Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Kinesiology prepares students for post-doctoral appointments and positions in universities, industry, the military and research institutes. Graduates are trained for teaching and research careers in the following specializations:

  • Exercise Physiology: The program prepares students to conduct research in basic and applied exercise physiology. Emphases in the applied programs are in neuromuscular efficiency and control, cardiorespiratory response to exercise, exercise and lipid metabolism, and changes in bone structure and metabolism in response to exercise as well as disuse, bed rest and micro gravity. Emphases in basic research include mechanisms of exercise-induced injury, neuromuscular efficiency, muscle blood flow, muscle metabolism and free radical stress, and the molecular biology of bone adaptation to stress.
  • Motor Behavior: The program is experimentally oriented and is specifically designed to provide students with a thorough foundation in the theoretical processes that assist the performance and learning of perceptual-motor skills. Emphases in motor learning, motor control and motor development are offered.
  • Sport Management: The program prepares students to conduct research in applied and basic areas of sport management. Emphases in the applied areas are in organizational and group diversity; the under-representation of women and ethnic minorities in sport organizations; organizational effectiveness; organizational structure and strategy; organizational change; sport marketing; and consumer behavior. Emphases in the basic areas focus on relational demography; intergroup processes; and sport consumer behavior. Special areas of research correspond to those of the sport management faculty.
  • Sport Pedagogy: This specialization prepares students to design and conduct research on teaching/teacher education and curriculum and instruction, with an emphasis on linking theory to physical education practice. Interdisciplinary collaboration and research across the College of Education and Human Development are viewed as integral components of the sport pedagogy program.

The Division of Kinesiology prepares students as leaders and innovators in careers in the public education forum and exercise science. We give students access and appreciation for all things kinesiology, emphasizing the biological basis to exercise and movement.

Our goal is to prepare students for the workforce while giving students an advantage over their peers if they choose to continue their studies. Students from our program have become scientists, physical therapists, dancers, doctors, coaches, athletic trainers, sports professionals, nurses and teachers. Your career path is as vast as your choices available.

We offer graduate degrees in clinical exercise physiology, sports physiology, athletic training and sport management.

Over 30 highly qualified faculty members serve the Kinesiology through teaching, research, and service, bringing decades of experience to Kinesiology students. The department is an active member of the American Kinesiology Association and joins with them to promote the discipline of kinesiology as a field of study and to highlight its applications that affect all through research to enhance people’s health.

For more information:

https://knsm.tamu.edu
https://knsm.tamu.edu/academics/#doctoral

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program