best exercise science phd programs

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• Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise Science

Are you interested in attending one of the top Ph.D. programs in the United States? Our unique mentor-based program will prepare you to lead the future of Exercise Science research!

The Exercise Science department ’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is a mentor-based program that has consistently been ranked among the top programs in the United States by the National Academy of Kinesiology. Our graduates are prepared for entry into positions in universities, colleges, research institutes, research-oriented clinical settings, and industry.

The PhD curriculum includes coursework in exercise science, statistics, and research design, providing a solid foundation in advanced research methods.  The department's research labs further enhance the training within the areas of specialization. 

Core Curriculum

Students will complete an approved Plan of Study of up to

• 60 hours beyond the baccalaureate degree
• Includes students entering with a Master's in Athletic Training or a  Master's/Doctorate in Physical Therapy

The Plan of Study is determined in consultation with their mentor and tailored to the individual student's interest, research focus, and division. Progression within the program requires reaching specific Milestones outlined by the program. In addition to coursework and dissertation hours, doctoral students are expected to attend and present at research seminars and be heavily involved in ongoing research during their time in the academic program.

General Course Requirements – PhD Public Health (> 3 hours) Exercise Science (>6 hours) Elective (>3 hours) Research/Statistical Methods (>6 hours)  Dissertation (>12 hours)

Applied Physiology

Understanding the effects of physical activity, exercise, nutrition, stress, and sleep on different physiological processes provides a basis for health promotion by controlling & reducing risk factors for disease.  Managing these risk factors through enhanced nutrition, targeted exercise, and other behavioral factors in cancer survivors, women undergoing complicated pregnancy, and athletes (sport and tactical) are the current research foci of the division faculty with the goal of identifying the physiological response to and efficacy of their contribution to recovery and optimal performance.

The research programs in the division address many areas including:

• Endocrine mechanisms & biomarkers related to the HPA axis and inflammation
• Resistance training & nutritional interventions to improve functionality, mental health, and the systemic response to stress
• Impact of exercise, nutrition, and supplementation interventions during & after cancer treatments to prevent or reduce side effects of cancer
• The processes of long-term heart disease risk in women who have had certain pregnancy complications
• Integrated -omics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, lipidomics, and diverse cellular assays) approach to identify & characterize biological factors associated with the response of lipids & lipoproteins
• Sport nutrition, eating disorders, female athlete triad, body image in female & males athletes as well as the military
• Behavioral factors such as exercise & sleep on energy balance, body composition, and cardiometabolic outcomes in women & the adult population
• Exertional heat illnesses, thermoregulation, and hydration behaviors

Shawn Arent, PhD, CSCS*D, FISSN, FACSM, FNAK

Keywords: Sport Science, Human Performance, Endocrinology, Performance Nutrition

Ciaran Fairman, PhD, CSCS, CET

Keywords: Exercise, Cancer, Body Composition

Katie Hirsch, PhD, EP-C, CISSN

Keywords: Exercise, Nutrition, Metabolism, Body Composition, Sex Differences, Female Physiology

Mark Sarzynski, PhD, FASCM, FAHA

Keywords: Exercise Omics, Exercise Responsiveness, Precision Exercise Medicine

Raymond W. Thompson, PhD

Keywords: Anatomy and Physiology, Skeletal Muscle, Endurance Index

Toni Torres-McGehee, PhD, SCAT, ATC

Keywords: Sport Nutrition, Eating Disorders, Body Image, Female Athlete Triad, Military

Xuewen Wang, PhD, FAHA

Keywords: Body Fat, Sleep Deficiency, Energy Expenditure

Susan Yeargin, PhD, ATC

Keywords: Heat Illness, Hydration Behaviors, Sports Medicine

• EXSC 723 - Genetics in Health Science
• EXSC 755 - Selected Topics in Exercise Science (3)
• EXSC 777 - Endocrinology in Exercise & Health (3)
• EXSC 780 - Physiology of Exercise (3)
• EXSC 781 - Physiology, Exercise, & Disease (3)
• EXSC 790 - Independent Study in Exercise Science (6-12 hr total)
• EXSC 880 - Myology & Exercise Science (3)
• EXSC 881 - Advanced Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology (3)
• EXSC 700/882 - Exercise & Public Health
• EXSC 883 - Physical Activity, Chronic Disease, & Disabilities (3)
• EPID 894 - Translational Science

Health Aspects of Physical Activity

The PhD in Health Aspects of Physical Activity (HAPA) prepares doctoral students to understand and optimize physical activity patterns, physiological & psychological well-being across diverse populations, and prevent & treat chronic health-related conditions. Research focuses within HAPA align with the flexible curriculum tailored to individual students with courses selected from exercise physiology, exercise psychology, biostatistics, epidemiology & population health, nutrition, or other areas deemed to provide a solid foundation sufficient to understand and conduct research in this area.

