed for use in response to individual student grievances regarding faculty or staff in the School of Education.

Any individual student who feels they have been treated unfairly by a School of Education faculty or staff member has the right to file a grievance about the treatment and receive a timely response addressing their concerns. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these grievance procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies. The grievance may concern classroom treatment, mentoring or advising, program admission or continuation, course grades (study abroad grade complaints are handled through International Academic Programs ), or issues not covered by other campus policies or grievance procedures. 

For grievances regarding discrimination based on protected bases (i.e., race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, etc.), contact the Office of Compliance ( https://compliance.wisc.edu/eo-complaint/ ).

For grievances or concerns regarding sexual harassment or sexual violence (including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, and sexual exploitation), contact the Sexual Misconduct Resource and Response Program within the Office of Compliance.

For grievances that involve the behavior of a student, contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards in the Dean of Students Office at https://conduct.students.wisc.edu/ ).

For grievances about, or directed at, faculty or staff in a School of Education department, unit, or program, students should follow these steps:

• Students are strongly encouraged to first talk with the person against whom the concern is directed. Many issues can be settled informally at this level. If students are unable to resolve concerns directly or without additional support, step 2 or 3 should be pursued.
• If the concern is directed against a teaching assistant (TA), and the student is not satisfied, the student should contact the TA's supervisor, who is usually the course professor. The course professor will attempt to resolve the concern informally.
• If the concern involves a non-TA instructor, staff member, professor, academic department, or School of Education office or unit, the student should contact the chair of the department or the director of the office or unit, or their designee. The chair or director, or their designee, will attempt to resolve the concern informally. If the concern is about the department chair or office/unit director, the student should consult the School of Education Senior Associate Dean for guidance.
• If the concern remains unresolved after step 2, the student may submit a formal grievance to the chair or director in writing within 30 business days 1 of the alleged unfair treatment. To the fullest extent possible, a formal written grievance shall contain a clear and concise statement of the issue(s) involved and the relief sought.  
• On receipt of a written grievance, the chair or director will notify the person at whom the grievance is directed with a copy of the written grievance. The person at whom the complaint is directed may submit a written response, which would be shared with the student.
• On receipt of a written grievance, the chair or director will refer the matter to a department, office, or unit committee comprised of at least two members. The committee may be an existing committee or one constituted for this purpose. The committee, or delegates from the committee, may meet with the parties involved and/or review any material either party shares with the committee.  
• The committee will provide a written description of the facts of the grievance and communicate recommendations to the department chair or office/unit head regarding how the grievance should be handled.

For the purpose of this policy, business days refers to those days when the University Offices are open and shall not include weekends, university holidays, spring recess, or the period from the last day of exams of fall semester instruction to the first day of spring semester instruction. All time limits may be modified by mutual consent of the parties involved.

If the grievance concerns an undergraduate course grade, the decision of the department chair after reviewing the committee’s recommendations is final. 

Other types of grievances may be appealed using the following procedures:

• Both the student who filed the grievance or the person at whom the grievance was directed, if unsatisfied with the decision of the department, office or unit, have five (5) business days from receipt of the decision to contact the Senior Associate Dean, indicating the intention to appeal.   
• A written appeal must be filed with the Senior Associate Dean within 10 business days of the time the appealing party was notified of the initial resolution of the complaint.
• On receipt of a written appeal, the Senior Associate Dean will convene a sub-committee of the School of Education’s Academic Planning Council. This subcommittee may ask for additional information from the parties involved and/or may hold a meeting at which both parties will be asked to speak separately (i.e., not in the room at the same time).
• The subcommittee will then make a written recommendation to the Dean of the School of Education, or their designee, who will render a decision. The dean or designee’s written decision shall be made within 30 business days from the date when the written appeal was filed with the Senior Associate Dean.  For undergraduate students, the dean or designee’s decision is final.

Further appealing a School of Education decision – graduate students only

Graduate students have the option to appeal decisions by the School of Education dean or designee by using the process detailed on the Graduate School’s website .

Questions about these procedures can be directed to the School of Education Dean's Office, 377 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, 608-262-1763.

• Office of Compliance (for discrimination based on protected classes, including misconduct) 179A Bascom Hall, 608-262-2378
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts between students, or academic integrity violations) 70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• Bias or Hate Reporting (for students who experience or observe bias or hate incidents)  70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• Graduate School (for graduate students who need informal advice at any level of review; for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions, see Graduate Assistant Policies and Procedures ) 217 Bascom Hall, 608-262-2433
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for UW–Madison employees, including graduate students) 523-524 Lowell Center, 608-265-9992
• Employee Assistance (for conflicts involving graduate assistants and other employees) 256 Lowell Hall, 608-263-2987
• Office of Human Resources for policies and procedures to address workplace conflict) 21 N Park Street Suite 5101, 608-265-2257
• Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) (for any students needing advice or support) 70 Bascom Hall, 608-263-5700
• School of Education, Office of Student Services (for students, particularly undergraduates, in the School of Education) 139 Education Building, 608-262-1651
• School of Education, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) 145 Education Building, 608-262-8427
• Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

Faculty mentors in Exercise Physiology include:

Jill Barnes Gary Diffee William Schrage

Contact information for faculty and lab information can be found on the Kinesiology website.

Affiliate advisors in exercise physiology include:

Marlowe Eldridge Troy Hornberger

• Requirements

Contact Information

Kinesiology School of Education https://kinesiology.education.wisc.edu/

Dr. Erin McGowan, Graduate Program Manager [email protected] 608-262-3369

Dr. Karla Ausderau, Director of Graduate Studies [email protected] 608-262-0653

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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Become an expert in the exercise science field

Our exercise science Ph.D. program will empower you to become a leading authority whether your career trajectory involves academia, private industry, research, or the government.

This is a full time, face-to-face, research-based doctoral program that includes 90 credit hours of graduate study taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty.

You will receive training through a rigorous, mentor-based interdisciplinary curriculum with pedagogical and research experiences. You’ll also conduct applied and translational research focused on exercise science, which will help you enhance and prolong the quality of human life.

Meet the faculty from this area

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• Learn how to apply

Teaching and research assistantships

A limited number of teaching assistantships are available, and research assistantships are available depending on grant funding. Assistantships include a tuition waiver, health insurance, and stipend. Research assistantships are required of Ph.D. students.

Find research mentors

The exercise science Ph.D. program provides ample opportunity to not only enhance one’s knowledge but also gain experience teaching and engage in research. The faculty within the program are phenomenal and always willing to help. Monica Teegardin, Ph.D. Student, Kinesiology

9% Expected growth rate of exercise physiologists from 2021-2031

$90 K Annual mean wage of doctorate exercise physiologists in the U.S., 2023

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Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, PhD

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Behavior, Biomechanics, Health, Health Disparities, Health Education, Health Promotion, Holistic Health, Interdisciplinary, Kinesiology, Metabolism, Physiology, Research, Translation, lifestyle, public health

Are you interested in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities? Learn to integrate exercise and nutritional sciences in order to understand how disease develops and to design novel approaches that improve health for all segments of society.

Within integrated disciplinary contexts, the PhD in exercise and nutritional sciences curriculum trains scholars and leaders to conduct high-impact, interdisciplinary research in exercise and nutritional sciences.

Students and faculty conduct high-quality, use-inspired research in exercise, nutrition and health promotion that is intended to reduce the physical, social and economic costs of unhealthy living. Students engage in research at every stage of the program through:

• dissertation research
• participation in research practicums
• preclinical research and clinical trials
• research seminars and colloquia
• translational research teams

Students work collaboratively with an approved mentor throughout the program and focus their research on one of three primary areas of interest: translational metabolism and physiology, behavioral and community health sciences, or biomechanics and motor control.

Those who have earned a master's degree can complete the program in four years of full-time study. The program also accepts part-time students.

• College/school: College of Health Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix

89 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (6 credit hours) BMI 515 Applied Biostatistics in Medicine and Informatics (3) or EXW 640 Analysis of Variance for Exercise and Wellness (3) EXW 645 Advanced Applied Methods and Data Analysis (3)

Required Research (12 credit hours) EXW 700 Research Methods (3) EXW 701 Scientific Grant Writing (3) EXW 780 or NTR 780 Practicum (6)

Elective Research (15 credit hours)

Professional Development (5 credit hours) CHS 791 Seminar: Early Career Professional Development (3) EXW 784 Internship (2)

Focus Area (9 credit hours)

Electives (30 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) EXW 799 or NTR 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students tailor a course of study in one of three focus areas: behavioral and community health sciences, biomechanics and motor control, or translational metabolism and physiology. Courses in the focus area are determined in collaboration with the student's supervisory committee.

The program integrates professional development through a teaching internship (EXW 784) and a three-semester seminar (CHS 791 Seminar: Early Career Professional Development) that addresses career opportunities and preparation for faculty or professional positions in the nutrition, exercise and health promotion fields.

Students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree in a related discipline may count up to 30 credit hours from the master's degree toward the total credit hours, with program approval.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution; completion of a data-based research thesis is preferred.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, and applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• letter of intent
• resume or curriculum vitae
• three references (academic or professional)
• writing sample (6-10 pages)
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The letter of intent should indicate research or scholarly interest and primary program area, and include a statement of career goals and the name of a potential faculty mentor from the list of approved faculty mentors.

All applicants must have completed a graduate-level research methods and a graduate-level research statistics course before admission. Students are expected to take a refresher in research statistics in the summer before they start the program.

It is expected that students admitted to the program have documented academic training and a strong interest in nutrition science, exercise science, biomechanics, rehabilitation or health promotion. Thus, depending on their academic training, background, scholarly interests and focus area, a student may be asked to take undergraduate courses as deficiencies prior to, or concurrently with, graduate course enrollment.

Contact information for three references is required. References will be contacted via email to submit a letter of recommendation and respond to a series of questions about the applicant.

Strong applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview via teleconference prior to acceptance.

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

• Apply appropriate advanced research methodology in the design and evaluation of research studies in exercise and nutritional sciences.
• Apply appropriate statistical analyses to evaluate research and data relevant to exercise and nutritional sciences.
• Create a grant proposal that clearly demonstrates significance, innovation, and a scientifically justified approach to address a novel research question.
• Communicate research findings to scientific audiences, including peer-reviewed literature and presentations at scientific conferences and to lay audiences.

Graduates are prepared for research careers in research-intensive universities, government agencies and health-related research positions in private industry. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue postdoctoral research opportunities upon graduation.

Career examples include:

• entrepreneur
• exercise physiologist
• dietician or nutritionist
• health educator
• health, research or sports scientist
• postsecondary biomechanics, exercise science or nutrition teacher
• public health professional

College of Health Solutions | HLTHN 401AA [email protected] 602-496-3300

Online Doctorate in Health Science and Exercise Leadership (D.H.Sc. Degree)

Position yourself as a leader in exercise, fitness and wellness.

Step to the forefront of promoting health and wellness in our society with PennWest’s online Doctorate in Health Science and Leadership degree. Our post-professional D.H.Sc. degree addresses the impact of an aging population and the societal shift from treating disease to promoting wellness and health.

The 48-credit terminal degree includes courses in health science, adult learning and leadership as well as the construction of an evidence-based research portfolio. The portfolio will create a community of practice through the integration of emerging professional trends in health science, exercise science, and wellness and fitness. It will focus on problem-solving and the implementation of solutions that relate to day-to-day professional practice.

Upon completion of the program, you will be positioned as a leader in exercise, fitness and wellness. Among other skills, you will be qualified to research and use evidence-based resources to solve problems and enact change in the fields of health science, exercise science, and wellness and fitness.

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Number of new jobs that will be created in the field of exercise science by 2022.

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Online, so you can continue to work as a health science professional while you earn your degree.

The first academic partner of the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

100% online

Graduate Admissions [email protected] 724-938-4187

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Careers and salaries.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise science and health care will produce top jobs at above-average pay rates through 2022. D.H.Sc. degree graduates are trained for a range of career positions with employers in Pennsylvania and nationwide, including:

• Educators in health, exercise and wellness
• Advanced clinical practitioners
• Administrators and managers of health-related enterprises
• Advanced professional or technical positions in health care

Graduate Outcomes

• Synthesize adult learning theories into a working framework of instruction
• Use leadership skills and abilities to bridge theory and practice, creating and executing a service-learning project
• Compile and synthesize original research to solve contemporary health, exercise, wellness and fitness problems
• Develop proficiency in assembling, synthesizing and delivering information and knowledge using technology, media and other information services

Admissions Requirements

Regular Admission Requirements for the DHSc Program

• Official undergraduate transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university. Please provide the official transcripts for each of the undergraduate institutions attended.
• Overall minimum graduate (master’s or doctorate) cumulative GPA of 3.50 on a 4.00 scale verified with official transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university
• Evidence of a licensed or credentialed allied health care provider; health, wellness or exercise professional, or two years of recent experience as a practitioner, administrator, educator, clinician, or researcher in health, wellness or exercise discipline. If your MS is not aligned with the allied health, health, wellness, or fitness please contact the program coordinator to determine if you fit the minimum requirements to apply to the program.  
• Two (2) professional letters of recommendation are required.  The letters must be less than one calendar year old; must be on letterhead; signed in ink or signed with a verified digital signature. For these letters to be sufficient for review, they must be sent to Graduate Admissions directly from your recommenders. Please have your recommenders email their letters directly to [email protected] .    
• If an applicant has any questions about the two letters of recommendation, please contact the DHSc program coordinator, Marc Federico, [email protected]
• Current resume or curriculum vitae including personal, educational, and professional achievements.  
• Submission of a personal statement that will be assessed by utilizing a standardized programmatic rubric to determine writing ability and skill at the doctoral level.
• Some suggested additional materials to include to your application packet, which may strengthen your application, includes evidence of a Master’s Thesis; and/or a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal publication; and/or a professional presentation in your field.  Please contact the program coordinator if there are any questions about the accepted type of evidence ( [email protected] )

2025 Deadlines:

Priority application deadline for fall admission is March 15th; faculty will continue to review applications until all seats are full.

The Power of PennWest

PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.

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Phd program.

Our doctorate program is the right path for you if you intend to build a career as a scholar, researcher, teacher, or industry professional in the science of human movement, kinesiology, or other allied health fields or biomedical science settings.

Program Overview

Students pursuing a PhD in Movement Science develop scholarly and research competence, culminating in an original doctoral dissertation contributing to the body of knowledge in kinesiology. The program is designed for students who intend to make their careers as scholars, teachers, researchers, and professionals in exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, and allied fields.

Each doctoral student works closely with a faculty advisor from the beginning of their degree program. Under their faculty advisor’s guidance, they are expected to take relevant coursework, engage in relevant research experiences (lab rotations, independent study projects, etc.), generate research ideas, and complete a research dissertation prior to graduation.

A principal goal of doctoral student training is achieving competence as an independent scholar. This entails not only proficiency in research but in the dissemination of knowledge. To achieve this, students learn to guide the learning of others as a Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) or Graduate Student Instructor (GSI).

Doctoral students and their faculty advisors will form a Guidance Committee, Qualifying Examination Committee, and a Dissertation Committee to provide advice and evaluate student progress at successive stages of the program.

Movement Science PhD Curriculum

PhD students choose from a set of core courses in Kinesiology, as well as cognate courses from other units, and complete a minimum of 30 pre-candidacy credits beyond the master's level. Qualifying examinations must be passed before advancing to candidacy, after which the student completes an original doctoral dissertation. A minimum of 50 credits including pre-candidacy and candidacy work must be completed to graduate.

The courses you take will vary, depending on your educational goals.  Courses taken for graduate credit will carry MOVESCI or KINESLGY program codes, and are numbered 500 and above.

• Browse only KINESLGY courses in the Course Catalog
• Browse only MOVESCI courses in the Course Catalog
• Browse entire Course Catalog

Movement Science Graduate Faculty

Our Movement Science graduate faculty are leaders in their fields, and have a variety of interests and specialties. View the MVS graduate faculty list .

Forms & Bulletins

The Graduate Bulletin contains a wealth of information, including requirements for admissions, coursework, doctoral candidacy, and more. The Policies and Procedures page includes a wider selection of Bulletins, plus forms required for progress towards your PhD degree.

