Ph.D. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Overview
The Ph.D. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion is a 60-hour program with in-depth coursework, including engaging, hands-on experiences. Students collaborate with professors in ongoing faculty and faculty/student-driven research and scholarship. Additionally, doctoral students teach a variety of undergraduate courses as part of their professional preparation. Culminating experiences include successful presentation of a professional portfolio and completion of a dissertation. The principle goal of the Ph.D. program is to prepare students who are exemplary candidates for academic or other professional positions in the field.
Admission Requirements
In addition to completing a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion or related field, applicant must;
- Complete Application Form
- Completion of a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion or related field
- Submit academic transcripts validating scholastic achievement: minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) on undergraduate work and 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) on Master's level work
- Submit current Curriculum Vita
- Submit Application Essay: two-page statement of purpose outlining career objectives, areas of research interest, details regarding related experience, and why the UNA Ph.D. is a good fit for the applicant's professional endeavors
- Submit two to three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's academic ability and potential for success as a graduate student, with reference to teaching proficiency/potential and writing and scholarship proficiency/potential
- Receive departmental approval
The Department of Kinesiology has numerous Graduate Assistantships (GAs) awarded annually. GAs receive a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend. In exchange, they are assigned responsibilities within the department, generally teaching courses, assisting with ongoing research and scholarship, and service. Students must be admitted to graduate studies at UNA to be considered for a GA position. For GA application, click here.
Curriculum Requirements for the Ph.D. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science Core (9 credit hours) | 9 | |
| Advanced Exercise Physiology I | ||
| Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription (Electives) | ||
| Advanced Exercise Physiology II | ||
| Health Promotion Core (9 credit hours) | 9 | |
| Advanced Behavior Modification | ||
| Integrative Health Coaching | ||
| Advanced Approaches for Health Promotion | ||
| Research/Statistics Core (12 credit hours) | 12 | |
| Choose 12 credit hours from the following: | ||
| Introduction to Statistics: Theory and Application | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Regression Analysis in Health and Exercise Science | ||
| ANOVA and MANOVA | ||
| Advanced Quantitative Analysis | ||
| Advanced Qualitative Analysis | ||
| Applied Statistics I | ||
| Applied Statistics II | ||
| Qualitative Methods in Sport & Recreation Management | ||
| Electives (9 credit hours) | 9 | |
| Advisor Approved Electives - Choose 9 credit hours from the following: | ||
| University Advancement and Fundraising | ||
| Seminar in Health Promotion | ||
| Integrative Health | ||
| Social Determinants of Health | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Seminar in Exercise Physiology | ||
| Clinical Exercise Physiology | ||
| Internship | ||
| Internship in Health Promotion | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Non-Dissertation Research | ||
| Exercise Prescription for Resistance Training | ||
| Stress Management | ||
| Epidemiology and Prevention of Chronic Disease | ||
| Principles of Nutrition | ||
| Application of Nutritional Concepts | ||
| Lab Techniques | ||
| Critical Analysis of Professional Literature | ||
| Cardiac Rehabilitation and EKG Interpretation | ||
| Teaching Emphasis (9 credit hours) | ||
| Core Courses | 6 | |
| Supervised Teaching Practicum | ||
| Advisor Approved Electives - Choose 3 credit hours from the following: | 3 | |
| Teaching in Academia | ||
| Preparing Future Faculty I | ||
| Dissertation and Portfolio Development (12 credit hours) | ||
| HPE 794 | Portfolio Defense (0 credit hours) | 0 |
| HPE 795 | Dissertation Research | 12 |
| Total Hours | 60 | |