About the Program

UMass Boston’s doctoral exercise and health sciences program is firmly research-based, 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.

The faculty’s broad expertise ranges from the cellular level (molecular mechanisms) to the society at large (community and populations studies), with many collaborative research efforts focused on physical activity, diet, and obesity in children and youth, adults, older adults and special populations across the lifespan.

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. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of fundamental concepts of exercise science and/or health promotion.
2. Conduct systemic inquiry and apply critical thinking to evaluate scientific literature relevant to the specialization area in exercise science and health promotion.
3. Use an appropriate theoretical framework and quantitative and/or qualitative methods to acquire, analyze and interpret data.
4. Disseminate scientific findings at local, national and global levels through publications and presentations.
5. Demonstrate leadership as a researcher and educator to promote physical activity and improve health in diverse populations.