Physical Activity Interventions

• Examine the feasibility & efficacy of physical activity programs on behavioral & health outcomes implemented in a variety of settings, including schools, churches, after school settings, summer camps, and clinics
• Investigate the influence of lifestyle (exercise, diet, and sleep) on cardiometabolic disease prevention & weight management
• Technology-based interventions for the prevention & treatment of chronic disease

Physical Activity Epidemiology

• Explore correlations between physical activity, fitness, sleep, sedentary behavior, and physical & mental health-related variables/outcomes

Physical Activity Across the Lifespan

• Study the role of physical activity & nutrition on biological factors in populations including children & adolescents, pregnant women, older adults, cancer survivors, individuals with obesity, and patients with arthritis

Elizabeth Adams, PhD

Keywords: Child Nutrition, Obesity Prevention

Bridget Armstrong, PhD

Keywords: Childhood Obesity, Sleep, Screen Time

Micheal Beets, MEd, MPH, PhD

Keywords: Translational Science, Childhood Obesity, Prevention Science

Sarah Burkart, MPH, PhD

Keywords: Childhood Obesity, Physical Activity, Sleep

Russell Pate, PhD

Keywords: Physical Activity, Public Health, Children

Christine Pellegrini, PhD

Keywords: Behavior, Technology, Disability

Mark Sarzynski, PhD, FACSM, FAHA

Xuemei Sui, MD, MPH, PhD

Keywords: Physical Activity Epidemiology, Longitudinal Analyses, Health Outcomes

R. Glenn Weaver, MEd, PhD

Keywords: Childhood Obesity Treatment and Prevention

Delia West, PhD

Keywords: Behavioral Interventions, Weight Management, Healthy Lifestyle

Sara Wilcox, PhD

Keywords: Physical Activity, Diet, Community, Interventions

Chih-Hsiang "Jason" Yang, PhD

Keywords: Behavioral Medicine, Ecological Momentary Assessment, Healthy Aging

Courses within the HAPA division might be chosen from the following EXSC cognate classes as well as from other departments such as EPID, PSYC, HPEB, or other related fields.

• EXSC 710 - Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity
• EXSC 727 - Controlled Trials in Exercise Science
• EXSC 732 - Measurement of Body Composition & Associated Heath Behaviors
• EXSC 742 - Clinical Exercise Testing
• EXSC 754 - Community-Based Physical Activity Interventions
• EXSC 778 - Exercise & Childhood Obesity
• EXSC 780 - Physiology of Exercise
• EXSC 781 - Physiology, Exercise, & Disease
• EXSC 787 - Research Methods & Design for Exercise Science
• EXSC 801 - Ethical Conduct in Public Health Research (1 credit)
• EXSC 802 - Predoctoral Fellowship Writing Course with Special Emphasis on NIH F31 (1 credit)
• EXSC 882 - Physical Activity & Health: Epidemiology, Research, & Practice

Rehabilitation Sciences

As the rates of chronic disability increase across the globe, the need to develop novel rehabilitation treatments that reduce disability and increase physical activity is vital for improving the health & wellness of individuals with chronic disabilities. Prevention of chronic conditions starts with assessing & treating the risk factors for their development including poor nutrition, training behaviors, and injuries that occur with sports participation. Research focuses within Rehabilitation Sciences prepare students to examine health & motor behaviors and consider how the development & delivery of rehabilitative & preventative therapies are used to reduce disability, promote health, and prevent further disease.

The research programs in the division address many areas of scientific inquiry including:

• Evidence-based practice & outcomes in physical therapy, athletic training, and rehabilitation
• Neural & behavioral basis of motor control and motor learning
• Posture-balance-gait-mobility in older adults & special populations
• Epidemiology, assessment, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain syndromes
• Movement impairment associated with musculoskeletal injury & persistent pain
• Assessment of sensory, motor, cognitive deficits, and rehabilitation following stroke & brain injury
• Sports nutrition, eating disorders, and body image in athletes & the military
• Screening for & prevention of mental health disorders in athletes & the military
• Exertional heat illness, thermoregulation, and hydration behaviors
• Upper extremity impairments in overhead athletes & breast cancer survivors

Stacy Fritz, PT, PhD

Keywords: Physical Activity, Gait, Neurological populations

Shana Harrington, PT, PhD

Keywords: Oncology Rehabilitation, Patient-Reported Outcomes, Pain Mechanisms & Treatment