• Graduate Bulletin 2023-24
• Graduate Bulletin 2022-23
• Graduate Bulletin for MVS and SM Programs 2021-22
• Graduate Bulletin 2020-21
• Graduate Bulletin 2019-20
• Forms and Bulletins page on this website

Health and Human Performance

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Ph.D. in Kinesiology

Contact Us:

The University of Houston 3875 Holman St. Rm 104 Garrison Houston, TX 77204-6015 Phone Office: 713.743.9840 Undergraduate Advising : 713-743-2828 Fax: 713.743.9860

The Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology program currently focuses on four broad areas of kinesiology, namely motor behavior, exercise physiology, sport and fitness administration, and Community Health Promotion studies.

It should be noted that the guiding philosophy of the program is that the student and advisor should work closely together to develop a course of study which appropriately meets the student's professional goals . Acceptance of a student into the Ph.D. (Kinesiology) program is determined by a number of factors, one of which is a clearly identified area of study and a Faculty advisor/mentor within the program who will support their admission. As part of the application process, prospective students will identify the potential professor/ professors with whom they share common scientific interests.

Emphasis Areas

Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in motor behavior

Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology

Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Community Health Promotion studies

Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in sport and fitness administration

Program Objectives

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Kinesiology is designed to provide doctoral level training to prepare a professional with the cognitive and research skills needed to be a productive scholar.

The primary objectives of the PhD in Kinesiology are to train scholars to:

• Understand, conduct, disseminate, and critically evaluate research in kinesiology and related fields.
• Deeply understand content in one’s chosen field
• Promote the learning of others through strong written and oral communication.
• Prepare program development and research proposals.

The target time for completion of the Ph.D. (Kinesiology) program is six years or less.

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Ph.D. in Exercise Science and Nutrition

The HNES Department offers a Ph.D. program in Exercise Science and Nutrition. For more information and details regarding the program, please contact the graduate coordinator, Dr. Kyle Hackney, at [email protected]  .

Graduate Faculty eligible to mentor Ph.D. students :   Dr. Bryan Christensen , Dr. Shannon David , Dr. Matt Derscher ,  Dr. Nathan Dicks,   Dr. Marty Douglas ,  Dr. Julie Garden-Robinson , Dr. Kyle Hackney , Dr. Elizabeth Hilliard , Dr. Seugmin Kang ,  Dr. Ryan McGrath ,  Dr. Yeong Rhee ,  Dr. Kelsey Slater ,  Dr. Sherri Stastny , Dr. Brad Strand ,   Dr. Joel White  and Dr. Joshua Wooldridge.

Gerontology Ph.D. (Dual-Major) :  Exercise Science and Nutrition offer a dual-major Ph.D. with Gerontology.

Click on the rooms below to see a 360 tour of each lab area!

Admission Requirements

Admissions Of the qualified Ph.D. applicants we receive, we expect to admit up to five students per year, based on the capacity of our current faculty.  In addition to the core faculty members in HNES who will advise students and participate in this program, there are faculty inside and outside of the department whose research interests mesh well with the program.

Admission    requirement for the students with a Master's degree

• Completion of a Master's degree from an accredited university in field closely related to Nutrition, Health, Dietetics, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science.
• Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher.
• The GRE is not required for this program. However, if you have GRE scores please attach them in the NDSU graduate application portal to strengthen your application to the program.  
• At least one graduate course in statistics and one course in research methods, with grades of B or higher in each.
• A completed thesis or research paper.
• For international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 79 (Internet-based). The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. We are accepting the Duolingo for 2021. Our minimum score is 100.
• Agreement to be advised by current HNES graduate faculty member.

Admission  requirements for students without an earned Master's degree

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in field closely related to Nutrition, Health, Dietetics, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science.
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• At least one statistics course or research methods course with grades of B or higher.
• For international students, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) or 79 (Intranet-based). The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. 

Click Here to Apply!

Ph.D. Program Application Information and Requirements

The application process is online through the Graduate School Homepage .  Applications that are received and complete by March 15th will be given priority for fall semester. Applications that are received and complete after March 15th will be reviewed through August 1st for consideration for fall semester.  

For information PhD in Exercise and Nutrition program requirements, curriculum, HNES course rotations, and information on comprehensive examinations, dissertation proposals, dissertation defenses, and the final dissertation document please explore the PhD Exercise and Nutrition Handbook below:

PhD Exercise and Nutrition Handbook

Graduate Bulletin

 Need more information?  Please fill out our graduate interest form link below.

NDSU Graduate School Information Request

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• Exercise Science PhD

The focus of the exercise science doctoral concentration is the scientific study of how biological systems function during physical activity, exercise, and sport, emphasizing applications to both clinical and healthy populations. The program is intended for students who desire teaching and/or research careers in higher education, industry, and other research institutions. Interested students should familiarize themselves with the research interests of graduate faculty in the exercise science doctoral program:  Dr. Stamatis Agiovlasitis ,  Dr. Stanley Brown ,  Dr. Harish Chander ,  Dr. Chih-Chia Chen ,  Dr. Megan Holmes ,  Dr. Adam Knight ,  Dr. John Lamberth ,  Dr. Zhujun Pan ,  Dr. JohnEric Smith , and  Dr. Benjamin Wax .

Please view the links below for details about the application process and Ph.D. curriculum.

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2024 Top Online Schools for Exercise Science

Scroll down to see the top not-for-profit colleges offering exercise science degrees online.

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Find online degree programs

Tell us what you're looking for and we'll get you started!

Exercise science is a hands-on discipline, and it can be tricky to find strong, regionally accredited undergraduate programs that are 100% online. You’ll have a much easier time with online programs in exercise science at the graduate level. You may also be able to enroll in online degrees in related disciplines (e.g. coaching) or hybrid programs that arrange local practicums and internships. We talk more about your options below!

Still can’t find anything that suits your needs? Have a look at our guide to Affordable Exercise Science Degrees . Along with profiles of budget-friendly campus programs, you’ll find a breakdown of each degree level (e.g. sample coursework and career opportunities), an explanation of accreditation acronyms, and tips on pursuing teaching licensure and professional certifications.

School Selections

California baptist university.

• see their online exercise science programs
• Riverside, California

Students interested in a degree in kinesiology can earn a bachelor or master's degree in the subject through California Baptist University's online programs. The Master of Science in Kinesiology is a 30-credit program that students can complete in as little as 12 months. The program is interdisciplinary, and students take courses in subjects such as the science of human movement, research methods, and advanced studies of fitness and wellness, which includes sport nutrition and fitness testing for special populations. The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology requires students to earn 50 credits in the major, including movement anatomy, care and prevention of athletic injury, and measurement and evaluation in kinesiology.

Concordia University-Chicago

• River Forest, Illinois

Students enrolled in the online Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science program offered by Concordia University Chicago can choose from four concentrations. The fitness and health promotion concentration prepares students to become Certified Personal Trainers. The human movement science concentration is for students who want to become corrective exercise specialists. The sports performance and training program is for coaches and athletic trainers, and the sports nutrition concentration prepares students to design and implement nutrition and exercise programs. All the coursework is available online, with no campus visits required. Courses last for eight weeks, and students must complete 10 courses to earn the degree. Cohorts are formed to enter the program at three times each year.

Concordia University-Saint Paul

• Saint Paul, Minnesota

Concordia St. Paul offers online bachelor and master's programs in exercise science. The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science is a degree-completion program designed for adult learners who already have some college credits. The major requires students to earn 41 credits in exercise science classes, including coursework in human movement, exercise, and health psychology. Students must complete 128 credits, including general studies, to earn the degree. The Master of Science in Exercise Science requires 33 to 36 credits. Required courses cover topics such as statistical analysis, exercise physiology, the psychology of sports, clinical exercise assessment, and nutrition and metabolism. Candidates must complete a capstone project or thesis. Concordia's online classes follow a seven-week format.

Georgia Southern University

• Statesboro, Georgia

Experienced coaches and new coaches who wish to improve their skills and knowledge base can earn a Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in coaching education through an online program offered by Georgia Southern University. Online coursework covers topics such as athletic training, coaching effectiveness, coaching administration, and performance enhancement. To earn the degree, students must complete 12 courses for 36 credits. Students can complete the program in four semesters, taking two classes each semester, and taking advantage of the two summer sessions to complete four courses each summer for two summers. The curriculum offered by Georgia Southern follows National Coaching Standards for Level 5 Coaching Status.

20,459 Students

Missouri Baptist University

• Saint Louis, Missouri

Missouri Baptist University offers an online Master of Science in Fitness Management that combines classes in exercise science with business and management classes to qualify students for jobs in the growing fitness industry. Courses include principles of human performance, chronic disease and obesity, sport finance, sport facility management, and sport psychology. As a capstone project, students enrolled in the program put their knowledge and skills to work during an internship at a fitness club, rehabilitation facility or coaching assignment. The program is open to recent graduates with exercise science degrees as well as professionals who work as athletic or personal trainers, wellness counselors, physical education teachers and others. Students may take classes full time or part time.

Southern Utah University

• Cedar City, Utah

Southern Utah University has a long tradition as a "coaching factory," and its online Master of Science in Sport Conditioning and Performance enables students to take part in that tradition from a distance. The online degree is designed for coaches, athletic trainers, personal trainers, physical therapists and other fitness professionals. Students can complete most coursework online, but they will be required to be at the SUU campus for one to two weeks one summer to complete intensive clinical workshops. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a closely related field or have a bachelor's degree and be a certified or licensed fitness professional. Students must earn 18 credits in required courses, 12 credits in electives, and must complete a thesis.

Texas A & M University-Commerce

• Commerce, Texas

Students who want to concentrate in athletic administration or health promotion can earn a Master of Science in Health, Kinesiology and Sport Studies in a completely online format through Texas A&M University Commerce. The athletics administration program is designed specifically for full-time teachers and coaches, who can complete the 30-credit program in a little over a year by taking nine credits in the spring and fall and six credits during the summer for two summers. The program uses a cohort format. The health promotion concentration is designed for professionals who work in the wellness industry and covers topics such as planning and implementing health promotion programs and health promotion for special populations. Thesis and non-thesis options are offered.

The University of Texas at Tyler

• Tyler, Texas

The University of Texas Tyler offers an online program leading to a Master of Science in Kinesiology. The program is designed for students with a variety of career goals, including corporate health and wellness, coaching, personal trainers, athletic trainers, and physical therapists. The curriculum features 18 credits in required classes, 12 credits in electives, and a choice of a thesis or internship. Required classes cover topics such as motor learning, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Students may select electives from the Department of Health and Kinesiology or seek permission to take courses offered by other departments. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a related field of study and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

• Odessa, Texas

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online program leading to a Master of Science in Kinesiology as part of the UT Online Consortium, which allows students to take online courses offered by several universities within the system, although they must be accepted into a specific university's program. To earn the degree, students must complete 36 credits, including a capstone project or thesis. Applicants to the program must have an undergraduate degree in kinesiology or a related subject with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper division coursework. There is no practicum requirement for the degree. The program is designed to meet the needs of physical education teachers, coaches, and other professionals.

6,077 Students

United States Sports Academy

• Daphne, Alabama

The United States Sports Academy offers a fully online program leading to a Master of Sports Science. Students earning the 33-credit degree have the choice of majoring in sports coaching, sports health and fitness, sports management, sports studies, or recreation management. Students may also pursue a double major, which requires 42 to 45 credits. In addition to majors, students can select an area of emphasis, such as NCAA compliance, Olympism, sports psychology, or sports hospitality management. Students may choose a thesis option, mentorship option or non-thesis option. Students who do not write a thesis must sit a comprehensive exam. The Sports Academy is a member of the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education.

University of Louisiana-Monroe

• Monroe, Louisiana

The University of Louisiana Monroe offers a completely online Master of Science in Exercise Science with a specialization in sport, fitness and recreation management. The program is designed for students who would like a career in sport management or a related field. Curriculum covers topics such as sport sociology, governance and ethics in sport, and research and statistical methods in exercise science. Classes in the sport management specialization include finance, law, and marketing of sport, fitness and recreation. The program requires 36 credits, and three credits may be earned through an internship. The program requires all candidates to take comprehensive exams. ULM allows students to begin the program in the spring or fall semester.

University of Northern Colorado

• Greeley, Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado offers an online Master of Arts in Sports Coaching that combines applied coaching with academic knowledge and the latest technology. Students can start the 30-credit program in any academic term. Courses cover topics such as sports psychology, injury prevention, principles of training and conditioning, teaching sports, and applied coaching research. Candidates must take part in a graduate internship in sport and exercise science. Students can take one course at a time,and in place of a thesis or exam, they are required to develop a portfolio showing how they have incorporated the theoretical aspects of successful coaching. Applicants to the program should have a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

University of Western States

• Portland, Oregon

The online master's degree in exercise and sport science is designed to provide students with advanced training within a specific area under the umbrella of exercise and sport science. This program is targeted toward students who are interested in wellness, health and fitness and/or exercise as a preventative component for overall health and well-being. There are two concentrations available (Health and Wellness Promotion or Nutrition), each of which begins with a set of common core courses followed by specialty courses that begin around the fifth academic quarter.

Types of Online Exercise Science Degrees

Online associate’s degree in exercise science.

• Can You Find One? Online associate degrees in exercise science or kinesiology from regionally accredited schools are practically non-existent. You may be able to find relevant AA and AS programs at your local community college or junior college. You can then transfer your credits to a degree completion program for an Online BA or BS in Exercise Science (see below).

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science

• Do You Want to Commit to Online Learning? Undergraduate programs in exercise science tend to have a lot of courses with labs, demonstrations, and practice-based training. We urge you to think very carefully before you commit to a four-year online bachelor’s degree. Fundamentals may be hard to learn via distance learning.
• Would a Degree Completion Program Work Instead? Some schools offer online degree completion programs to students who already have an associate’s degree or college credits. For example, Concordia St. Paul University’s Online BA in Exercise Science is designed for adult learners who already have some college credits and work experience.
• Does it Include On-the-Job Experience? Strong online undergraduate programs in exercise science should prepare you for the real world. For instance, Concordia St. Paul University’s Online BA in Exercise Science includes a mandatory internship in the student’s local area and a senior professional seminar that focuses on career preparation (e.g. developing a résumé and professional portfolio).
• Can You Transfer Academic Credits Easily? If you want to transfer your associate degree or general education (GE) credits to an online bachelor’s degree, check with the university on its transfer policy. For example, California Baptist University waives most of the GE requirements for California students who hold an IGETC or CSU GE certified associate’s degree from a California community college.

Online Master’s Degree in Exercise Science

• What Do You Want to Specialize in? Master’s programs are the most popular online degrees in the field of exercise science. That means you can choose majors & concentrations in everything from kinesiology or sport science to athletic administration or physical education. You may even wish to focus on specific topics such as corrective exercises, fitness & nutrition, sports psychology, or even NCAA compliance. Explore all the options in our list—you’re sure to find something in your ballpark!
• Why are Kinesiology Programs Popular? Kinesiology is the study of movement, so it acts as a catchall title for interdisciplinary master’s programs that focus on exercise. Kinesiology programs can work for students with an assortment of career goals, including physical education teachers, coaches, personal/athletic trainers, and corporate health & wellness experts. Look for degrees with relevant concentrations and electives in your area (e.g. health promotion), and the opportunity for internships or fieldwork.
• Are You Interested in Coaching? There are plenty of online options that will fit the bill. You might take a look at the curriculum for Georgia Southern University’s Online MS in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Coaching Education. Or the Online Master of Sports Science with a major in Sports Coaching from the United States Sports Academy. Or the NCACE-accredited Online MA in Sports Coaching from the University of Northern Colorado, which includes a graduate internship.
• Are You Interested in Sports Management? Just like coaching, there are plenty of online graduate programs to go around—check out our rankings of the Top Online Schools for Sports Management for more details!
• Does it Offer an Internship Experience? Internships will give you an extra edge after graduation. Not only will you gain real-world experience, but you’ll walk away with letters of recommendation. For example, Missouri Baptist University’s Online Master of Science in Fitness Management includes a capstone project where students complete an internship at a fitness club, rehabilitation facility, or coaching assignment.
• Does it Prepare You for Professional Certification? If you’re interested in earning professional certifications in exercise science , there are an online programs with relevant curricula. For instance, Concordia University Chicago’s Online MS in Applied Exercise Science has matched the coursework for its concentrations to relevant credentials, including the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT); Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES); Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES); and the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN).

Online Doctoral Degree in Exercise Science

• Can You Find One? The answer is yes, but they’re rare. Examples include Concordia University Chicago’s Online PhD in Leadership – Health & Human Performance; the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Online EdD in Kinesiology; and Northcentral University’s Online PhD in Sport and Athletic Management. All of these are regionally accredited schools. UNCG’s program includes three required campus visits.
• How Do You Feel About Distance?  Doctoral programs can be tough , especially when you’re not able to meet with your supervisor face-to-face. Make sure the university provides you with plenty of support throughout the program and easy access to research materials. For comparison’s sake, have a look at the list of on-campus doctoral programs from the National Academy of Kinesiology.

