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Kinesiology and Sport Studies, PhD Requirements

The PhD degree with a major in Kinesiology and Sport Studies is a research-intensive degree focused on preparing individuals in the areas of kinesiology and sport studies. Most programs can usually be completed in 3 years (with 2 years of course work and 1 year for the dissertation). Students in the Exercise Physiology Specialization typically takes a minimum of 4 years to complete the degree (2 years of classes and 2 years of research).

For the PhD degree with the major Kinesiology and Sport Studies our department offers two concentrations, each with multiple specializations:

Kinesiology Concentration

Specializations:

  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Physical Activity Epidemiology
  • Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior

Sport Studies Concentration

Specializations:

  • Socio-Cultural Studies
  • Sport Management

PhD Course Options

Both concentrations in the PhD major in Kinesiology and Sport Studies require a minimum amount of credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. Generally, these required credit hours are broken down in four categories: concentration, research, specialization, and cognate.

Regarding the choice of courses in each category, students have several options. Below you will find lists of commonly taken courses. These lists are not exhaustive, as further options might be available. Note that courses might not be offered every semester or year. The courses listed, however, are available on a regular basis for students to take during their time in the program.

Before enrolling in courses, the course work must be approved by the student’s major professor/advisor. Further, the members of student’s doctoral committee must approve the overall course work on the student’s Admission to Candidacy form.

For further advice regarding course options, please consult with faculty members in the concentration/specialization.

Sport Studies Concentration

The PhD degree with a major in kinesiology and sport studies offers a concentration in sport studies with areas of specialization in socio-cultural studies and sport management. The program stresses an interdisciplinary approach to course work and research and expects students to become proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students are expected to obtain a significant grounding in the allied, parent disciplines. The program prepares students to obtain faculty or administration positions in higher education.

Credit Hours Required*
78 graduate credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (At least 24 of these credit hours, exclusive of the dissertation, must be beyond the Master’s level)

Required Courses*

Concentration (15 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • RSM 510 Financial Aspects of Sport
  • RSM 511 Personnel Management
  • RSM 512 Legal Aspects of Sport
  • RSM 514 Organizational Behavior in Sport Contexts
  • RSM 515 Philosophical and Conceptual Foundations of Recreation
  • RSM 530 Sport and Media Issues
  • RSM 535 Ethics in Sport Management
  • RSM 540 Sport Marketing
  • RSM 544 Leadership Theories
  • RSM 550 Intercollegiate Athletics
  • RSM 554 Environmental Sustainability in Sport
  • RSM 556 Sport and Religion
  • RSM 560 Sport Governance
  • SPST 504 History and Sociology of International Sports
  • SPST 507 History of Sport in America
  • SPST 515 Social Theories of Sport
  • SPST 542 Sociological Aspects of Sport
  • SPST 543 Women, Sport, and Culture
  • SPST 693 Independent Study
  • SPST 694 Directed Reading

Research (18 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • ANTH 531 Ethnographic Research Methods
  • CCI 635 Qualitative Communication Research Methods I
  • CCI 643 Qualitative Communication and Information Research Methods II
  • CFS 650 Advanced Qualitative Research in Human Sciences
  • EDPY 506 Introduction to Educational Research
  • EDPY 577 Statistics in Applied Fields I
  • EDPY 559 Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education
  • EDPY 581 Classroom Measurements
  • EDPY 583 Survey Research
  • EDPY 631 Discourse Analysis of Educational Environments
  • EDPY 659 Advanced Qualitative Research in Education
  • ELPS 616 Mixed Methods Research
  • ELPS 617 Case Study Methods in Educational Research
  • ELPS 618 Advanced Qualitative Research in Educational Leadership
  • GEOG 516 Topics in Qualitative Methods
  • LEES 659 Cultural Historical Activity Theory and Methods
  • RHTM 616 Quantitative Research Methods in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management
  • SOCI 633 Survey Design and Analysis
  • SOWK 605 Analysis of Social Work Data I
  • SOWK 606 Analysis of Social Work Data II
  • STAT 531 Survey/Statistical Methods I
  • STAT 532 Survey of Statistical Methods II