Troy Herter, PhD

Keywords: Motor Behavior, Integrative Neuroscience, Neurorehabilitation

Jim Mensch, PhD, ATC

Keywords: Youth Sports, Specialization, Pediatrics, Athletic Training 

R. Davis Moore, PhD

Keywords: Concussion, Cognition, Psychophysiology, Human Performance

Sheri Silfies, PT, PhD

Keywords: Biomechanics, Motor Control, Chronic Pain, Musculoskeletal Injury

Jill Stewart, PT, PhD

Keywords: Motor behavior, Stroke, Rehabilitation, Upper extremity, Brain imaging

• EXSC 700 (3) – Physical Activity and Health: Epidemiology, Research and Practice
• EXSC 710 (3) – Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity
• EXSC 723 (3) – Genetics in Health Sciences
• EXSC 731 (3) – Mechanisms of Motor Skill Performance
• EXSC 732 (3) – Measurement of Body Composition and Associated Health Behaviors
• EXSC 735 (3) – Applied Human Biomechanics
• EXSC 742 (1) – Clinical Exercise Testing
• EXSC 755 (1-3) – Special Topics in Exercise Science
• EXSC 775 (3) – Neural Basis of Skilled Motor Behavior
• EXSC 777 (3) – Endocrinology in Exercise and Health
• EXSC 780 (3) – Physiology of Exercise
• EXSC 781 (3) – Physiology, Exercise and Disease
• EXSC 787 (3) – Research Methods and Design for Exercise Science
• EXSC 790 (1-6) – Independent Study (maximum of 9 total hours)
• EXSC 801 (1) – Ethical Conduct in Public Health Research
• EXSC 802 (1) – Predoctoral Fellowship Writing Course with Special Emphasis on NIH F31
• EXSC 882 (3) – Physical Activity and Health: Epidemiology and Research Methods
• PHYT 788 (2) – Evidence Based Practice in Physical Therapy

Biostatistics

• BIOS 701 (3) – Concepts and Methods in Biostatistics
• BIOS 754 (3 – Discrete Data Analysis
• BIOS 755 (3) – Introduction to Longitudinal Data Analysis
• BIOS 757 (3) – Intermediate Biometrics
• BIOS 758 (3) – Advanced Biometrics
• BIOS 759 (3) – Theory and Methods of Discrete Data Analysis
• BIOS 760 (3) – Biostatistical Methods in Clinical Trials
• BIOS 765 (3) – Research Design in the Biomedical Sciences
• BIOS 770 (3) – Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis
• BIOS 820 (3) – Bayesian Biostatistics and Computation

Epidemiology

• EPID 700 (3) – Introduction to Epidemiology
• EPID 701 (3) – Concepts and Methods of Epidemiology
• EPID 741 (3) – Intermediate Epidemiological Methods
• EPID 800 (3) – Advanced Methodological Theory in Epidemiology
• EPID 802 (3) – Advanced Analytical Methods in Epidemiology

Health Promotion, Education, & Behavior

• HPEB 715 (3) – Qualitative Research Methods in Public Health
• PSYC 700 (3) – Psychological Approaches to Gerontology
• PSYC 702A (3) – Basics of Neuroscience
• PSYC 702C (3) – Basics of Developmental Psychology
• PSYC 703A (3) – Integration across Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience
• PSYC 709 (3) – Basic Quantitative Methods in the Analysis of Behavioral Data I
• PSYC 710 (3) – Basic Quantitative Methods in the Analysis of Behavioral Data II
• PSYC 714 (3) – Psychoeducational Assessment of Children I
• PSYC 715 (3) – Psychoeducational Assessment of Children II
• PSYC 732 (3) – Clinical Neuropsychology
• PSYC 801 (3) – Cognitive Neuroscience I
• PSYC 823 (3) – Multivariate Analysis of Behavioral Data
• PSYC 824 (3) – Special Topics in Quantitative Psychology
• PSYC 825 (3) – Introduction to Statistical Mediation Analysis
• PSYC 826 (3) – Longitudinal Data Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences
• PSYC 888 (1-6) – Special Topics (vary each semester but are often highly relevant)

Physiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience

• PHPH 750 (4)† – Fundamental Neuroscience I
• PHPH 751 (4)† - Fundamentals of Neuroscience II

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Doctor of Exercise Physiology Programs in America

1-18 of 18 results

College of Sciences - Georgia Institute of Technology

• Atlanta, GA ·
• Georgia Institute of Technology ·
• Graduate School
• · Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Georgia Institute of Technology, Graduate School, ATLANTA, GA. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Other says Georgia Tech is among the top colleges you can attend. My journey there had its highs and lows, but looking back, every experience contributed significantly to my growth. A piece of advice I'd offer... Read 1 reviews.