Online Certificate in Exercise Science

• Can You Find One? Like online doctoral programs, online certificates in the field of exercise science are not very common. But they do exist. Examples include the University of Connecticut’s Online Graduate Certificate in Exercise Prescription; Texas Woman’s University’s Online Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Education and Sport; and Michigan State University’s Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching and Leadership.
• Does it Prepare You for Professional Certification? Exercise science is awash with professional certifications . If you’re lucky, you may be able to find online certificates that can help you qualify for certain credentials or prepare for exams. The university should state this explicitly.
• Will Your Credits Transfer to a Degree? Whatever the title of the graduate certificate, always make sure that your online credits will transfer smoothly to a master’s program (online or on-campus). You may not want a degree now, but you don’t want to repeat courses if you choose to apply for one later.

How to Choose an Online Exercise Science Degree

You’ve decided on the degree level. You’ve chosen a concentration. But let’s say you still have 5 different degrees in exercise science on your shortlist. To narrow the programs down to one, ask yourself the following questions:

Practical Issues

• Can You Enroll if You Live Out-Of-State? Most universities have reciprocity agreements that allow students from other states to enroll in distance learning programs. But there are pesky exceptions to this rule. For example, the University of Connecticut’s online programs are open to residents of all 50 states, but UConn is currently not authorized to deliver distance learning to students residing in Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. Check the State Authorization page on the university’s website for details.
• Does the Program Work With Your Schedule? As a distance learner, you can often take advantage of multiple start dates, shorter terms, and asynchronous classes (i.e. there’s no need to log in at a certain hour). But be aware that some programs will expect you to visit the campus at least once. For example, Southern Utah University’s Online MS in Sport Conditioning and Performance requires that students set aside one to two weeks during one summer to complete intensive clinical workshops at SUU. If you can afford the travel costs, these programs are worth investigating. There’s no substitute for experience.
• What is the Credit Transfer Policy? This is important if you’re considering a bachelor’s degree completion program or you’re planning to apply credits from a graduate certificate to an online master’s program. Every university has a different policy (e.g. a school might only accept 6 transfer credits into a master’s degree), so we always recommend you read the fine print and talk to the program coordinator.

Program Quality

• Is the Coursework & Training Relevant? The best online degrees in exercise science have a “secret sauce.” They require you to design your own nutrition or exercise programs. They make internships and capstone projects mandatory. They find a way to include training in health & fitness testing. They ask you to apply research-based practices to your current job. You’re paying good money for your degree—you deserve to get the most out of it.
• Who is Teaching Your Online Course? Universities like to boast that their on-campus faculty also work online, but you don’t have to take their word for it. If you delve into the program’s course schedule, you’ll usually find the names of the actual instructors. Have they coached? Have they managed a team? Have they worked as an exercise physiologist? Have they directed a research lab on military performance? What is their current area of research? You want strong, engaged teachers who will support your career goals.
• How Does the Program Support Online Students?  Distance learning can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the teaching format and you’re juggling other responsibilities at home. We give full marks to colleges and universities that have a support system in place for online students. Virtual tutoring, career counseling, tech support, mentorship—these are the kinds of services we like to see.

Money Matters

• Are There Hidden Costs? Check the tuition & fees page very carefully. Even if you don’t have to pay for campus facilities, schools will often saddle you with fees for distance learning or technology. You may also have to pay an application fee.
• Is Financial Aid Available to Online Students? As long as you are attending a regionally accredited school, your online undergraduate degree or online graduate degree will usually qualify for financial aid. However, certificates are non-degree programs that are typically ineligible for aid. Visit the website of the Office of Financial Aid for assistance. It’s also important to research all your options, especially if you’re considering graduate school. Instead of taking out a loan, you may be able to cover costs with external scholarships, employer reimbursement, loan forgiveness, etc.
• Do Online Students Receive a Tuition Discount? Public and state universities often give generous tuition breaks to online undergraduates (and sometimes to graduates) who reside in their state or in neighboring states. Other universities offer great tuition discounts to online students regardless of their location. Policies vary between schools, so visit the tuition & fees page for details.

If you have any concerns about a university offering an online program in exercise science, check the state where the university is located and then have a look at our Online State Rankings. Under each state, we have a detailed list of Online Schools with Accreditation & Quality Concerns.

Affordable Online Exercise Science Degrees

The following universities appear in our rankings of Top Affordable Schools for Exercise Science and Top Online Schools for Exercise Science. That means they have met some extremely tough criteria for quality, flexibility, price, and use of financial aid money (you’ll see a CAG Score next to their profiles).

GSU’s Online MS in Kinesiology, with emphases in Coaching or Physical Education, and its Online MS in Sport Management are run by the Waters College of Health Professions . Current info on tuition & fees can be found in the Bursar’s Office. In-state and out-of-state online graduate students pay the same tuition rate. The Office of Financial Aid can assist with federal financial aid applications and offer advice on alternative sources of funding.

Once you’ve assessed your tuition costs, check out MyScholarships @ Georgia Southern University . GSU has some funds for graduate students. For example, the Sandra L. Gallemore Endowment funds a scholarship for female graduate students in physical education/kinesiology or a related field of study (preference is given to students pursuing a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in PE).

UT’s Online MS in Kinesiology is part of the UT Online Consortium , where you’ll find a comprehensive section on Cost and Financial Aid . It’s important to note that you can earn this degree through the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), or the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Whichever university you choose, you’ll find that Texas residents pay less in tuition!

Once you’ve selected your university, visit the school’s Office of Financial Aid. Thanks to an agreement signed by various UT presidents, UT Online Consortium programs meet financial aid requirements at UT System academic institutions. Remember, too, that separate universities may have different scholarship funds available. For example, UTEP offers graduate scholarships to students pursuing their master’s or doctoral degree in all areas of study.

Online Exercise Science Degree Accreditation

Regional accreditation.

Whatever your final choice, opt for an exercise science program that comes from a school with regional accreditation. This accreditation is given to an institution, not an individual department or degree, so it will cover both on-campus and online programs.

Earning an online qualification from a regionally accredited university or college will make it easier for you to transfer credits; qualify for federal aid; apply for student loans, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement; and gain acceptance into graduate programs. Many regionally accredited schools will not accept credits from nationally accredited schools.

CAAHEP Accreditation & Online Degrees

We talk about the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in the Accreditation section of our guide to Affordable Exercise Science Degrees . It’s a well-known and well-respected organization that specifically accredits programs in exercise science and related fields (e.g. physical education, kinesiology, etc.).

CAAHEP accredits distance learning programs, but there are only a limited number that have received the honor. And as of 2018, there are were no CAAHEP-accredited online programs in exercise science.

You can use CAAHEP’s Find a Program tool to search by subject and format (under Search For, choose “Accredited Online/Distance Education”).

NCACE Accreditation (Coaching) & Online Degrees

National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) accredits coaching educational programs that meet or exceed requirements that are essential to the preparation of well-qualified coaches. The curriculum for these programs dovetails with the knowledge and skills described in Shape America’s National Standards for Sport Coaches .

• There are three levels of NCACE accreditation: Level 1, Level 3, and Level 5.
• Level 5 accreditation is rare—it’s usually granted to master’s degrees and coaching programs focused on advanced training & conditioning for elite athletes.

The NCACE accredits online programs (e.g. University of Northern Colorado’s Online MA in Sport Coaching: Level 5), but not many universities measure up to its high standards!

Find an NCACE-Accredited Program .

CAATE Accreditation (Athletic Training) & Online Degrees

The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) is a national accrediting body for athletic training degrees. It’s an important organization to know about if you’re thinking of becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) .

• You must attend a CAATE-accredited education program if you want to sit for the BOC exam and become an ATC. By 2022, anyone seeking certification will be required to hold a graduate-level degree in athletic training.
• Because the ATC is a professional credential that requires hands-on training, you’re unlikely to find online programs that are CAATE-accredited. But you may be able find hybrid programs that include online components.
• Degrees in exercise science, sports medicine, physical education, physical therapy, strength and conditioning, etc. do not satisfy the education requirement for the BOC exam.

Search for a CAATE-Accredited Program .

COSMA Accreditation (Sports Management) & Online Degrees

We provide a bit of background on the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) in the Accreditation section of our guide to Affordable Exercise Science Degrees . It accredits sport management education programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels.

The good news? COSMA considers all sport management programs, regardless of their mode of delivery, for accreditation. That includes online programs, distance learning programs, adult degree completion programs, accelerated programs, and other “nontraditional” programs.

Find a COSMA-Accredited Program .

PE Teaching Licensure & Online Degrees

Initial licensure.

Thinking of teaching PE in a K-12 public school? You must have a state teaching license. (Private schools may not require state licensure, but they’ll generally expect you to hold a degree.) We talk about the state licensure process and options for obtaining an education degree in our guide to K-12 Education Degrees .

Be sure to check with your State Board of Education for exact details on licensure. Many states have specific requirements for PE teachers (e.g. a state-approved bachelor’s degree in physical education, completion of a teacher preparation program, and passing scores on Praxis II content-area tests). Alternative pathways may be available, but initial licensure is going to involve an on-campus or hybrid program.

Continuing Licensure & Endorsements

Once you have your initial license, you may find you need to earn a master’s degree (e.g. MEd in Physical Education) to maintain your licensure or gain endorsements. Happily, there are CAEP-accredited , 100% online degrees that can help you achieve this goal. Again, check with your State Board to see what they will accept as the education requirement.

Professional Certification & Online Degrees

We have a full rundown of relevant professional certifications in our guide to Affordable Exercise Science Degrees . These are voluntary qualifications (e.g. ACT, CPT, CES, etc.) from recognized organizations (e.g. ACSM, NATA, NASM, etc.) that you can use to improve your career prospects and qualify for certain jobs.

Universities will usually state if their online programs can help you prepare for professional certifications. When in doubt, ask.

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UMass Boston

• Exercise & Health Sciences PhD

Accelerate your EHS career, improve lives.

UMass Boston's Exercise and Health Sciences doctoral program is a firmly research-based, interdisciplinary program. Your primary area of research will align closely with the research of a specific faculty advisor in the Department who you chose to work with.

The faculty’s broad expertise ranges from the cellular and molecular level (molecular mechanisms) to the society at large (community and population studies), with many collaborative research efforts focused on exercise physiology, behavior science, and physical activity and health promotion in diverse populations across the lifespan. You will also have the opportunity to explore other areas of interest in the form of directed research and elective courses, which will help you to become a more well-rounded researcher.

Emerge from this program prepared to:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of fundamental concepts of exercise science and/or health promotion
• Conduct systemic inquiry and apply critical thinking to evaluate scientific literature relevant to the specialization area in exercise science and health promotion
• Use an appropriate theoretical framework and quantitative and/or qualitative methods to acquire, analyze and interpret data
• Disseminate scientific findings at local, national, and global levels through publications and presentations
• Demonstrate leadership as a researcher and educator to promote physical activity and improve health in diverse populations

Career Possibilities

Work in a clinical or research setting to assess patients’ fitness levels and and design programs tailored to their needs as an exercise physiologist. Improve the lives of a corporation’s employees as a health and wellness coordinator. Or, focus on the health and wellbeing of entire communities as a health promotion specialist. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

• Exercise physiologist
• Corporate Wellness Specialist
• Health Promoter
• Personal Trainer
• Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist

Download the Exercise & Health Sciences PhD Fact Sheet.

Attend An Info Session    --> Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• A completed application form
• The specific interest and rationale for pursuing a PhD in exercise and health, and career goals after completing the PhD studies
• Current major research and interests in the fields of exercise or health sciences (we strongly recommend that applicants contact EHS faculty directly concerning their research interests before applying)
• Official transcripts from all schools attended
• Three references
• TOEFL scores, if applicable (UMass Boston's institution code is 3924)
• Résumé

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: February 1 (priority) and April 1 (final) for fall, October 1 (priority) or December 1 (final) for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Graduate Assistantship Information: The EHS Department offers two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantship (TA) and Research Assistantship (RA). TAs primarily work with faculty instructors who teach undergraduate classes. RAs are generally offered by a specific faculty member who has active research fundings and students primarily work with the specific faculty member on their research projects.

For RAs, it is highly recommended to reach out directly to individual faculty to determine if their research interests match with yours and if there is an opening for a graduate student. Please also include the faculty member who you would like to work with in your personal statement for your application.

BS to PhD Route

Required master’s level courses (15 credits).

• EHS 625L - Quantitative Research Methods 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 630 - Advanced Health Fitness and Nutrition Assessment 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 655 - Advanced Physical Activity and Health 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 685 - Applied Exercise Physiology 3 Credit(s)
• NURSNG 760 - Introduction to Biostatistics: Biostatistics I 3 Credit(s)

Concentration Courses (6 Credits)

Complete two courses from one of the concentrations below.

Applied Exercise Physiology Concentration

• EHS 680 - Clinical Exercise Physiology 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 682 - Exercise Metabolism 3 Credit(s)

Physical Activity and Health Promotion Concentration

• EHS 656 - Advanced Nutrition and Health 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 670 - Designing Exercise and Health Promotion Interventions 3 Credit(s)

Required Doctoral Level Courses (12 Credits)

• EHS 825L - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods I 3 Credit(s)
• EHS 887 - Advanced Topics in Exercise and Health Sciences 3 Credit(s)
• NURSNG 705 - Health Disparities 3 Credit(s) OR
• NURSNG 757 - Social Behavioral Determinants of Health 3 Credit(s)
• NURSNG 770 - Biostatistics II: Advanced Statistical Methods in Healthcare Research 3 Credit(s)

Electives (12 Credits)

Complete four additional courses offered by Nursing or other departments (e.g. Gerontology, Psychology, and Biology).

Dissertation/Research Courses (30 Credits)

Complete 30 credits from below with at least 18 credits of dissertation study.

• EHS 898 - Directed Research in Exercise and Health Sciences 1-6 Credit(s)
• EHS 899 - Dissertation 1-6 Credit(s)

MS to PhD Route

Required courses (12 credits).

• NURSNG 705 - Health Disparities 3 Credit(s)

Electives (6 Credits)

Complete two additional courses offered by Nursing or other departments (e.g. Gerontology, Psychology, and Biology).

Dissertation/Research Courses (24 Credits)

Complete 24 credits from below with at least 18 credits of dissertation study and no more than 6 credits of directed research.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 75 credits from at least 17 courses including five required master’s level courses, two concentration courses, four required doctoral level courses, four electives, and 30 credits of dissertation/research courses.

Concentration: Select a concentration in applied exercise physiology or physical activity and health promotion. Doctoral candidacy: Candidates must pass a written qualifying exam at a time to be designated by the student’s pre-dissertation committee. Content covered in the exam is agreed upon by the major faculty advisor and the student. The exam will be completed over the course of several days within a two-week period. Students must pass all areas on either the first or second try before being allowed to continue in the program and work on their dissertation proposal. Dissertation: Candidates must propose and ultimately compose and defend a dissertation based on original research. The dissertation document will include an introduction, rationale and hypothesis, review of the literature, description of methods, presentation of results, and discussion of the relevance of the study’s findings to the field at large. The results of the research will be presented in manuscript-ready format, including two or more separate papers that are ready to be submitted to peer-reviewed journals. The student will be required to submit at least one of these papers to a journal prior to orally defending their dissertation; the paper must be under peer review to meet this requirement.

Statute of limitations: Eight years.

Complete 42 credits from seven or eight courses including four required courses, two electives, and one to two dissertation/research courses.

Doctoral candidacy: Candidates must pass a written qualifying exam at a time to be designated by the student’s pre-dissertation committee. Content covered in the exam is agreed upon by the major faculty advisor and the student. The exam will be completed over the course of several days within a two-week period. Students must pass all areas on either the first or second try before being allowed to continue in the program and work on their dissertation proposal. Dissertation: Candidates must propose and ultimately compose and defend a dissertation based on original research. The dissertation document will include an introduction, rationale and hypothesis, review of the literature, description of methods, presentation of results, and discussion of the relevance of the study’s findings to the field at large. The results of the research will be presented in manuscript-ready format, including two or more separate papers that are ready to be submitted to peer-reviewed journals. The student will be required to submit at least one of these papers to a journal prior to orally defending their dissertation; the paper must be under peer review to meet this requirement.