Specialization (9 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • SPST 504 History and Sociology of International Sports
  • SPST 507 History of Sport in America
  • SPST 515 Social Theories of Sport
  • SPST 542 Sociological Aspects of Sport
  • SPST 543 Women, Sport, and Culture
  • SPST 693 Independent Study
  • SPST 694 Directed Reading

Cognate (6 credit hours)
Must come from an area related to and supportive of the concentration and specialization. Common cognates include:

  • Africana Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Child and Family Studies
  • Communication and Information
  • Cultural Studies in Education
  • History
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior

Professional Seminar (6 credit hours)*

Dissertation (24 credit hours)
SPST 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation

*The change from 72 to 78 credit hours required will appear in the 2020-2021 Graduate Catalog. Currently, the Professional Seminar is offered as SPST 680.

Required Courses*

Concentration (15 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • RSM 510 Financial Aspects of Sport
  • RSM 511 Personnel Management
  • RSM 512 Legal Aspects of Sport
  • RSM 514 Organizational Behavior in Sport Contexts
  • RSM 515 Philosophical and Conceptual Foundations of Recreation
  • RSM 530 Sport and Media Issues
  • RSM 535 Ethics in Sport Management
  • RSM 540 Sport Marketing
  • RSM 544 Leadership Theories
  • RSM 550 Intercollegiate Athletics
  • RSM 554 Environmental Sustainability in Sport
  • RSM 556 Sport and Religion
  • RSM 560 Sport Governance
  • RSM 593 – Independent Study
  • SPST 504 History and Sociology of International Sports
  • SPST 507 History of Sport in America
  • SPST 515 Social Theories of Sport
  • SPST 542 Sociological Aspects of Sport
  • SPST 543 Women, Sport, and Culture
  • SPST 693 Independent Study
  • SPST 694 Directed Reading

Research (18 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • ANTH 531 Ethnographic Research Methods
  • CCI 635 Qualitative Communication Research Methods I
  • CCI 643 Qualitative Communication and Information Research Methods II
  • CFS 650 Advanced Qualitative Research in Human Sciences
  • EDPY 506 Introduction to Educational Research
  • EDPY 577 Statistics in Applied Fields I
  • EDPY 559 Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education
  • EDPY 581 Classroom Measurements
  • EDPY 583 Survey Research
  • EDPY 631 Discourse Analysis of Educational Environments
  • EDPY 659 Advanced Qualitative Research in Education
  • ELPS 616 Mixed Methods Research
  • ELPS 618 Advanced Qualitative Research in Educational Leadership
  • GEOG 516 Topics in Qualitative Methods
  • LEES 659 Cultural Historical Activity Theory and Methods
  • RHTM 616 Quantitative Research Methods in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management
  • SOCI 633- Survey Design and Analysis
  • SOWK 605 Analysis of Social Work Data I
  • SOWK 606 Analysis of Social Work Data II
  • STAT 531 Survey/Statistical Methods I
  • STAT 532 – Survey of Statistical Methods II

Specialization (9 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • RSM 510 Financial Aspects of Sport
  • RSM 511 Personnel Management
  • RSM 512 Legal Aspects of Sport
  • RSM 514 Organizational Behavior in Sport Contexts
  • RSM 515 Philosophical and Conceptual Foundations of Recreation
  • RSM 530 Sport and Media Issues
  • RSM 535 Ethics in Sport Management
  • RSM 540 Sport Marketing
  • RSM 544 Leadership Theories
  • RSM 550 Intercollegiate Athletics
  • RSM 554 Environmental Sustainability in Sport
  • RSM 556 Sport and Religion
  • RSM 560 Sport Governance
  • RSM 593 – Independent Study

Cognate (6 credit hours)
Must come from an area related to and supportive of the concentration and specialization. Common cognates include:

  • Business Administration
  • Communication and Information
  • Counselor Education
  • Educational Leadership
  • Higher Education Administration
  • Public Policy and Administration
  • Retail, Hospitality, Tourism Management
  • Sociology
  • Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior

Professional Seminar (6 credit hours)*

Dissertation (24 credit hours)
SPST 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation

*The change from 72 to 78 credit hours required will appear in the 2020-2021 Graduate Catalog. Currently, the Professional Seminar is offered as SPST 680.

