How Does an Online PhD in Exercise Science Compare to Other Doctoral Degrees?

If you’re considering an Online PhD in Exercise Science, you may be wondering how it stacks up against other doctoral-level programs in health, human performance and education. While all doctorates represent the highest level of academic achievement, each type of degree serves a different professional purpose.

Research Focus and Methodology Training

A PhD in Exercise Science emphasizes original research—designing studies, analyzing data and contributing new knowledge to the field. This is particularly valuable if you aim to:

• Publish in peer-reviewed journals 
• Lead human performance or clinical trials 
• Develop evidence-based interventions for health, fitness or rehabilitation 

Other doctoral degrees, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), often focus more on applied skills than on producing original research. While these programs may include a research component, the emphasis is typically on professional practice rather than deep, sustained scientific inquiry.

Career Pathways and Opportunities

Graduates of an exercise science PhD program are positioned for a wide range of roles, including:

• Academic Faculty – Teaching at the university level, mentoring graduate students and developing curricula 
• Principal Investigator – Leading funded research projects in performance, health or rehabilitation science 
• Applied Science Leader – Directing programs in sports performance labs, wellness centers or clinical exercise settings 

By comparison:

• Professional Doctorates (like the DPT or Doctor of Athletic Training) prepare graduates for direct patient care or sport-specific rehabilitation roles. 
• Education-Focused Doctorates (like the EdD) prepare leaders in curriculum development, educational administration and pedagogy. 

If your career goals center on research, academic leadership or evidence-based innovation, an exercise science PhD provides the clearest route.

Professional Credibility and Recognition

Universities, research institutes and funding agencies value the methodological rigor of PhD training. A regionally accredited, research-intensive exercise science program ensures that graduates can compete for:

• Tenure-track faculty roles 
• Federal or private research grants 
• Leadership positions in high-performance organizations 

While professional doctorates are equally rigorous in their own domains, they do not always carry the same weight in research-intensive environments where publication and grant activity are key performance measures.

The Online Format Advantage

Earning your PhD online can allow you to maintain your current role in teaching, research or applied practice while progressing toward your degree. This flexibility often enables students to:

• Apply new knowledge immediately in professional settings 
• Continue building a portfolio of research or applied projects during their studies 
• Network within both academic and industry circles simultaneously 

When the online program is supported by expert faculty, strong research infrastructure and structured mentorship—like Concordia University Chicago’s—graduates can enter the job market with the same level of credibility as their on-campus peers.

How CUC’s Program Bridges the Gap

Concordia University Chicago’s online PhD in Exercise Science blends scientific depth with practical application. Students develop expertise in research design, statistical analysis and scientific writing, while also learning how to translate findings into effective programs for health, performance and wellness. Graduates leave prepared to publish, secure funding and lead in both academic and professional environments.

Book a call with our admissions team if you have any questions about our online program.