Graduate Program Director Kai Zou kai.zou [at] umb.edu (617) 287-7282

Program Assistant Lourdes Ortiz Tapper lourdes.ortiz-tapper [at] umb.edu (617) 287-7594

Exercise & Health Sciences Graduate Programs [email protected]

Exercise & Health Sciences

Learn more about UMass Boston's Exercise & Health Sciences department, our research, and our faculty.

Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

• University of Kentucky

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

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. 

Affiliated Faculty

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.

Application Requirements

• 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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• Degree requirements 

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Academic Catalog 2024-2025

School of community health and behavioral sciences.

Jonathan Zaff, PhD Professor and Chair Department of Applied Psychology

617.373.2485 617.373.8892 (fax) [email protected]

Robert Leeman, PhD Professor and Chair Department of Public Health and Health Sciences

617.373.3501 617.373.2968 (fax) [email protected]

The School of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences offers students interdisciplinary education and research excellence—drawing on novel health technologies and data literacy to address society’s most pressing public health issues.

Students in the school are prepared to be the next generation of innovators and thought leaders in the health professions and public health. They will have an opportunity to be empowered to affect real change by leveraging new and emerging technologies and data.

The school is designed to improve individuals, communities, and society through three pillars of excellence:

• Health technologies
• Public mental health
• Social and environmental determinants of health to achieve social justice

Graduate programs in the Department of Applied Psychology (including two doctoral programs accredited by the American Psychological Association) reflect Northeastern University’s tradition of practice-oriented education with an ecological and multicultural focus. Faculty and students come from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, providing an enriching learning experience. The department is a scientist-practitioner-based unit that generates new psychological knowledge through research, and the translation of research, to applications that promote mental and physical health across the life span.

The Bouvé College of Health Sciences emphasizes experiential and field-based learning, interdisciplinary and global knowledge, and integration of science and practice. The Department of Applied Psychology seeks to prepare students to become mental and behavioral health professionals in a variety of educational, government, community, organizational, and private settings. Our doctoral programs provide excellent educational opportunities for those interested in professional psychology with specialized training for future careers in academic or practice positions as licensed psychologists. Our students have an opportunity to acquire knowledge and competency needed for a lifetime of personal fulfillment and professional achievement.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• Counseling Psychology
• School Psychology

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS)

Master of science (ms).

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Applied Educational Psychology
• Applied Psychology

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP)

Graduate certificate.

• Early Intervention

The Department of Public Health and Health Sciences in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University provides a unique, transdisciplinary setting that incorporates academics, research, and practice and seeks to prepare students for a wide range of career paths. We offer two bachelor’s degrees in health sciences and public health and options for combined majors with the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, the College of Science, the College of Engineering, and the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, in addition to minors in exercise science, public health, global health, and nutrition. We offer several graduate degrees: Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Health Informatics in collaboration with Khoury College of Computer Sciences, a combined master’s in the two fields, and a Master of Science in Real-World Evidence in collaboration with Northeastern’s Roux Institute, as well as combined graduate degrees with the School of Pharmacy and the School of Law . Our Master of Public Health program is offered part time, full time and as a one-year accelerated online program.  At the doctoral level, we offer a PhD program in population health and, in cooperation with Khoury, a PhD degree in personal health informatics.

Our diverse faculty has expertise in the fields of biostatistics/data science, community and rural health, environmental health, epidemiology, global health, health promotion and education, health policy, health technology, mental health, and more. Students have the opportunity to work side by side with faculty in conducting cutting-edge research in these fields.

In line with Northeastern’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and urban engagement, we teach and work closely with many other schools, centers, and institutes in the university, including the Institute for Health Equity and Social Justice Research; the Center for Community Health Education, Research and Service;  the Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute;  and the Center for Health Policy and Healthcare Research; as well as community agencies and neighborhood health centers in the local Boston area and beyond.

• Personal Health Informatics
• Population Health

Master of Public Health (MPH)

• Public Health
• Public Health—Accelerated
• Complex Network Analysis
• Health Informatics
• Real-World Evidence in Healthcare and Life Sciences
• Statistics—Connect

Dual Degree

• Law, JD/Public Health, MPH
• Pharmacy, PharmD —Direct Entry /Public Health, MPH
• Public Health, MPH/Health Informatics, MS

Graduate Certificates

• AI Applications
• Health Informatics Management and Exchange
• Health Informatics Privacy and Security
• Health Informatics Software Engineering

Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology Courses

Cardiopulmonary and exercise sciences courses , health science courses , public health courses .

CAEP 5150. Early Intervention: Family Systems. (3 Hours)

Introduces students to the theory and practice of family interventions with a diverse population including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with special needs. Discusses family systems, developmental, coping, crisis, and ecological theories and practices. Teaches assessment and intervention skills. Integrates theories of exceptionality as they pertain to family systems into course material.

Attribute(s): NUpath Difference/Diversity

CAEP 5151. Early Intervention: Infant and Toddler Development, Risk, and Disability. (3 Hours)

Introduces students to the major theories of development and their implications for intervention. Presents and discusses infant/toddlers’ development, risk, and disability in the areas of cognition, communication, motor skills, social/emotional development, and adaptive skills, and considers variation in development as a result of multiple factors. Is team-taught by professors drawn from school psychology, special education, speech-language pathology, counseling psychology, nursing, and physical therapy.

CAEP 5153. Early Intervention: Assessment and Intervention. (3 Hours)

Covers assessment models and the multidomain tests used in early intervention. Students become familiar with informal and formal instruments used in different areas including cognition speech and language, motor, and social/emotional domains. Explains the process and responsibilities for the writing of individualized service plans (ISPs), as well as variety of intervention models, methods, and strategies to be implemented in natural environments. Is taught by professors drawn from special education, speech-language pathology, counseling psychology, nursing, and physical therapy. Students participate in Northeastern’s Global Early Intervention Network.

CAEP 5330. Applied Animal Behavior Analysis. (4 Hours)

Introduces the reverse translation of behavior from the animal laboratories of Pavlov and Skinner to the world of human behavior change via applied behavior analysis, and back to the socially significant behavior of animals that live in proximity to humans. Discusses how to identify problem behaviors of dogs, cats, and other animals and how to ethically assess and analyze these behaviors through this lens, as well as how to design an ethical course of intervention.

CAEP 5876. Mental Health Education and Program Planning. (3 Hours)

Describes dominant models of health education and program planning for mental health. Emphasizes the importance of collaboration with end users, stakeholders, and the development of partnerships. Highlights cross-cultural differences in health service systems and underserved populations.

CAEP 5877. Research Methods in Applied Psychology. (3 Hours)

Provides an opportunity for students to learn basic concepts in applied research in psychology, education, and related behavioral and mental health fields. Provides a solid foundation for students to conceptualize the purpose, process, and key methods of applied research. Introduces relevant statistical topics within the context of their respective designs.

CAEP 5878. Pediatric Psychology. (3 Hours)

Introduces the field of pediatric psychology, which studies the role of psychology in health, illness, and healthcare among children and adolescents. Reviews various psychological, emotional, and behavioral factors associated with onset, course, and management of specific pediatric illnesses. Explores related evidence-based prevention and treatment interventions.

CAEP 5879. Trauma and Mental Health. (3 Hours)

Introduces the foundations of trauma theory to offer students a trauma-sensitive perspective to the continuum of practice from policy making to direct client service. Reviews the neurophysiology of trauma. Examines causative factors and evidence-based treatments of trauma-related mental health issues (e.g., PTSD). Reviews current theory and research on topical areas related to trauma including intimate partner violence, child abuse, sexual assault, school and community violence, war and terrorism, and other emerging trauma issues.

CAEP 6100. Prevention and Intervention: Evidence-Based Practices. (3 Hours)

Introduces the foundational principles and methods that guide research on prevention and intervention for mental health disorders. Reviews prevention approaches for specific public mental health topics, including intervention theory and clinical trial design, the role of community collaboration and engagement, the utility of interventions that operate at multiple ecological levels, and the complexities involved in the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based practice for mental health across the life span.

CAEP 6110. Etiology-Psychopathology Across the Life Span. (3 Hours)

Examines the major mental disorders across the life span, emphasizing the current thinking regarding etiology and essential features in the context of public health. Reviews diagnosis and classification; epidemiology; and the genetic, neurobiological, cultural, and social factors that relate to the etiology and maintenance of mental health disorders. Addresses innovative approaches and methods to integrate current psychopathology research, mental health frameworks, and public health frameworks.

CAEP 6200. Introduction to Counseling: Theory and Process in an Ecological Context. (3 Hours)

Provides an overview of counseling and psychology from the ecological perspective. Covers the history, theories, and process of counseling across forces within psychology and across individuals (children and adults), groups, and families. Includes an introduction to counseling skills.

CAEP 6201. Introduction to Assessment. (3 Hours)

Introduces testing and assessment in psychology and education including group achievement tests. Covers uses of tests in society, the politics and economics of tests, types of tests, test statistics, reliability, validity, item analysis, test construction, new movements in testing, and applications. Introduces descriptive statistics as a basis for understanding the statistical basis for establishing norms, scales, and for understanding approaches to scoring.

CAEP 6202. Research, Evaluation, and Data Analysis. (3 Hours)

Introduces topics in research and evaluation from a consumer perspective. Covers types of research studies and methodologies, philosophical bases for perspectives, research design, evaluation and outcomes assessment, data analysis techniques, clinical and qualitative approaches, and interpretation of research findings.

CAEP 6203. Understanding Culture and Diversity. (3 Hours)

Works from a broad definition of culture and diversity. In addition to traditional culture and ethnic classifications, examines disability, poverty, and gender as culturally defining factors. Also explores the dynamics of culture in social systems, with the perspective of valuing differences in society and sociocultural forces impinging on culture from the ecological perspective.

CAEP 6206. Learning Principles. (3 Hours)

Provides an overview of the theories of learning, cognition, and emotion. Introduces the major theories and relates them to applications and interventions in psychology and education.

CAEP 6218. Infant, Child, and Adolescent Development. (3 Hours)

Provides an overview of development from birth through late adolescence. Covers the major theories of human development from a culturally informed, gender-sensitive ecological orientation. Reviews stages and theories of development from an interdisciplinary perspective and related to implications for learning. Examines cognitive, language, social/emotional, play, and physical aspects of development.

CAEP 6220. Development Across the Life Span. (3 Hours)

Identifies and addresses culturally and gender-sensitive developmental issues throughout the life span, from the conventional stages of childhood through the end of life. Discusses ethnic, economic, gender, relational, and sexual identities, as well as health-medical and aging concerns.

CAEP 6222. Human Sexuality. (3 Hours)

Designed for the twenty-first century and the critical issues that have evolved in the field. Includes current information on issues in human sexuality (and acts as a forum for the discussion of current trends), which may include HIV/AIDS, abortion, ethics and morality in genetic engineering, sex education in the school and home, teen sexuality and pregnancy, personal behaviors, social aspects of acquaintance rape, early sexual experiences, divorce, and remarriage. Allows for the development of counseling skills needed to deal with various issues.

CAEP 6235. Vocational, Education, and Career Development. (3 Hours)

Focuses on the interactions of economic needs, work, class, education, and contemporary social trends as part of human development in a sociohistoric ecological context.

CAEP 6242. Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. (3 Hours)

Identifies categories of human difficulty and abnormal behavior through current DSM terminology. Is based in a cultural and gender competent bio-psycho-social model over the life span. Discusses both preventive and individual interventions for each category. Also introduces treatment planning and treatment guidelines.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6200 with a minimum grade of B-

CAEP 6247. Child and Adolesent Psychopathology. (3 Hours)

Covers DSM-IV and major forms of psychopathology including the neuroses (obsessional states, hysteria, anxiety states, and phobias), the pyschoses (schizophrenia, mania, depression, and paranoia), psychosomatic, sociopathy, conduct disorders, organic disorders, and mental retardation. Discusses the relationship between categories of special education disabilities (emotional impairment, autism, and so on) and DSM-IV.

CAEP 6250. Individual Interventions. (3 Hours)

Focuses on a variety on individually focused interventions: standard techniques used to achieve change goals as well as crisis intervention and prevention. Use of multimodal interventions (for instance, expressive, action) are joined with specific problems that individuals might face. Also addresses crisis intervention, solution-focused treatment planning, and promoting resiliency and activism.

CAEP 6260. Community Counseling Psychology. (3 Hours)

Addresses organizational and systems impact, stressors, and change efforts. Draws from the community, consultation, organizational, prevention, and social psychology literature. Considers understanding of health promotion in social and institutional contexts. Also explores crisis, coping, and social change.

CAEP 6282. Ethics and Professional Development. (3 Hours)

Addresses professional development and mental health counseling issues. Also considers professional ethics from ACA, APA, and FTI, with emphasis on the professional functioning of counselors. Discusses current issues in the practice and control of mental health. Also addresses the role of professional organizations and state licensing.

CAEP 6283. Brief Therapies. (3 Hours)

Discusses brief forms of therapy and counseling. Addresses therapies with each of the theoretical four forces. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of brief therapy. Considers the fit of the therapy with the person or client system as well as the goals and context. Also explores empirical, ethical, pragmatic, and political viewpoints.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6200 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6286. Family Counseling Interventions. (3 Hours)

Examines the role and social construction of families. Includes a brief overview of theoretical perspectives and especially considers the more recent implications of feminist and multicultural critiques. Discusses relationship building and specific interventions with families in terms of appropriate use of clinical, ethical, and gender/race-ethnic/class competencies.

CAEP 6287. Group Counseling. (3 Hours)

Covers group design, dynamics, and leadership as well as their application in a range of mental health group activities. Since the conventional theoretical orientations have been covered in the theory course ( CAEP 6200 ), this course approaches group work through a broader perspective. For example, while expressive groups based in a humanistic tradition and insight gained through psychodynamic and cognitive traditions are in the course, such recent developments as adventure and psychoeducation group work are also included.

CAEP 6324. Programmed Learning. (3 Hours)

Introduces the importance of programming for effective learning, including for students with autism spectrum disorders. Stresses goals shared by behavior analysts and educators. Employs evidence-based teaching procedures for training complex behavior. Emphasizes the need for assessment and data analysis for programming. Focuses on procedures based on establishing and transferring stimulus control, including establishing equivalence classes.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6331 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6326. Behavioral Concepts and Principles. (3 Hours)

Introduces concepts and principles that make up the foundation of behavior science. Identifies naturally existing examples of the basic principles of behavior. Requires demonstrated mastery of behavioral explanations of why behaviors occur. Contrasts behavioral descriptions with other philosophical conceptualizations.

CAEP 6327. Behavior Assessment. (3 Hours)

Expands on key elements of behavior assessment including systematic assessment of preferences and reinforcers, and assessment of behavior function through indirect methods, direct methods, and systematic manipulations.

Prerequisite(s): ( CAEP 6326 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6326 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6326 with a minimum grade of B ); ( CAEP 6329 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6329 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6329 with a minimum grade of B )

CAEP 6328. Single-Case Research Design. (3 Hours)

Introduces single-case experimental designs and methods to define and measure behavior. Offers students an opportunity to learn how to measure behavior and design experimental arrangements to analyze relationships between dependent and independent variables.

CAEP 6329. Ethics for Behavior Analysts. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to develop competence in a comprehensive overview of the legal and ethical issues in applied behavior analysis, including design and implementation of applied behavior analytic services and applied research. Discusses ethical issues in staff training, performance management, and program evaluation.

CAEP 6331. Advanced Learning Seminar 1. (3 Hours)

Discusses a broad overview of teaching and learning topics with in-depth focus on specific technologies geared toward increasing behavior change. Identifies the principles involved in learning and how to apply those principles to enhance skill acquisition. Employs evidence-based procedures to systematically increase a behavior. Evaluates the effectiveness of the behavior change procedures throughout the semester.

