About the Program

The PhD provides comprehensive training in exercise and health research, with core coursework in research methods, biostatistics, and measurement and evaluation. A student’s primary area of research will align closely with the research area of a specific faculty advisor in the department.

Each student will identify a major faculty advisor to chair their dissertation committee and supervise his or her research. This advisor will help the student identify or expand on an area of focus, advise the student on relevant coursework for elective credits, and guide and mentor the student on an original research project that forms the basis of the dissertation requirement.

While the primary faculty advisor helps guide the student’s dissertation research, degree candidates will also have options to explore other areas of interest in the form of independent studies and elective courses, preparing them to be well-rounded researchers.