Ph.D. in Kinesiology | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

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The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Kinesiology prepares graduates for careers in research and teaching at universities as well as for careers in industry.

Doctoral students in our program investigate fundamental questions about kinesiology and gain broad understanding of the research methods used to answer these questions. Students pursuing the Ph.D. will attain a significantly greater depth of knowledge in the chosen area of emphasis than would be encountered in the M.S. program. All Ph.D. students complete a dissertation that typically several original works of research leading to multiple publications in one of six interdisciplinary areas of study:

Dual-Title Ph.D. Opportunities

Dual-title degrees give doctoral students the opportunity to receive significant training in two different programs and thus broaden the scope of a doctorate in Kinesiology. Upon graduation, the Ph.D. degree carries the designation of Kinesiology as well as a secondary program. Students in dual-title degree programs complete an integrated curriculum that goes beyond a Kinesiology degree with a minor in another field. Two dual-title Ph.D. programs are currently offered:

Applying to the Ph.D. Program

To learn more about applying to the Ph.D. program, please see the Application Instructions and our Graduate Admissions FAQ.

Penn State’s graduate programs attract students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds — and from more than 100 countries all over the world