Kinesiology Concentration

The PhD major in Kinesiology and Sport Studies offers a concentration in kinesiology, which deals with the study of human movement. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of skills needed for high quality research and innovative teaching. Students are expected to become proficient in research methods within their respective areas of specialization. The program prepares students for postdoctoral or faculty positions in higher education, or positions in applied sport and clinical settings and has specializations in Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Physical Activity Epidemiology and Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior.

Credit Hours Required
72 graduate credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree (At least 24 of these credit hours, exclusive of the dissertation, must be beyond the Master’s level)

Required Courses

Concentration (15 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • KNS 521 Physical Activity Epidemiology Methods
  • KNS 532 Exercise Physiology
  • KNS 533 Psychology of Sport
  • KNS 534 Motor Behavior and Skill Acquisition
  • KNS 535 – Health & Exercise Psychology
  • KNS 536 – Expert Performance in Sports
  • KNS 541 Special Topics (1-6 credit hours)
  • KNS 545 Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury
  • KNS 565 Advanced Physiology of Exercise
  • KNS 567 Exercise Testing and Prescription
  • KNS 575 MATLAB for Biomechanics
  • KNS 693 Directed Independent Study

Research (18 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • KNS 662 Seminar: Topics in Biomechanics (6 credit hours)
  • KNS 541 Special Topics
  • KNS 622 Directed Independent Research
  • KNS 664 Research Participation in Kinesiology)
  • KNS 693 Directed Independent Study
  • STAT 537 Statistics for Research I
  • STAT 538 Statistics for Research II
  • STAT 575 Applied Time Series
  • STAT 576 Multivariate and Data Mining Techniques
  • STAT 577 Data Mining Methods and Application
  • STAT 578 Categorical Data Analysis
  • STAT 579 Applied Multivariate Methods
  • EDPY 577 Statistics for Applied Fields I
  • EDPY 677 Statistics for Applied Fields II
  • EDPY 678 Statistics in Applied Fields III
  • PLSC 561 Statistics for Biological Research
  • ANSC 571 Design and Analysis of Biological Research

Specialization (9 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • KNS 513 Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury
  • KNS 531 Biomechanics
  • KNS 634 Advanced Method/Instrument Biomechanics

Cognate (6 credit hours)
Must come from an area related to and supportive of the concentration and specialization. Common cognates include:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Plant Sciences

Dissertation (24 credit hours)

  • KNS 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation

Required Courses

Concentration (15 credit hours)

Course Options:

  • KNS 521 Physical Activity Epidemiology Methods
  • KNS 533 Psychology of Sport
  • KNS 535 Health/Exercise Psychology
  • KNS 541 Special Topics
  • KNS 545 Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury
  • KNS 635 Physical Activity and Positive Health
  • KNS 693 Directed Independent Study

Research (18 credit hours)

Course Options:

  • KNS 508 Research Methods
  • KNS 521 Physical Activity Epidemiology Methods
  • KNS 541 Special Topics
  • KNS 661 Seminar in Exercise and Applied Physiology
  • KNS 693  Independent Study
  • SOWK 605 Analysis of Social Work Data I
  • SOWK 606 Analysis of Social Work Data II
  • SOWK 665 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
  • STAT 531 Survey of Statistical Methods
  • STAT 532 Survey of Statistical Methods II
  • STAT 577 Data Mining Methods and Application
  • STAT 578 Categorical Data Analysis
  • EDPY 577 Statistics in Applied Fields I
  • EDPY 677 Statistics in Applied Fields II
  • EDPY 678 Statistics in Applied Fields III
  • BZAN 522 Business Cases in Data Mining
  • PUBH 636 Advanced Research Methods

Specialization (9 credit hours)

Course Options:

