The Right Doctoral Degree

Online PhD in Exercise Science Program Details

Our 100% online Doctorate in Exercise Science is designed for working adults, with asynchronous classes so you can learn anytime, anywhere. We keep health sciences class sizes small, so you can connect with your classmates and professors.

What Will I Learn in an Online Exercise Science Degree Program?

A PhD in Exercise Science is a research-intensive degree program that focuses on advanced study in the field of exercise physiology, biomechanics, exercise psychology, motor control, and related areas. Here are some areas you can expect to learn about and conduct research in during a PhD in Exercise Science.

Research Methods: You will learn advanced research methodologies and statistical analysis techniques used in exercise science research. This includes experimental design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
Exercise Physiology: You will study the physiological responses and adaptations to exercise, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic changes. Topics may include exercise testing and prescription, aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, and the impact of exercise on various physiological systems.
Biomechanics: This area covers the analysis of human movement and the forces involved. You’ll learn about kinematics, kinetics, and how biomechanics can be applied to improve athletic performance or prevent injuries.
Motor Control and Learning: Understanding how the nervous system controls and coordinates movement is crucial in exercise science. This area explores how individuals learn and develop motor skills, as well as how these skills can be optimized through practice and feedback.
Exercise Psychology: This field examines the psychological aspects of exercise and physical activity, including motivation, adherence to exercise programs, and the psychological benefits of exercise on mental health and well-being.

Nutrition and Exercise: You’ll explore the relationship between diet and exercise, focusing on how nutrition can impact performance, recovery, and overall health.

Exercise and Chronic Disease: This area investigates the effects of exercise on various chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer. It may also cover exercise interventions for managing and preventing these conditions.

Public Health and Exercise Promotion: Understanding how to promote physical activity at the population level is important for combating sedentary lifestyles and promoting overall health and well-being.

Advanced Topics: Depending on the program and faculty expertise, you may have the opportunity to delve into more specialized areas within exercise science, such as sports performance, aging and exercise, exercise immunology, or environmental physiology.

Dissertation Research: The core component of a PhD program is the original research conducted for your dissertation. This research should make a significant contribution to the field of exercise science and demonstrate your ability to conduct independent research.

Why Pursue a Doctorate in Exercise Science?

The PhD in Exercise Science is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to prepare students to pursue academic, clinical, leadership, and/or research roles in the fields of health promotion, exercise science, kinesiology, human performance, and other related disciplines. This 100% online doctorate program has a strong research orientation and aims to develop outstanding scholars and researchers who create and disseminate new knowledge about issues arising out of the intersection of physical activity, health promotion, and human performance.

The 69-credit-hour program, which varies based on research course selection, includes coursework in leadership, health, exercise science, research, statistics, and a nine-credit-hour dissertation requirement.

Pursuing a Doctorate in Exercise Science offers numerous benefits and opportunities for individuals passionate about advancing their careers in the field. Here are some reasons to consider pursuing a PhD in Exercise Science.