Prerequisite(s): ( CAEP 6326 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6326 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6326 with a minimum grade of B ); ( CAEP 6328 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6328 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6328 with a minimum grade of B )

CAEP 6332. Advanced Learning Seminar 2. (3 Hours)

Explores advanced behavior analytic topics, and practices applying basic principles to more complex scenarios. Extends basic behavior analytic conceptualizations and services, and investigates extensions of the behavioral sciences to areas other than work in special education.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6331 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6331 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6334. Applied Programming Seminar 1. (3 Hours)

Focuses on the systematic application of principles of behavior analysis to interventions in applied settings. Allows students to design, test, and evaluate instructional programs for remedial application to behavior problems and to test instructional theory. Emphasizes the relationship between behavioral assessment and behavioral intervention. Provides supervision through the weekly research and data seminar in collaboration with the student’s project adviser.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6327 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6327 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6327 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6335. Applied Programming Seminar 2. (3 Hours)

Focuses on the practical issues surrounding development of an applied thesis research topic. Students develop their thesis topic and prepare a written proposal for their thesis research. Students present the initial thesis proposal and periodic updates during the weekly seminar. Thesis committee members are invited to attend their students’ presentations to provide feedback and critique of the developing proposal.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6334 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6336. Systematic Inquiry 1. (3 Hours)

Requires each student to collect a comprehensive bibliography on a significant topic in applied behavioral research and complete a thorough written review. Emphasizes the integration and analysis of experimental findings and theoretical foundations of the research area, critical evaluation of current research, and the identification of potentially fruitful future research. Frequent presentation of current research by students helps develop their oral communication skills and prepares them for becoming contributing professionals in the field of behavior analysis.

Prerequisite(s): ( CAEP 6331 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 6331 with a minimum grade of B ); CAEP 6334 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6338. Clinical Practice Supervision. (1-3 Hours)

Offers a seminar for supervision of a clinical experience in practicum, internship, or fieldwork. Meets on campus with instructor/supervisor and complements individual supervision at the practice site. May be repeated for up to 6 total credits.

CAEP 6341. Behavioral Interventions. (3 Hours)

Provides a broad overview of teaching and learning based on behavioral principles. Examines specific behavioral technologies geared towards both increasing and decreasing behavior. Emphasizes the relationship between assessment and function-based interventions to treat problem behavior and teach new skills.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6326 with a minimum grade of B ; CAEP 6329 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6342. Consultation, Supervision, and Management. (3 Hours)

Addresses topics related to behavioral supervision, consultation, and staff/program evaluation in human service organizations, including performance analysis and management, staff training, behavioral systems analysis, organizational culture, and culturally responsive leadership. Explores essential components of organizational behavior management.

CAEP 6343. Radical Behaviorism and Verbal Behavior. (3 Hours)

Explores the foundations of the philosophy of radical behaviorism and its extension to B. F. Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior. Examines explanations of complex human behavior, including verbal and nonverbal behavior, from differing behavioral perspectives. Offers students an opportunity to evaluate how B. F. Skinner’s conceptual writings relate to current behavior analytic theory, research, and practice.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6326 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6344. Experimental Analysis of Behavior. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain the skills to interpret basic research in behavior analysis. Examines concepts and principles of behavior from an experimental perspective, as well as the causes of complex behavior. Practices developing experimental arrangements to evaluate behavioral principles and analyzing data through cumulative records and single-case experimental design.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6326 with a minimum grade of B ; CAEP 6328 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6345. Promoting Youth Academic Success in Schools. (3 Hours)

Focuses on learning problems in relation to developmental tasks and curriculum frameworks including reading and writing. Examines the types and causes of learning problems and individual learning styles from constructivist, neuropsychological, and ecological perspectives. Reviews methods for assessment of physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development in childhood and adolescence. Emphasizes special education legislation and current service delivery programs.

CAEP 6346. Individual Behavior for Lasting Change. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to explore and practice methods to effectively change their own behavior, with the aim to create greater change in the world. Explores the impact of inadvertent behavior change and its potential effects. Emphasizes behavior change that will affect other individuals, communities, cultures and systems, or entire environments.

CAEP 6347. Behavior Management. (3 Hours)

Covers theory, research, and practice pertaining to management of behavior in preschool, elementary, and high school classrooms. Presents development of practical behavioral interventions using a systematic problem-solving process (including functional behavioral assessment). Includes skills and techniques of preventing and remediating behavior problems.

CAEP 6348. Systems in Schools 1. (1 Hour)

Explores a culturally responsive, integrated (academic plus behavioral), multi-tiered system of support within schools (MTSS). Emphasizes a data-based individualization framework to systematize the process of intensifying and adapting evidence-based interventions to meet individual needs of children and youth with disabilities.

CAEP 6349. Systems in Schools 2. (1 Hour)

Continues CAEP 6348 . Explores a foundation for understanding a culturally responsive, integrated (academic and behavioral), multitiered system of support within schools. Students design an individualized and integrated academic and behavior plan for children and youth, monitor progress using graphic displays, evaluate outcomes, and discuss intervention adaptations according to data. Emphasizes using a data-based individualization framework that systematizes the process of intensifying and adapting evidence-based interventions to meet individual needs of children and youth from an interdisciplinary framework.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6348 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6350. Introduction to Cognitive Assessment. (3 Hours)

Introduces cognitive assessment and the relationship of cognitive theories to assessment. Also includes practice in administering and interpreting specific tests of cognitive functioning, such as the Wechsler Scales and the Woodcock-Johnson.

CAEP 6352. Personality Assessment. (3 Hours)

Administers and interprets projective tests, behavior rating scales, and personality tests. Offers advanced level of integrating results from different measures in report writing.

CAEP 6353. Curriculum-Based Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making. (3 Hours)

Presents curriculum frameworks (reading, mathematics), developmental sequences (language), socialization, and life skills as areas of learning breakdown. Focuses on collection and use of data from curriculum-based procedures that evaluate a child’s current level of understanding and performance in one of these areas, determination of intervention goals, formulation of individualized education programs (IEPs), development of instructional plans, and monitoring progress using curriculum-based measurements.

CAEP 6354. Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Assessment. (3 Hours)

Uses a problem-solving framework designed to help students to develop skills in identifying common school-based social, emotional, and behavioral problems and designing targeted assessment plans. Offers students an opportunity to gain experience in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of relevant measures designed to assess children’s and adolescents’ social, emotional, and behavioral functioning; in the synthesis of multisource/multimethod data; and in psychological report writing.

CAEP 6360. Consultation and Program Evaluation. (3 Hours)

Overviews different consultation theories including behavioral, psychodynamic, and systems perspectives. Offers a focus on skill development with respect to a broad-based and pragmatic approach to client-centered behavioral consultation. Uses computer networks and e-mail in client-centered and peer consultation. Offers evaluation of the implementation and outcomes of consultation and related service delivery programs.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6347 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6365. Seminar in School Psychology. (3 Hours)

Covers the philosophical, historical, technical, and school administrative issues contributing to the professional identity of school psychologists. Emphasizes ethical standards, public policy, and legislation that impact school psychology.

CAEP 6375. Substance Use and Treatment. (3 Hours)

Covers use, abuse, and treatment of both legal and illegal psychoactive drug agents. Includes an introduction to psychotropic medications, overview of illicit substance use, differential substance abuse, interventions and treatment, and related social issues.

CAEP 6380. Seminar in Feminist Psychology. (3 Hours)

Looks at sex-gender socialization and role ascription in the development of women and men. Examines feminine and masculine gender role stereotypes and constructs in mental health theory, procedures, and practices. Introduces the variety of feminist standpoints and explores their impacts on the conceptualization of health and healing. Presents major points in feminist therapy and psychology. The student examines selected areas in-depth within this course.

CAEP 6390. History and Systems of Psychology. (3 Hours)

Examines the development of psychological theories in the context of western intellectual development. Attends to the underlying epistemological assumptions and historical and cultural forces on psychology. Also emphasizes some of the potential contributions to psychology of other world civilizations and to paradigmatic strengths and limits.

CAEP 6394. Advanced Multicultural Psychology. (3 Hours)

Provides critical analyses of “universalist” perspective counseling and development theory. Explores a variety of implications for culturally competent psychological work. Addresses process, procedures, and interventions as well as theory and inquiry. Focuses on individual and cultural differences in counseling and professional psychological services.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6203 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6399. Clinical Skills in Counseling Psychology. (3 Hours)

Develops self-awareness, communication skills, and therapeutic and practice procedures.

CAEP 6400. Prepracticum in School Psychology. (1 Hour)

Requires a minimum of 75 hours of school-based experience. Designed to orient school psychology graduate students to the school psychology profession and the practicum. Offers students an opportunity to understand the role of the school psychologist and the school environment. Seeks to familiarize students with the range of different school psychological services and the range of students who receive services from school psychologists, including students from different cultures and students with and without disabilities. Emphasizes observational learning. Students must complete the entire prepracticum and submit the documentation of its successful completion prior to beginning the practicum experience.

CAEP 6401. Counseling Children and Adolescents in Schools. (3 Hours)

Seeks to give students a foundation in the selection, evaluation, and application of empirically supported counseling interventions for children and adolescents. Topics include individual and group counseling techniques as well as specific clinical issues related to school-age children, families, family-school collaboration, and systems.

CAEP 6402. Promoting Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Success in Schools. (3 Hours)

Seeks to give students a foundation in the selection, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based Tier 1 (classwide, universal) and Tier 2 (small group, targeted) interventions. Promotes an understanding of best practices and evidence-based approaches that promote school mental health.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6401 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

Offers elective credit for courses taken at other academic institutions. May be repeated without limit.

CAEP 6999. Practicum Continuation. (0 Hours)

Continues clinical requirements. May be repeated five times.

CAEP 7412. Systematic Inquiry in Behavior Analysis 1. (1 Hour)

Provides peer and individualized mentorship as students complete a scholarly behavior analytic project. Provides practice in identifying a behavioral problem and research question, developing methods to examine the question, and completing an IRB application.

Corequisite(s): CAEP 8412

CAEP 7413. Systematic Inquiry in Behavior Analysis 2. (1 Hour)

Continues CAEP 7412 . Provides peer and individual mentorship as students complete a scholarly behavior analytic project. Offers students an opportunity to obtain the skills to complete a comprehensive literature review or case study.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 7412 with a minimum grade of B

Corequisite(s): CAEP 8413

CAEP 7701. Doctoral Seminar in Counseling Psychology. (1 Hour)

Seeks to advance the student’s development as a counseling psychologist based on a scientist-practitioner and ecological model and to ensure that the student is informed regarding the historical and current developments of the discipline of counseling psychology. May be repeated up to three times.

CAEP 7702. Scholarship, Teaching, and Leadership in Applied Psychology. (3 Hours)

Studies teaching, scholarship, and leadership within a system of higher education. Explores how teaching and scholarship are related to tenure and promotion processes. Considers ethical issues that arise in university settings (e.g., human subject protection, academic integrity). Offers students an opportunity to develop a research agenda and engage in the peer review process as an author and reviewer, as well as practice using various teaching philosophies, course development, and delivery. Contemplates university and professional leadership positions within the field of applied psychology.

CAEP 7703. Grant Writing in the Health Professions. (3 Hours)

Introduces the basic components of the grant writing process, from locating available funding opportunities to submitting a competitive grant proposal. Offers students an opportunity to develop a grant proposal for potential submission.

CAEP 7710. Advanced Clinical Assessment. (3 Hours)

Covers contemporary cognitive and personality testing as used in a variety of practice settings. Covers such areas as pain management, risk assessment, and learning styles. PhD students only.

CAEP 7711. Measurement: Advanced Psychometric Principles. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to gain an understanding of classical and modern test theory as well as to develop the capability to use these theories to develop tests for their own purposes. Topics include test validity, item statistics useful in test construction, score scales and norms commonly used in educational testing, item bias and test bias, and ideas of fairness and equity in educational and psychological testing. Introduces factor analysis as well as the major extensions and alternatives to classical test theory, generalizability theory, and item response theory (latent trait theory).

CAEP 7712. Intermediate Statistical Data Analysis Techniques. (3 Hours)

Emphasizes the use of existing theories and models as a basis for the formation of questions and hypotheses and for designing research to address those questions and hypotheses. Covers the logic of design of research and hypothesis testing, regression, general linear model (GLM), statistical model building and testing, hierarchical regression, and analysis of covariance structures. Emphasizes consideration of power and effects. Requires students to do problems on the computer and/or by hand using data sets assigned in class. Requires prior completion of a course in basic statistics and a course in methods of research design or permission of instructor.

CAEP 7716. Advanced Research and Data Analyses 2. (3 Hours)

Investigates techniques and models for exploring research questions and testing hypotheses developed in the first semester. Explores structural and advanced correlational models using linear and nonlinear approaches, multivariate data analysis, psychometric statistical theory and techniques, and qualitative inquiry. Requires considerable hands-on experience with real data sets. Explores qualitative and methodological approaches to ecological analysis of systems and contexts. Requires students to do problems on the computer and/or by hand using data sets assigned in class. Utilizes SPSS and other computer analysis packages including graphic methods of depicting data. Also covers specialized applications (text analysis software, survey design and scoring software, or specialized graphing programs). Students do projects, prepare reports of an analysis from the data set, and turn in a written report in APA format suitable for publication.

CAEP 7720. Advanced Clinical Interventions. (3 Hours)

Considers assessment and intervention from an ecological/systems perspective on a case-by-case basis. Uses individual, group, family, organizational, and community modalities. Emphasizes case conceptualization as a framework for treatment planning and evaluation. Emphasis is on impact of social systems and sociocultural factors. Restricted to PhD students with previous work in group and family counseling.

CAEP 7732. Legal and Ethical Issues in Community and Educational Settings. (3 Hours)

Designed to provide a systematic orientation to the ethical and professional issues faced by mental health practitioners in their teaching, research, and practice in a seminar setting. Addresses APA ethical guidelines, legal aspects of psychological practice including licensing, confidentiality in practice and research, historical perspective, supervision and training issues, and current topics of professional concern in counseling and school psychology practice. Considers relevant court decisions affecting psychological practice with children, adults, and family.

CAEP 7741. Advanced Practicum 1. (1,2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain training in clinical settings to develop clinical skills in assessment, consultation, and interventions under supervision. Examines and supports clinical work within various assessment and treatment modalities. Analyzes systems issues within placement sites, which include but are not limited to administrative and supervisory issues, by focusing on critical analysis and provision of a supportive atmosphere. Provides opportunities to document competency through tapes and detailed process notes of sessions, videotape role-playing, critiques, and feedback. Requires practice in the clinical setting a minimum of 20 hours per week. May be repeated once for a total of 2 semester hours.

CAEP 7742. Advanced Practicum 2. (1,2 Hours)

Continues CAEP 7741 . Provides an opportunity, under supervision in a clinical setting, to develop clinical skills in assessment, consultation, and interventions. Designed to provide support and evaluation of the advanced practicum placement for second-year students. Seeks to examine and support clinical work and examine systems issues within placement sites, which include but are not limited to administrative and supervisory issues. Opportunity to document competency through tapes and detailed process notes of sessions, videotape role-playing, critiques, and feedback. Focuses on critical analysis and provision of a supportive atmosphere to explore treatment and systems issues. Requires practice in the clinical setting a minimum of twenty hours per week. May be repeated once for a total of 2 semester hours.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 7741 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 7743. Advanced Practicum 3. (1,2 Hours)

Continues CAEP 7742 . May be taken by students who elect to do additional practicum work to develop better, or deeper, skills or new skill areas. Requires practice in the clinical setting a minimum of twenty hours per week. May be repeated once for a total of 2 semester hours.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 7742 with a minimum grade of B or CAEP 7742 with a minimum grade of S (Graduate) or CAEP 6355 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 7744. Advanced Practicum 4. (1,2 Hours)

Continues CAEP 7743 . Requires practice in the clinical setting a minimum of twenty hours per week. May be repeated once for a total of 2 semester hours.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 7743 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 7750. Biological Bases of Behavior. (3 Hours)

Lays the foundations for an understanding of brain-behavior relations, with an emphasis on implications for the clinician. Topics include basic neuroanatomy, the development of the nervous system over the life span, and hormonal and neuropharmacological aspects of behavioral regulation. Reviews perceptual and motor systems, cognition, emotions, and motivational states from the perspective of their biological underpinnings. Underscores the unfolding of these processes within a psychosocial and cultural context.

CAEP 7755. Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior. (3 Hours)

Provides students with an in-depth treatment of the theories of the cognitive and affective bases of behavior and their applications. Reviews the impact of thinking, emotions, affect, and temperament on behavior in the context of the ecological model. Restricted to PhD students.

CAEP 7756. Social Psychology in an Organizational and Ecological Context. (3 Hours)

Conducted as a seminar designed to meet the needs of doctoral students in school and counseling psychology for a course that spans theory and principles of social psychology from early work in the field-in such topics as social pressure, field theory, cognitive dissonance, and attitude formation-to more modern work in expectations, attitudes, and organizational behavior. Surveys basic concerns in social psychology, and considers material related to application in schools, communities, and organizations in which mental health is practiced. For example, in the study of group dynamics, stresses applications to group learning, administrative leadership, and organization theory. Also covers research paradigms, social change, social influence, system consultation, and community issues as they relate to social psychological considerations. Restricted to PhD students.