  • KNS 532 Exercise Physiology
  • KNS 565 Advanced Physiology of Exercise
  • KNS 567 Exercise Testing and Prescription
  • KNS 635 Physical Activity and Positive Health
  • NUTR 511 Advances in Carbohydrate, Lipid and Protein Metabolism

Cognate (6 credit hours)

Must come from an area related to and supportive of the concentration and specialization. Common cognates include:

  • Public Health
  • Statistics
  • Nutrition
  • Psychology
  • Therapeutic Recreation

Dissertation (24 credit hours)
KNS 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation

Required Courses

Concentration (15 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • KNS 521 Physical Activity Epidemiology Methods
  • KNS 533 Psychology of Sport
  • KNS 535 Health/Exercise Psychology
  • KNS 541 Special Topics
  • KNS 545 Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury
  • KNS 635 Physical Activity and Positive Health
  • KNS 693 Directed Independent Study

Research (18 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • KNS 508 Research Methods
  • KNS 521 Physical Activity Epidemiology Methods
  • KNS 541 Special Topics
  • KNS 661 Seminar in Exercise and Applied Physiology
  • KNS 693 Independent Study
  • SOWK 605 Analysis of Social Work Data I
  • SOWK 606 Analysis of Social Work Data II
  • SOWK 665 Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
  • STAT 531 Survey of Statistical Methods
  • STAT 532 Survey of Statistical Methods II
  • STAT 577 Data Mining Methods and Application
  • STAT 578 Categorical Data Analysis
  • EDPY 577 Statistics in Applied Fields I
  • EDPY 677 Statistics in Applied Fields II
  • EDPY 678 Statistics in Applied Fields III
  • BZAN 522 Business Cases in Data Mining
  • PUBH  636 Advanced Research Methods

Specialization (9 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • KNS 521 Physical Activity Epidemiology Methods
  • KNS 635 Physical Activity and Positive Health
  • KNS 622 Directed Independent Research

Cognate (6 credit hours)
Must come from an area related to and supportive of the concentration and specialization. Common cognates include:

  • Statistics
  • Public Health
  • Nutrition

Dissertation (24 credit hours)
KNS 600 – Doctoral Research and Dissertation

Required Courses

Concentration (15 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • KNS 490 Psychology of Coaching
  • KNS 536 Expert Performance in Sports
  • KNS 541 Special Topics
  • KNS 543 Women, Sport and Culture
  • KNS 544 Performance Consulting Skills and Strategies
  • KNS 545 Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury
  • KNS 633 Advanced Sport Psychology

Research (18 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • CSE 526 Philosophy of Education: Theory Writing
  • SOWK 605 Analysis of Social Work Data I
  • SOWK 606 Analysis of Social Work Data II
  • EDPY 533 Program Evaluation I
  • EDPY 550 Applied Statistical Concepts
  • EDPY 559 Introduction to Qualitative Research in Education
  • EDPY 583 Survey Research
  • EDPY 631 Discourse Analysis of Educational Environments
  • EDPY 659 Advanced Qualitative Research in Education
  • KNS 593 Independent Study
  • KNS 594 Directed Readings
  • KNS 693 Independent Study
  • KNS 694 Directed Readings
  • NURS 607 Qualitative Nursing Research
  • CFS 650 Advanced Qualitative Research in Human Sciences
  • ELPS 617 Case Study Methods in Educational Research
  • ELPS 618 Advanced Qualitative Research in Educational Leadership

Specialization (9 credit hours)
Course Options:

  • KNS 533 Psychology of Sport
  • KNS 534 Motor Behavior and Skill Acquisition
  • KNS 538 Professional Practice Issues in Sport Psychology

Cognate (6 credit hours)
Must come from an area related to and supportive of the concentration and specialization. Common cognates include:

  • Counselor Education
  • Educational Psychology
  • Counseling, Psychology
  • Religion
  • Sociology
  • Sport Studies
  • Women’s Studies
  • Qualitative Certificate

Dissertation (24 credit hours)
KNS 600 Doctoral Research and Dissertation