Program at a Glance
- Program
- Doctorate
- College(s)
- College of Health Professions and Sciences
- Department(s)
- Kinesiology&Phys Thpy, Schl of
Conducting Cutting-Edge Research to Advance the Understanding of Human Movement
The purpose of the Kinesiology, PhD program is to develop the next generation of teacher-scholars and professional leaders to advance the broad discipline of kinesiology through exploration of human movement, applied physiology, sports performance, sports medicine and clinical rehabilitation. Students will become proficient in conducting research, while interpreting and applying their findings in order to impact professional practice.
The Kinesiology, PhD program requires a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. Students must complete 24 credit hours of foundational research core courses, 24 credit hours of specialization elective courses, and 15 credit hours of dissertation after being admitted to candidacy. Advancement to candidacy and completion of dissertation hours requires support from a qualified faculty mentor.
Potential applicants to the PhD program are encouraged to reach out directly to faculty to demonstrate interest and identify common goals that will facilitate mentorship and completion of the degree.
Doctoral students learn through collaborative opportunities with local healthcare and fitness facilities, sports organizations, and the UCF Sports Science Initiative. Ample research opportunities help students foster a team-approach to healthcare and wellness through interdisciplinary research conducted with faculty through the Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science. Students contribute to educating future clinicians and scientists with research and teaching in a robust undergraduate kinesiology program.
Highlights
Application Deadlines
- Fall Priority
- December 1
- Fall
- January 1
Application deadlines subject to change, see the Graduate Studies website for up-to-date deadlines.
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Course Overview
Research Design, Methods & Analysis
Students develop mastery in advanced research methodologies, experimental design, and sophisticated statistical techniques to rigorously investigate impactful questions pertaining to kinesiology and rehabilitation sciences.
Scientific Communication & Grant Writing
Coursework emphasizes proficiency in technical writing—crafting publishable manuscripts and competitive grant proposals under faculty mentorship to support scholarly success and a path to scientific independence.
Specialized Elective Integration
Through a broad array of electives, students deepen knowledge in areas such as applied physiology, human movement, sports performance, or clinical rehabilitation—aligned with faculty expertise and current research trends.
Dissertation Planning & Professional Leadership
Students develop original research projects in preparation for candidacy, while cultivating leadership through roles in academic instruction, collaborative research, and professional service—preparing them to lead in academia and beyond.
My time at UCF allowed me to receive outstanding mentorship from experts in the field, learn and collaborate with other Ph.D. students, and utilize new, state-of-the-art research equipment. Teaching upper-division courses helped me develop my instructional practices, and at the end of the program, I felt prepared for an academic career with meaningful research and teaching experiences.”
Kinesiology Skills You'll Learn
- Proficiency in conducting research related to human movement and interpreting scientific findings
- Gain expertise in technical writing through the preparation of research manuscripts and grant applications under guidance of a faculty mentor
- Confidence in the delivery of STEM and/or health-related education to a variety of populations
- How to improve health professions and healthcare delivery through the advancement and dissemination of relevant kinesiology-specific knowledge.
Career Opportunities
- University Professor
- Sport Scientist
- Clinical Research Scientist
- Postdoctoral Fellow
Admission Requirements
The UCF Kinesiology, PhD program admits once per year for the fall semester. Applicants must apply online and all requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline. Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.
Potential applicants to the PhD program are encouraged to reach out directly to specific faculty to demonstrate interest and identify common goals that will facilitate mentorship and completion of the degree.
To apply, submit the general graduate admissions requirements, as well as the following items by the deadline:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
- A master’s degree in a closely related field and master’s level competency in educational research and statistics
- Three letters of recommendation
- Goal statement
- Resumé/vita reflecting relevant experience
- Writing sample
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