CAEP 7758. Doctoral Seminar in Contemporary Theories of Psychotherapy. (3 Hours)

Offers a critical examination from an ecological/systems perspective of conceptual developmental and clinical elements of contemporary psychotherapy theories. Emphasis is on object relations, social constructionist, and constructivist theories of personality and therapeutic change. Includes selected theoretical and research readings, lectures in student-led discussion. Evaluates critical issues and future directions of contemporary theoretical schools and considers varied approaches to case examples. The different theoretical approaches are examined through the lenses of gender, class, and cultural adequacy. Restricted to PhD students.

CAEP 7771. Research Team Experience. (1 Hour)

Offers students an opportunity to participate in various stages of ongoing research leading up to and including the design of their own research projects. Students are given responsibility for conceptualization, design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation of research according to their skills. Encourages students to tie their research to other aspects of their training as appropriate. Becoming a competent researcher requires active experience. A faculty mentor provides direct supervision to the students.

CAEP 7777. Doctoral Seminar: Program Planning and Evaluation. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in program planning and evaluation with a specific focus on promoting the health of children and adolescents. Focuses on program planning and evaluation within the coordinated school health model and the importance of planning, implementing, and evaluating programs within a community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework. Emphasizes the importance of programs that incorporate the intersection of family, school, and community systems. Builds upon the systematic, problem-solving approach to practice woven throughout the curriculum. Emphasizes participatory and context-sensitive approaches to planning and evaluating programs. Seeks to prepare psychologists to plan and evaluate programs systematically in their future work settings.

CAEP 7798. Doctoral Internship. (0.5-2 Hours)

Required of all doctoral students in counseling/school psychology PhD programs. Requires a minimum of forty hours per week for twelve months or twenty hours per week for twenty-four months in an accredited (or equivalent by permission) mental health training setting. In addition to internship site supervision and training seminars, interns attend, in person or online, a university-based seminar and complete case assignments. May be repeated up to four times, not to exceed 3 credits.

CAEP 7799. Doctoral Internship 2. (2 Hours)

Continues CAEP 7798 . Restricted to PhD students.

CAEP 7962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

CAEP 7976. Directed Study. (1-4 Hours)

Allows students to pursue topics of individual interest beyond the scope of formal course work under the direction of faculty. May be repeated without limit.

CAEP 8401. Practicum in Counseling Psychology. (3 Hours)

Includes forty hours of client contact plus supervision. Focuses on developing individual and group skills within mental health and human service agencies. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6399 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 8412. Experiential Learning in Skill Acquisition. (2 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain practical experience developing, implementing, and evaluating skill acquisition programs. Students work in a clinical setting, including accrual of supervised fieldwork hours required to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst ® examination.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6341 with a minimum grade of B

Corequisite(s): CAEP 7412

CAEP 8413. Experiential Learning in Behavioral Supervision. (2 Hours)

Provides students with the opportunity to practice methods of staff training and supervision. Offers students supervision for work in a clinical setting, including accrual of supervised fieldwork hours required to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst ® examination.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 6342 with a minimum grade of B

Corequisite(s): CAEP 7413

CAEP 8415. Practicum in School Psychology 1. (2 Hours)

Offers supervised school-based field experience coupled with seminar class. Requires passing score on the communication and literacy tests of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

CAEP 8416. Practicum in School Psychology 2. (2 Hours)

Offers supervised school-based field experience coupled with seminar class.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 8415 with a minimum grade of B

CAEP 8417. Intensive Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 1. (2 Hours)

Offers students supervised experience that is required in order to sit for the BACB exam. Focuses on offering students an opportunity to acquire new behavior analytic skills related to the BACB Task List. Asks students to demonstrate the necessary skills to be a competent behavior analyst in applied settings. Covers preference assessments, task analysis and other skill acquisition programs, and other teaching strategies.

CAEP 8418. Intensive Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 2. (2 Hours)

Continues the work of CAEP 8417 with the primary focus on offering students an opportunity to acquire new behavior analytic skills related to the BACB Task List. Covers functional assessment, behavior reduction programs, conditioned reinforcement, data analysis, and clinical decision making.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 8417 with a minimum grade of C-

CAEP 8419. Intensive Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 3. (2 Hours)

Continues the work of CAEP 8417 and CAEP 8418 with the primary focus on offering students an opportunity to acquire new behavior analytic skills related to the BACB Task List. Covers behavioral approaches to curriculum-based assessment, discrimination training, shaping, chaining, and pedagogies of teaching.

CAEP 8421. Intensive Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 4. (2 Hours)

Continues the work of CAEP 8417 , CAEP 8418 , and CAEP 8420 with the primary focus on offering students an opportunity to acquire new behavior analytic skills related to the BACB Task List. Covers behavioral approaches to skills assessment, training, supervision, and consultation.

CAEP 8501. Internship in School Psychology 1. (3 Hours)

CAEP 8502. Internship in School Psychology 2. (1-2 Hours)

Offers supervised school-based field experience coupled with seminar class. May be repeated once.

CAEP 8510. Internship in Counseling Psychology 1. (3 Hours)

Provides twenty hours per week in a field setting and a two-hour seminar on campus. In addition to providing supervising seminar, addresses practices, procedures, ethics, and policies in professional practice.

CAEP 8511. Internship in Counseling Psychology 2. (3 Hours)

CAEP 8553. Advanced Counseling Practicum. (1,2 Hours)

Offers an elective course for doctoral students in the counseling psychology doctoral program who are completing additional years of supervised practical experience (minimum of 20 hours per week for 600 hours) as part of the training for the PhD degree and in clinical preparation for the APPIC/APA internship match process. Offers students training in clinical settings. Includes a seminar to offer students an opportunity to develop clinical skills in assessment, consultation, and interventions under supervision. Provides support and evaluation of the advanced fieldwork placement in which doctoral students are involved throughout the year. Led by a faculty supervisor who is the official liaison between Northeastern University and the advanced fieldwork sites. May be repeated up to five times for up to 6 total credits.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 7744 with a minimum grade of C-

CAEP 8984. Research. (1-4 Hours)

Offers an opportunity to conduct research under faculty supervision. May be repeated up to four times.

CAEP 8986. Research. (0 Hours)

Offers an opportunity to conduct research under faculty supervision. May be repeated without limit.

CAEP 9000. Comprehensive Exam. (0 Hours)

Indicates successful completion of the doctoral comprehensive exam.

CAEP 9990. Dissertation Term 1. (0 Hours)

Offers dissertation supervision by individual members of the department. Restricted to PhD students.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 9000 with a minimum grade of S

CAEP 9991. Dissertation Term 2. (0 Hours)

Offers dissertation supervision by members of the department.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 9990 with a minimum grade of S

CAEP 9996. Dissertation Continuation. (0 Hours)

Supports the continued development of the dissertation.

Prerequisite(s): CAEP 9991 with a minimum grade of S or Dissertation Check with a score of REQ

EXSC 5200. Cardiopulmonary Physiology. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to gain an understanding of physiological principles of the cardiopulmonary system. Covers the structure and functional operation and regulation of the cardiopulmonary system, disease-associated physiological changes and cardiopulmonary dysfunction, and exercise-induced acute responses and physiological adaptations of the system and their applications to chronic cardiopulmonary diseases. Integrates knowledge of exercise and physical activity with cardiopulmonary health and fitness, as well as cardiopulmonary disease prevention and treatment.

Prerequisite(s): (( BIOL 2217 with a minimum grade of C- ; BIOL 2219 with a minimum grade of C- ) or EXSC 4500 with a minimum grade of C- ) or graduate program admission

EXSC 5210. Physical Activity and Exercise: Prescription, Measurement, and Testing. (3 Hours)

Studies the general principles of physical activity and exercise prescription, measurement, and testing. Offers students an opportunity to learn the fundamental concepts and techniques to measure physical activity, exercise, and related testing procedures through a hands-on approach. Topics include the use of questionnaires and activity monitors to measure physical activity; measurement of body composition, fitness, muscular strength, and endurance; and clinical exercise testing. The fundamental concepts of exercise prescription and use of measurement techniques taught in this course are applicable to careers in physical therapy, exercise physiology, and as a physician assistant. Requires prior completion of EXSC 4500 or equivalent undergraduate course or permission of instructor.

EXSC 5220. Advanced Exercise Physiology. (3 Hours)

Covers the advanced study of concepts, principles, and research in the field of exercise physiology. Discusses advanced concepts in the muscular/neuromuscular, cardiovascular, ventilatory, endocrine, and metabolic responses to exercise and exercise training. Specific study of the physiological control mechanisms regulating these systems are also addressed during periods of rest, acute exercise, and following chronic exercise training.

Prerequisite(s): EXSC 4500 with a minimum grade of D- or graduate program admission

EXSC 5230. Physical Activity and Exercise: Effects on Musculoskeletal Health and Disease. (3 Hours)

Seeks to provide a foundation for understanding the benefits of physical activity and exercise and the detrimental effects of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior on musculoskeletal health. Studies the function/dysfunction of the musculoskeletal systems resulting in common/uncommon disorders and the prevalence, etiology, and benefits of physical activity/exercise. Students apply previously learned exercise physiology principles, such as exercise prescription and neural and motor control adaptations, to physical activity and exercise. Discusses key physiological mechanisms underlying common/uncommon musculoskeletal disorders. Examines the preventive and beneficial effects of physical activity and exercise endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine. Restricted to graduate students in exercise science and to undergraduate students minoring in exercise science.

EXSC 5240. Clinical Nutrition Applications in Health and Disease. (3,4 Hours)

Prepares health professionals to effectively communicate principles of diet and nutrition to their clients and the public. Covers public health promotion strategies, techniques used to teach diet and nutrition, and behavioral theories used in diet and nutrition intervention. Emphasizes clinical applications for the treatment of weight disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, and nutrition in the life cycle.

EXSC 5976. Directed Study. (1-4 Hours)

Offers independent course work under the direction of members of the department on chosen topics. Requires submission of a written proposal to the program adviser prior to the intended semester. May be repeated without limit.

EXSC 6202. Electrocardiography, Clinical Assessment, and Prescription. (3 Hours)

Focuses on the identification and management of chronic diseases. Offers students an opportunity to learn skills to interpret EKGs. Topics include cardiac electrophysiology, lead systems, dysrhythmia recognition and treatment, axis, infarction, ischemia, hypertrophy, and the effects of cardiovascular drugs and exercise on the EKG. Through case studies, students interpret exercise test results, prescribe exercise, and evaluate exercise programs for clinical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, pulmonary conditions, and metabolic diseases.

EXSC 6300. Internship in Exercise Science. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain practical experience and to synthesize, integrate, and apply skills and knowledge learned in the exercise science curriculum in a professional environment. Field experiences are an important part of graduate education programs in exercise science. The student is expected to complete a minimum of 300 hours of supervised experience in a research or practice setting. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite(s): ( EXSC 5200 with a minimum grade of D- or EXSC 5200 with a minimum grade of C- (Graduate)); ( EXSC 5210 with a minimum grade of D- or EXSC 5210 with a minimum grade of C- (Graduate)); ( EXSC 5220 with a minimum grade of D- or EXSC 5220 with a minimum grade of C- (Graduate))

EXSC 6400. Applied Research Methods. (3 Hours)

Studies how to conduct scientific research in exercise science. Offers students an opportunity to propose a research project and design appropriate methodology to complete the project. Includes discussions on developing research hypotheses, comparing study designs, selecting appropriate statistical analyses, and managing data collection. Incorporates interpretation of published research to support the proposed research. Students present their own research plans through scientific writing.

EXSC 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

EXSC 6966. Practicum. (1-4 Hours)

Provides eligible students with an opportunity for practical experience. May be repeated four times.

EXSC 7991. Thesis 2. (3 Hours)

Continues EXSC 7990.

Prerequisite(s): EXSC 7990 with a minimum grade of C-

HSCI 5130. Introduction to Real-World Evidence. (2 Hours)

Introduces students to the generation of real-world evidence (RWE) from real-world data (RWD) collected through different forms of observational health data. Examines how RWE is used to inform regulators and other stakeholder groups in life sciences and healthcare. Emphasizes the role of team science in executing an RWE analysis.

HSCI 5140. Foundations of Data Models. (2 Hours)

Introduces students to design principles behind data modeling in life sciences and healthcare. Examines and compares approaches to common data models across different research communities. Explores the rationale for popular data models through the use of industry case studies.

HSCI 5150. Methods for Observational Research 1. (3 Hours)

Surveys approaches to observational research across pharmacoepidemiology, emphasizing approaches used by the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics community.

HSCI 5151. Methods for Observational Research 2. (3 Hours)

Examines advanced methods in conducting observational research across pharmacoepidemiology, emphasizing approaches used by the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics community. Focuses on using open-source software and open-science principles to conduct and interpret a real-world evidence (RWE) study.

Prerequisite(s): HSCI 5150 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5150 with a minimum grade of B-

HSCI 5160. Standardization of Real-World Data. (2 Hours)

Introduces students to the principles of interoperability protocols in healthcare and life sciences to support clinical data standardization. Explores the process of extract, transform, and load (ETL) in the harmonization of healthcare data. Emphasizes real-world case studies driving current standardization approaches.

Prerequisite(s): HSCI 5140 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5140 with a minimum grade of B-

HSCI 5170. Data Model Transformation. (2 Hours)

Examines the process for transforming data into a common representation that can be used across research environments. Covers the technical and business processes for data model adoption. Establishes the framework for evaluating data quality and the implementation of agile principles in data model release management.

HSCI 5180. Phenotyping. (2 Hours)

Surveys the process for constructing heuristics to define a population of interest in observational research. Emphasizes the principles of phenotype curation across real-world data feeds and strategies to ensure robust, reproducible research.

Prerequisite(s): ( HSCI 5130 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5130 with a minimum grade of B- ); ( HSCI 5140 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5140 with a minimum grade of B- )

HSCI 5190. Cohort Building. (2 Hours)

Examines approaches to defining cohorts in pharmacoepidemiology, emphasizing common analytical tools, knowledge objects, and assessing the appropriateness of clinical heuristics to answer a clinical study question.

HSCI 6110. Advanced Population Characterization. (2 Hours)

Introduces students to the design principles of population-level characterization studies at scale, emphasizing the use of common data models and shared analytical approaches to implement reproducible, repeatable research.

Prerequisite(s): HSCI 5150 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5150 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5180 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5180 with a minimum grade of B-

HSCI 6120. Advanced Population Estimation. (3 Hours)

Introduces students to the design principles of causal inference studies (population-level effect estimation) at scale, emphasizing the use of common data models and shared analytical approaches to implement reproducible, repeatable research. Covers a framework for study diagnostics including empirical equipoise, covariate balance, negative control calibration, empirical null distribution, and power.

HSCI 6130. Advanced Patient Prediction. (3 Hours)

Introduces students to the design principles of patient-level prediction studies at scale, emphasizing the use of common data models and shared analytical approaches to implement reproducible, repeatable research. Covers frameworks for evaluating internal and external validity of machine learning models constructed using real-world data.

HSCI 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

HSCI 6980. Real-World Evidence Capstone. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to complete a specialized research or applied capstone project in real-world data strategy and evidence generation as part of the master’s degree. Designed to meet the specific learning and research interests of the student to prepare for a career in healthcare and life sciences. Learning experience is based on independently led activities that meet agreed-upon benchmarks with the faculty-mentor. Activities may include working with healthcare, life sciences, regulatory, and/or technology organizations.

Prerequisite(s): ( HSCI 5151 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5151 with a minimum grade of B- ) or ( HSCI 5180 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5180 with a minimum grade of B- ) or ( HSCI 5190 with a minimum grade of B- or HSCI 5190 with a minimum grade of B- )

PHTH 5120. Race, Ethnicity, and Health in the United States. (3 Hours)

Explores the role of economic, social, and individual factors in explaining racial and ethnic health disparities and examines intervention approaches to eliminate them. Topics include genetic and social constructions of race and ethnicity, measuring race and ethnicity, and the differences in prevalence and patterns of disease across groups; cultural and structural factors that affect healthcare delivery, such as discrimination, racism, and health status; and public health approaches to prevention and improving healthcare delivery.

Attribute(s): NUpath Difference/Diversity, NUpath Interpreting Culture

PHTH 5202. Introduction to Epidemiology. (3 Hours)

Introduces the principles, concepts, and methods of population-based epidemiologic research. Offers students an opportunity to understand and critically review epidemiologic studies. Lectures and discussions aim to serve as a foundation for training in epidemiology, quantitative methods, and population-based health research. The course is a required introductory course for students in the Master of Public Health program and is appropriate for students who are interested in epidemiologic research. Students not meeting course restrictions may seek permission of instructor.

PHTH 5210. Biostatistics in Public Health. (3 Hours)

Offers public health students an opportunity to obtain the fundamental concepts and methods of biostatistics as applied predominantly to public health problems and the skills to perform basic statistical calculations Emphasizes interpretation and comprehension of concepts. Topics include descriptive statistics, vital statistics, sampling, estimation and significance testing, sample size and power, correlation and regression, spatial and temporal trends, small area analysis, and statistical issues in policy development. Draws examples of statistical methods from the public health practice. Introduces use of computer statistical packages. Requires permission of instructor for students outside designated programs.

PHTH 5212. Public Health Administration and Policy. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to obtain practical knowledge concerning the planning, organization, administration, management, evaluation, and policy analysis of health programs. Surveys what we know and think about public health administration and policy and what we do in practice. Introduces the main components of public health policy and administration using notable conceptual frameworks and case studies. Requires permission of instructor for students outside designated programs.

PHTH 5214. Environmental Health. (3 Hours)

Introduces the field of environmental health, which encompasses concerns related to physical, built, and social environments. Discusses the tools used to study environmental exposures and diseases. Examines environmental health hazards, the routes by which humans are exposed to hazards, various media in which they are found, and disease outcomes associated with exposures. Offers students an opportunity to become familiar with methods used to conduct environmental health research and with the federal and state agencies responsible for protecting environmental health.

Attribute(s): NUpath Capstone Experience

PHTH 5222. Health Advocacy. (3 Hours)

Seeks to educate students about the role of advocacy in public health while providing tools and support to address current healthcare issues. Provides information and theory about advocacy, education, and community organizing in public health practice and skills geared toward direct application. Covers various techniques related to developing and conducting an advocacy project within a community setting. Offers students an opportunity to develop, communicate, and refine a community-based advocacy program. Requires permission of instructor for students outside designated programs.

PHTH 5226. Strategic Management and Leadership in Healthcare. (3 Hours)

Focuses on management challenges facing healthcare organizations, particularly community-based agencies and their role in the public healthcare delivery system. Introduces strategic thinking and leadership approaches that must be considered for managing a successful healthcare organization. Selected topics include strategic planning; organizational development and the barriers to organizational change; relationship management with key internal and external constituencies; marketing, financial management, and contract negotiation; evolving principles of health insurance and the changing role of the consumer; and the key elements for effective organizational leadership in today’s evolving healthcare marketplace. When appropriate, outside experts are used to supplement readings, case studies, and lecture and discuss practical real-world challenges in leading various healthcare initiatives. Requires permission of instructor for students outside designated programs.

PHTH 5230. Global Health. (3 Hours)

Presents an overview of global health issues and focuses on less economically developed countries. Covers measures of disease burden; demography of disease and mortality; Millennium Development Goals (under the auspices of the United Nations); infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria and their prevention; vaccine utilization and potential implications; chronic diseases; tobacco-associated disease; nutritional challenges; behavioral modification; mother and child health; health human resources; and ethical issues in global health.

PHTH 5232. Evaluating Healthcare Quality. (3 Hours)

Focuses on the conceptual and methodological foundations for evaluating the quality of care of healthcare providers—both individual providers and healthcare organizations. Aimed at students pursuing careers in public health, public policy, healthcare management, and the various health professions in the growing field of quality evaluation and improvement. Also designed to give healthcare providers an appreciation for how they may be evaluated. Examines scientific issues in the measurement of quality of care as well as key quality evaluation methods. Also covers the use of risk adjustment and other methodologies for comparing the quality of healthcare providers. Focuses on mechanisms that assess quality, including licensure, accreditation, and board certification.

PHTH 5234. Economic Perspectives on Health Policy. (3 Hours)

Uses basic economic concepts to illuminate the many factors that shape health, healthcare, and the healthcare system in the United States. Examines the role of these concepts in explaining the challenges faced in achieving three core goals of the healthcare system: increasing access, limiting cost, and improving quality. Explores how policy makers, market participants, and others can remedy access, cost, and quality deficiencies. Illustrates how economic concepts can be applied to the study of health and health behaviors.

PHTH 5236. Food, Nutrition, and Health. (3 Hours)

Offers a capstone experience to explore public health nutrition issues among individuals, communities, and populations living in urban settings. Emphasizes planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and policies to improve nutrition and reduce food insecurity among vulnerable populations. Complements familiarity with concepts of nutrition knowledge with real-world activities and experiences. Focuses on integrating and synthesizing information to analyze, explain, and address problems in healthcare, community, and public health.

PHTH 5300. Project Management in Public Health. (1 Hour)

Presents principles of project management as applied to public health organizations and their programs. Offers students an opportunity to learn the components of the project management life cycle, including human resource components, material resources, and related components.

PHTH 5310. Budget Principles in Public Health. (1 Hour)

Details the public health revenue and funding environment, identifies key budget development functions, and describes the importance of utilizing the budget process for sound management of the programs. Public health programs in public agencies and nonprofit organizations require managerial skills to assure that programs are implemented efficiently and effectively. Funding for public health frequently comes from governmental revenue sources—federal and state budgets or grants from government or foundations. It is critical that the funds are utilized well and appropriate to the objectives of the agency and program. Advancing the environment for public health through effective budgeting and promotion of program impact is important to support the continued funding for public health. The course takes students through these topics and offers them the opportunity to gain the practical experience of developing a budget for a public health program as the central activity.

PHTH 5320. Grant Writing in Public Health. (1 Hour)

Explores the grant funding landscape, identifies different types of funders and grants,and identifies potential funders. Offers participants an opportunity to develop their skills in grant writing and in reviewing grants, to develop a grant proposal, and to understand the submission and peer review process.

PHTH 5350. Using SAS in Public Health Research. (1 Hour)

Introduces students to the SAS statistical software system to manage, report, summarize, and analyze public health data. The SAS suite can be used to provide a broad analysis of different types of data. Public health research often requires one to access, manipulate, and analyze data sets relating to individuals, groups, or healthcare systems. Explores approaches in SAS to accessing data sets, data manipulation, working with multiple data sets, summarizing and reporting data, and analytic results. Includes various statistical methods and testing procedures, such as t-tests, chi-square tests, and linear regression, to illustrate applications of SAS. The second part of the course explores more advanced programming methods including SAS macros, using the Output Delivery System (ODS), and data arrays.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 5210 with a minimum grade of B- or PHTH 5210 with a minimum grade of B-

PHTH 5540. Health Education and Program Planning. (3 Hours)

Focuses on underlying concepts of health education and explores current health education issues that require intervention. Covers program planning models and theories used in health education. Offers students an opportunity to develop a working knowledge of the planning process for health education through the analysis of case studies and by creating a program plan to address a health issue of their choice.

Prerequisite(s): (ENGL 1102 with a minimum grade of C or ENGL 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1102 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1111 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1113 with a minimum grade of C or ENGW 1114 with a minimum grade of C ) or graduate program admission

Attribute(s): NUpath Writing Intensive

PHTH 5603. Qualitative Methods. (4 Hours)

Introduces the principles and use of common qualitative methods with a particular focus on their application in the social sciences. Students practice designing qualitative research. Offers students an opportunity to gain experience using diverse analytic and theory building techniques, conducting field observations and interviews, and analyzing content. Examines the foundation of core concepts in research. Topics include objectivity, bias, empiricism, validity, triangulation, and ethical issues surrounding human subjects—such as confidentiality, anonymity, and vulnerable populations.

PHTH 6130. Public Health Technologies: Ethics and Equity. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to develop an understanding of the multiple forms of technology that are deployed to advance both healthcare and public health and the broad range of ethical challenges and individual and community-level disparities associated with these technologies. Examines theoretical and conceptual frameworks to address disparities associated with public health technologies. Explores case studies to understand how a social justice framework can be applied to the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health technologies.

PHTH 6200. Principles and History of Urban Health. (3 Hours)

Focuses on the aspects of urban development and life that impact the health and well-being of city residents. Offers students an opportunity to learn about the impact of migration patterns, built environments, occupational stratification, and other cultural and community contextual factors that impact health status and healthcare access. Examines the level of overall health and healthcare found in urban populations, particularly the urban poor, and the disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minorities in the United States and elsewhere. Considers public policy approaches for addressing the unique health issues of urban areas. Examines urban health issues both from a national and international perspective. Requires permission of instructor for students outside designated programs.

PHTH 6202. Intermediate Epidemiology. (3 Hours)

Offers an intermediate-level course covering key principles, concepts, and methods of population-based epidemiologic research. Topics include observational study designs, measures of disease occurrence and association, validity and bias, confounding, effect modification, multivariate analysis for stratification and adjustment, critical appraisal and meta-analysis, mediation analysis, missing data analysis, and concepts and methods for strengthening causal inference. Offers graduate students unique opportunities to engage in practical applications, including critical reviews of published epidemiologic journal articles, and to conduct hands-on analyses of empirical datasets using SAS statistical software. Designed to serve as a foundation for further advanced training in specialized branches of epidemiology, quantitative methods, and epidemiologic research.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 5202 with a minimum grade of B-

PHTH 6204. Society, Behavior, and Health. (3 Hours)

Explores individual, interpersonal, and social influences on health. Offers students in public health an opportunity to learn the application of the social and behavioral sciences. Examines foundations of public health, including prevention and the prevention paradox, theories of disease causation, and public health ethics. In addition, multilevel influences on health are examined, including behavioral theories and social determinants of health. Throughout the semester, attention is paid to disparities in health. Finally, we examine strategies to reduce health disparities, such as education, interventions, and policy-level changes, and discuss their relative effectiveness. Requires permission of instructor for students outside designated programs.

PHTH 6208. Urban Community Health Assessment. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to develop a basic understanding of the complex public health issues confronting urban communities across the nation. Uses a community organization and development framework for public health practice. Seeks to provide skills, tools, and experiential learning opportunities that result in community assessments that may be used in public health planning, programming, and policy. Covers key principles and methods for conducting community health assessments utilizing a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, including community epidemiology, major data sets, surveillance data, behavioral risk and other population-based surveys, as well as other primary and secondary data sources. Includes collaborative and interactive exercises, including self- and group reflection, Internet and contemporary media exploration, and in-class discussions. Requires permission of instructor for students outside designated programs.

PHTH 6210. Applied Regression Analysis. (3 Hours)

Builds upon the fundamental concepts and methods of biostatistics with applications to health disciplines. Topics include hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, linear regression, multiple regression, and logistic regression. Examples and readings are drawn from the public health literature. The SAS statistical software package is introduced and used throughout the course.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 5210 with a minimum grade of B-

PHTH 6224. Social Epidemiology. (3 Hours)

Focuses on social epidemiology, which is defined as the study of the distribution and determinants of health in populations as related to the social and economic determinants of health. Includes theories, patterns, and controversies, as well as programs and policies that can be applied to address health inequalities. Readings include articles that situate one dimension of social epidemiology with articles addressing the empirical patterns, address prevailing theories and controversies regarding the causes of the inequalities, as well as address interventions or policies that may be applied to address the inequalities.

Prerequisite(s): ( PHTH 5202 with a minimum grade of B- or PHTH 5202 with a minimum grade of B- ); ( PHTH 5210 with a minimum grade of B- or PHTH 5210 with a minimum grade of B- )

PHTH 6320. Qualitative Methods in Health and Illness. (3 Hours)

Discusses qualitative inquiry in general and specifically in topics related to public health and experiences of self, health, illness, and the body. Qualitative research aims to achieve in-depth and contextual understanding of people, culture, and societies and usually employs texts, interviews, published materials, images, and focus group discussions as sources of data. The course integrates theoretical and methodological readings and discussions with designing and conducting a qualitative project. Offers students an opportunity to understand meanings of health, illness, and the body in a variety of “local worlds” and reflect on their importance for informing policy, public health, research, and practice. Requires prior completion of one undergraduate- or graduate-level course in research methods.

PHTH 6400. Principles of Population Health 1. (3 Hours)

Seeks to provide students with historical background and methodological and critical-thinking tools needed to perform high-quality, interdisciplinary research in population health. Using a problem-solving and interdisciplinary framework, offers students an opportunity to gain the skills to develop research hypotheses, design research strategies, analyze data to test study hypotheses, and communicate their findings both orally and in writing. Also offers students an opportunity to gain experience in research methodology and application of basic methods for population health research, including epidemiological and biostatistical concepts. Finally, students demonstrate their mastery of these skills through problem sets and through written proposals that include communication of preliminary data.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 5210 with a minimum grade of C- or PHTH 5210 with a minimum grade of D-

PHTH 6410. Principles of Population Health 2. (3 Hours)

Continues PHTH 6400 , exploring additional population health research topics and methods and applying more advanced biostatistical and epidemiological analysis methods.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 6400 with a minimum grade of C-

PHTH 6440. Advanced Methods in Biostatistics. (3 Hours)

Explores in detail the analysis of complex survey design, including adjustments for cluster sampling, weighting, and stratification. Designs that incorporate clustering of data are common in health science research. These designs are characterized by data that capture nonindependent repeated measurements on primary sampling units or that collect data with schemes more complex than simple random sampling. The statistical analyses of these types of data need to include appropriate adjustments to provide proper estimates and accurate testing. The second part of the course investigates the use of mixed regression models to analyze repeated measurements on individuals, multilevel data, and growth models.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 6210 with a minimum grade of C-

PHTH 6800. Causal Inference in Public Health Research. (3 Hours)

Exposes students to causal inference approaches, including causal diagrams and counterfactual theory. Students are also asked to draw upon their own research experiences and prior epidemiology training to evaluate public health studies. Covers how to apply the fundamental concepts of counterfactuals and causal diagrams; assess threats to validity in study designs and analysis, including confounding, selection bias, and measurement error/misclassification; evaluate the validity of a public health research study’s design and analysis with respect to addressing causal questions; and critically analyze scientific literature and apply findings to clinical or policy decisions. Offers students an opportunity to think critically and rigorously about the implications of study design and analysis toward addressing public health questions.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 6202 with a minimum grade of C-

PHTH 6801. Causal Inference 1. (4 Hours)

Introduces causal inference approaches, including causal diagrams and counterfactual theory. Draws upon personal research experiences and/or prior training. Covers insights on how to apply the fundamental concepts of counterfactuals and causal diagrams; assess threats to validity in study designs and analysis including confounding, selection bias, and measurement error/misclassification; evaluate the validity of a research study’s design and analysis with respect to addressing causal questions; and critically analyze scientific literature and apply findings to decisions. Offers students an opportunity to think critically and rigorously about the implications of study design and analysis toward addressing questions.

PHTH 6802. Causal Inference 2. (4 Hours)

Continues PHTH 6801 . Expands on foundational knowledge of causal inference by examining time-varying exposures, introducing the g-formula for estimating standardized outcome distributions, and unraveling the intricacies of marginal structural models. Navigates through key topics, including static and dynamic treatment regimes. Engages in discussions on sensitivity analysis, graphical models, identification algorithms, and the complex domain of causal discovery. Examines advanced techniques in causal inference, offering students an opportunity to apply theoretical principles to practical scenarios. Tackles challenging aspects such as time-varying exposures and sophisticated modeling techniques in the pursuit of accurate and meaningful outcomes.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 6800 with a minimum grade of B or PHTH 6801 with a minimum grade of B

PHTH 6810. Survival Analysis. (4 Hours)

Focuses on the theoretical understanding and computational analysis of time-to-event data, which may or may not be censored or truncated through the course of their collection. Presents foundational nonparametric methods, such as the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier curves and a deeper discussion of the Cox proportional hazards model. Discusses power and sample size techniques for methods. Reviews examples from public health, clinical trials, and large-scale observational health studies.

PHTH 6820. Design and Analysis of Clinical Trials. (4 Hours)

Presents theoretical and computational aspects of conducting clinical trials research. Covers topics such as phase 1, 2, 3, and 4 trials. Explores creation of a statistical analysis plan, adaptive study designs, randomization techniques, interim monitoring, and reporting. Offers students an opportunity to practice a programming language for regulatory decision making, a solid foundation in the theoretical and computational aspects of conducting clinical trials research, and exercising the skills needed for success in this critical field. Applies theoretical concepts through practical exercises.

PHTH 6830. Generalized Linear Models. (4 Hours)

Focuses on selecting, fitting, and evaluating the general class of generalized linear models. Emphasizes linear, logistic, Poisson, and proportional hazards regression in addition to time series analyses. Stresses proper construction of models through the evaluation of modeling assumptions and assessment of model diagnostics. Introduces concepts of confounding, effect modification, and methods for missing data. Offers students an opportunity to fit, evaluate, and appropriately communicate and visualize the results of modeling techniques using a programming language and statistical software packages, as well as practice on techniques for data cleaning on real examples of messy data.

PHTH 6880. Statistical Consultancy. (1 Hour)

Offers students an opportunity to demonstrate skills including problem solving, communication, visualization, and adaptability through a consultancy small group project. Students work in interdisciplinary groups in a consultancy role. Topics include problem solving, consulting session management, written and oral communication, research ethics, experiment design, data collection, and application of statistical and data visualization methods with real-world problems. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite(s): MATH 5010 with a minimum grade of B ; PHTH 6830 with a minimum grade of B

PHTH 6910. Public Health Capstone. (3 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity for scholarly work on-site in a range of diverse public health settings reflective of their particular urban health focus. Students have an opportunity to integrate their theory and practice experiences in a major research, program planning, program implementation, policy development, management, service delivery, or evaluation project. Student-led and designed in consultation with community partners and faculty advisors, seeks to support students in the implementation and completion of their projects.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 6966 with a minimum grade of B-

PHTH 6962. Elective. (1-4 Hours)

PHTH 6966. Practicum. (3 Hours)

Provides eligible students with an opportunity for practical experience.

PHTH 7101. Qualitative Research Design. (4 Hours)

Introduces the logic of qualitative inquiry and various qualitative data collection strategies including field observation, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and archival materials. Suitable for students in a range of social scientific disciplines including anthropology, sociology, political science, public policy, criminal justice, population health, nursing, and applied psychology. Offers students an opportunity to obtain a foundation for essential aspects of research design as well as hands-on experience in data collection techniques around a topic of the student’s choosing.

PHTH 7102. Qualitative Data Analysis. (4 Hours)

The goal of this course is to introduce students to methods for analyzing different forms of qualitative data. The course will train students in developing coding strategies to analyze qualitative data and introduces them to qualitative data software. Students will learn how to apply deductive and inductive coding, how to develop coding structures appropriate for various genres (e.g., exploratory, descriptive, narrative), and how to theorize from qualitative data. Students will receive extensive training in writing up qualitative research findings, from analytic memos to a publishable paper or dissertation chapter.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 5603 with a minimum grade of C or PHTH 7101 with a minimum grade of C

PHTH 7103. Mixed Methods Research. (4 Hours)

Introduces the theory and practice of mixed method inquiry in the social sciences, broadly defined. Presents an overview of historical roots of mixed methods research, the major paradigms driving contemporary mixed methods research, and the four most common research designs applied in mixed methods research (concurrent, sequential, embedded, and multiphase). Studies how to evaluate the validity and quality of mixed methods research. Offers students an opportunity to develop a research protocol for a mixed methods research project.

PHTH 7976. Directed Study. (1-3 Hours)

Offers the student the opportunity to bring individual, concentrated attention to a particular public health topic or competency area as arranged and agreed upon in advance by a faculty member and the student. This option is generally recommended when the student desires a more intensive analysis of a particular subject. May be repeated without limit.

PHTH 8960. Exam Preparation—Doctoral. (0 Hours)

Offers students an opportunity to prepare for the PhD qualifying exam under faculty supervision.

PHTH 8984. Research. (1-4 Hours)

PHTH 8986. Research. (0 Hours)

PHTH 9000. PhD Candidacy Achieved. (0 Hours)

Indicates successful completion of program requirements for PhD candidacy.

PHTH 9990. Dissertation Term 1. (0 Hours)

Offers doctoral students an opportunity to work with their advisors and doctoral research committees to perform their doctoral research and to write their dissertation.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 9000 with a minimum grade of S

PHTH 9991. Dissertation Term 2. (0 Hours)

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 9990 with a minimum grade of S

PHTH 9996. Dissertation Continuation. (0 Hours)

Offers continuation of dissertation research to doctoral students.

Prerequisite(s): PHTH 9991 with a minimum grade of S or Dissertation Check with a score of REQ

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Exercise Science Ph.D.

Department of Exercise Science

Doctoral students in exercise science join an active community of scholarship and practice, and engage in a research-based exploration of the effects of exercise on human health, disease and performance.

Students work closely with exercise science faculty and collaborators on shared research interests in various dedicated laboratory facilities on campus. In addition to personalized mentorship from faculty who are widely published in numerous areas of scholarly inquiry, students are also supported by the Falk College Research Center, the university research community, and partner institutions including prominent area hospitals. Research design, methods and statistics are the foundation of required Ph.D. coursework, complimented by a wide variety of options for electives.

Doctoral milestones include a 45 hour review, successful completion of a qualifying exam at the end of coursework, a research apprenticeship project, developing and defending a dissertation proposal, a completed dissertation and a successful oral defense.

Why this degree makes a difference in society today…tomorrow…

Researchers in exercise science contribute to a body of knowledge that informs the practice of medicine, nutrition, public health, mental health and others. New discoveries in exercise science lead to improved health policies, patient treatment plans, nutritional recommendations, athletic training, community interventions, health access and equity initiatives, and beyond. Overall, the impact of exercise science researchers and educators is far-reaching and helps to build stronger, healthier people and communities.

Sample Courses

In addition to required coursework in research design, methods, and statistics, students choose electives from exercise science course offerings, or from university courses relevant to their professional goals. Such areas include advanced technical writing, biochemistry, bioengineering, neuroscience, public health, nutrition, and others. Here is a small sample of required courses:

• Current Literature in Exercise and Sport Science
• Systemic Physiology and Exercise
• Research Methods in Exercise and Sport Science
• Experimental Design and Statistical Methods I and II
• Advanced Seminar in Quantitative Research Methods I

Our Facilities

The Department of Exercise Science houses several laboratories that support integrative research at the cellular, tissue, and whole organism level. Laboratories include:

• The Human Performance Laboratory : Conducts non-invasive assessment of vascular structure and function to explore the impact of exercise on emerging markers of cardiovascular disease risk;
• The Kinesmetrics Laboratory : Applies objective measurement tools to advance knowledge of physical behavior’s (sleep, sedentary behavior and physical activity) consequences on health;
• The Clinical Research Laboratory : Utilizes metabolic testing facilities in conjunction with wet lab space to measure cardio-metabolic risk factors (e.g., insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes) in obese populations.

Syracuse University is a collaborative, interdisciplinary research community . Falk College’s dedicated Research Center supports faculty and student research activity through identifying funding sponsors and collaborators, internal and external proposal development and post award support, as well as navigating the University sponsored-project system.

Immersion Travel

Syracuse University students have access to one of the highest-quality international study programs in the country. The “ Mount Everest Base Camp Trek: The Human Response to High Altitude ” is a three-week, three-credit course and full-fledged research expedition designed for students interested in human environmental physiology, mountaineering, and adventure. The course brings together the Syracuse contingent with high-altitude experts and research teams from Mount Royal University in Canada, Mid Sweden University, and the University of Michigan. Abroad programs are subject to scheduling changes. For a precise schedule of when these programs offered, please contact the department directly. For more information, visit abroad.syr.edu .

The Ph.D. program prepares students for careers involving sport, health, and human performance-related biomedical research, such as:

• Faculty positions in university departments where exercise and human physical activity have emerged as major focus areas, for example, kinesiology, nutrition, public health, and others;
• Postdoctoral positions in a variety of settings (major universities, medical schools) for additional training in the area of expertise;

Research positions in other settings. For example, graduates are well-suited for research careers in applied human physiology and/or human health, as exemplified by the research priorities of Federal agencies such as NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Agency), and the NIH (The National Institutes of Health), and the USARIEM (US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine).

Financial Support

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program in Exercise Science will receive four years of graduate assistantship funding. The graduate assistantship will include a stipend and tuition scholarship credits. All graduate assistantships require service as a research assistant and/or teaching assistant.

Getting Admitted

Prospective students with a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisites listed below may apply to the Ph.D. program. These students will first complete Phase I of the program, which are the same requirements completed by master’s degree students, before moving on to Phase II ( see curriculum information in the Course Catalog ). Applicants who are not sure of their plans may decide to apply to the Exercise Science M.S. program, with the option to apply to the Ph.D. program toward the end of the master’s degree. Applicants should have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and transcripts that show successful completion of:

• 8 semester hours of General Biology
• 8 semester hours of Human Anatomy and Physiology
• 3 credit hours of exercise physiology
• 3 credit hours of general science

Those who already hold a master’s degree in Exercise Science may also apply, and, depending on review of past coursework, may begin with Phase II of the program ( see curriculum information in the Course Catalog ).

Apply Today!

Learn more:

For additional admissions information, contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected] , or fill out our online form:

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College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

Exercise Prescription Online Graduate Programs

Exercise prescription online master's degree & graduate certificate, two 100% online exercise science programs from a top-tier r1 public institution..

Are you currently in, or seeking to transition into the field of Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, Kinesiology, Personal Training, Exercise Physiology, or Health and Fitness? Are you looking to enhance your current job credentials or earn an advanced degree in a field that continues to grow, exponentially? UConn's Exercise Prescription master's degree or graduate certificate could be a great next step.

UConn’s Department of Kinesiology has developed the online MS in Exercise Prescription and Exercise Prescription Graduate Certificate to specifically speak to the needs of one of the nation’s, and world’s, fastest growing sectors, Exercise Science. 

Exercise is Medicine!

Master of Science in Exercise Prescription

Online, 30 Credits

More Information

Graduate Certificate in Exercise Prescription

Online, 12 Credits

Earn your Exercise Science master’s degree or certificate from one of the nation’s best.

The University of Connecticut is ranked in the Top 25 Public Schools by US News & World Report and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

IN THE NATION The National Academy of Kinesiology (NAK) ranks UConn’s PhD in Kinesiology #2 in the nation.

What They Are Saying

I am very happy to inform you that I passed ACSM-CEP.  I highly recommend your program for anyone seeking to obtain ACSM CEP certification; it's a wonderful resource for exercise professionals. Thank you very much.

AL ANUTH (she/her), Spring 2022 Clinical Exercise Physiologist-ACSM

“Now my mindset has completely changed to the precision type of planning for my clients and for my athletes. The way that I look at designing exercise is completely different. Every single person has their own background and needs… ”

"It didn’t really hit me until I was an instructor. I took the program because I’m an exercise professional, but once I transitioned to the instructor,...” 

"I chose UConn’s program because I wanted something much more in-depth than simply studying for and taking an exam. It turned out to be a wonderful opportunity...” 

“I believe that my credentials from UConn, and especially the Exercise Prescription certificate, will help me more easily establish trust with clients as I move forward with my health club plans.”

The World is Discovering Exercise is Medicine.

A 9-Credit 100% Online Graduate Certificate in Exercise Prescription Are you interested in transitioning into the field of Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, Kinesiology, Personal Training, Exercise Physiology, or Health and Fitness? Looking to enhance your current job credentials or earn an advanced degree? Here's your next step. Great news! You're in the right place at the right time. Exercise physiology and related fields are exploding, especially given America's unwavering interest in sports, along with the continued growth in the numbers of older adults and people who are overweight or obese. The world is discovering exercise is medicine!

At the completion of this online certificate program, students will:

• Explain the nuances of administering exercise stress tests in healthy and unhealthy populations.
• Evaluate a person’s overall health prior to beginning of an exercise program and throughout program maintenance.
• Incorporate aerobic, resistance, concurrent, neuro-motor, and flexibility exercise appropriately into exercise plans.
• Explain the underlying processes involved with chronic diseases or special health conditions.
• Use the F.I.T.T. (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type) principle of exercise prescription to prevent, treat, and manage chronic disease or special health conditions.
• Develop individualized exercise prescriptions to increase and promote physical activity, fitness, strength, endurance, and flexibility to optimize health and meet athletic performance goals.
• Recognize common medication classes likely to be encountered by health/fitness professionals, and how they may influence the exercise responses.
• Perform a scientific systematic review on exercise testing and prescription considerations for a population with chronic diseases and health conditions, following the seven best practice steps.
• Deliver an educational presentation on a special topic in exercise prescription following instructional design principles and effective presentation best practices.
• Reflect on the challenges of maintaining a regular exercise program.

We are currently accepting applications for the fall 2023 semester. The deadline to apply is June 16, 11:59 p.m. EST. Apply now to avoid last minute processing delays!

Request Information

IN THE NEWS

Meet the Researcher: Linda Pescatello, CAHNR Pescatello’s career as a kinesiology researcher grew out of an enduring desire to learn coupled with her lifelong passion for physical activity and biology READ MORE

Physical Activity Guidelines The PAG continues to grow with new initiatives and resources. Health.Gov provides the most recent news and... READ MORE

Visit the Exercise Prescription Blog

Application Deadlines

Summer Semester: March 29 Fall Semester: July 22 Apply early to avoid last minute processing delays.

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Sport Science/Exercise Science, MS

Help People Feel and Be Their Best through Exercise Science

If you’re ready to grow professionally as a leader in health, wellness, and human performance, the MS in Sport Science/Exercise Science program can help you reach that goal.

With this advanced degree from IUP, you'll be well-prepared for a variety of positions in allied health, fitness, sport, and clinical settings, or for a career in research to expand what we know about exercise and its importance for every individual.

Virtual Information Session

Wednesday, october 18, 2023, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm eastern standard time, status: space available, location: online, build a stronger body of knowledge or pursue hands-on roles.

IUP’s MS in Sport Science/Exercise Science program is versatile, with two options to choose from as you plan your career path:

• A thesis option that offers experience in the design and implementation of research in the field of exercise science.
• A non-thesis option that includes hands-on learning through internships at hospitals, wellness centers, and corporate and community-based fitness facilities.

When you complete the program, you’ll be prepared to pursue the certifications from organizations including:

• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Imagine Your Future

As a graduate of the MS in Sport Science/Exercise Science program, you'll have a competitive advantage that sets you apart as you build your career.

Some graduates focus on opportunities to design and conduct research, and build rewarding careers advancing the body of knowledge for exercise science.

Other graduates pursue hands-on roles helping individuals achieve health and fitness goals in a variety of settings, including:

• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Chiropractic medicine
• Community health
• Corporate health and wellness
• Health coaching
• Occupational therapy
• Personal training
• Physical therapy
• Private fitness business ownership
• Strength and conditioning coaching

As a graduate of the MS in Sport Science/Exercise Science program, you will be well-prepared to pursue a doctoral degree if you want to continue formal education in this field.

Industries Looking for You

Graduates of the MS in Sport Science/Exercise Science program are prepared to pursue job opportunities in a wide range of settings, including:

• Colleges and universities
• Government agencies
• Personal training facilities
• Wellness centers

Similar Occupations

• Chiropractor
• College professor
• Occupational therapist
• Personal trainer
• Physical therapist
• Strength and conditioning coach

The demand for well-prepared exercise science professionals is growing.

2020 median annual income

Employment growth

a rate that exceeds the average for all occupations.

Classes and Requirements

he Master of Science degree in Sport Science is designed to meet the needs of students from nonteaching professions, as well as from the teaching profession. The program is discipline specific with provision for students to choose from among different academic tracks: Sport Management, Exercise Science, and Sport Studies.

According to their selected program of study, students are prepared for a variety of competitive employment opportunities, including management and administration of sport and athletic programs, corporate and community health and fitness facilities, hospital and medical-based exercise programs, and recreational programs in school and community settings.

Full Academic Catalog Listing

The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.

Program Innovation, Real-World Success Elevate Each Class

The Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Science   faculty members bring decades of real-world experience to the classroom. Prior to arriving at IUP, they coached athletic teams, operated fitness training centers, and learned first-hand the rigors of working with hospitals to rehabilitate injured athletes and cardiac patients.

Their excellent advisory assistance will help you choose a lasting career in coaching, fitness center management, corporate wellness, or other sports-industry sectors.

• Our professors continue to expand their scholarly achievements by presenting research at regional and national events.
• IUP professors have established innovative programs, such as the home school program and Special Needs Activity Program, which give you opportunities that enhance your résumé.
• Guidance is a key ingredient our professors bring to your graduate program, helping you make the right choices so you can excel as you complete your degree.
• Active participation in academic and professional circles allows our professors to build a network of potential internship sponsors.