College of Health and Human Performance - University of Florida

• Gainesville, FL ·
• University of Florida ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Blue checkmark. University of Florida, Graduate School, GAINESVILLE, FL. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says This program is absolutely incredible. I am blown away by the staff and their dedication to our education as graduate students. Every day I am excited to learn from them, and have already seen so... Read 2 reviews.

School of Education and Human Development - University of Miami

• Coral Gables, FL ·
• University of Miami ·
• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   4 reviews

University of Miami, Graduate School, CORAL GABLES, FL. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says My experience in the mental health graduate program has been a mix of profound learning, personal growth, and significant challenges. The comprehensive curriculum, hands-on clinical training,... Read 4 reviews.

University of La Verne

• Graduate School ·
• LA VERNE, CA
• · Rating 4.41 out of 5   79

Southern California Institute of Architecture

• LOS ANGELES, CA
• · Rating 4.56 out of 5   9

College of Health and Social Sciences - San Francisco State University

• San Francisco State University ·
• SAN FRANCISCO, CA
• · Rating 4 out of 5   1

College of Education and Human Development - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

• Minneapolis, MN ·
• University of Minnesota Twin Cities ·
• · Rating 4.33 out of 5   3 reviews

University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Graduate School, MINNEAPOLIS, MN. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Featured Review: Alum says This is a well-known school for education. They are on top of the latest research and development in the field and share this knowledge with their students. The school has its own lab school for... Read 3 reviews.

Florida State University College of Human Sciences

• Tallahassee, FL ·
• Florida State University ·

Florida State University, Graduate School, TALLAHASSEE, FL.

College of Health Sciences - University of Delaware

• Newark, DE ·
• University of Delaware ·

University of Delaware, Graduate School, NEWARK, DE.

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School of Public Health and Health Sciences - University of Massachusetts Amherst

• Amherst, MA ·
• University of Massachusetts Amherst ·

University of Massachusetts Amherst, Graduate School, AMHERST, MA.

Auburn University College of Education

• Auburn, AL ·
• Auburn University ·

Auburn University, Graduate School, AUBURN, AL.

OU College of Arts & Sciences

• Norman, OK ·
• University of Oklahoma ·

University of Oklahoma, Graduate School, NORMAN, OK.

Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine

• Spokane, WA ·
• Washington State University ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   4 reviews

Washington State University, Graduate School, SPOKANE, WA. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I am an incoming first-year medical student so my experiences are limited, but very positive so far. I really like that the admissions process is holistic and the people in admissions seem to truly... Read 4 reviews.

Arnold School of Public Health

• Columbia, SC ·
• University of South Carolina ·
• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   6 reviews

University of South Carolina, Graduate School, COLUMBIA, SC. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says During my experience as a graduate student at USC, I’ve had supporting professors that were there to answer questions and they want their students to succeed. There was a not a time that I did not... Read 6 reviews.

School of Public Health and Health Professions - University at Buffalo, SUNY

• Buffalo, NY ·
• University at Buffalo, SUNY ·

University at Buffalo, SUNY, Graduate School, BUFFALO, NY. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I enjoy the University at Buffalo, School of Nursing. I currently attend for graduate school and the professors are amazing! They want you to succeed and achieve everything on your to-do list. Read 2 reviews.

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Colorado State University College of Health and Human Sciences

• Fort Collins, CO ·
• Colorado State University ·

Colorado State University, Graduate School, FORT COLLINS, CO. 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Since being accepted to Colorado State University (CSU), I have been welcomed with support and guidance in navigating graduate school while being a first-generation student. At CSU, I have been... Read 6 reviews.

WVU School of Medicine

• Morgantown, WV ·
• West Virginia University ·

West Virginia University, Graduate School, MORGANTOWN, WV. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Engaging coursework, great classmates, passionate and extremely helpful and committed faculty members. Read 3 reviews.

College of Health Professions - Virginia Commonwealth University

• Richmond, VA ·
• Virginia Commonwealth University ·

Blue checkmark. Virginia Commonwealth University, Graduate School, RICHMOND, VA. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says VCU's Occupational Therapy program has been nothing but supportive. The faculty really care about the profession as a whole and preparing the next generation of students to be the best occupational... Read 1 reviews.

College of Education, Health, and Human Services - Kent State University

• Kent State University ·

Blue checkmark. Kent State University, Graduate School, KENT, OH.

Springfield College - Massachusetts School of Arts and Sciences

• Springfield, MA ·
• Springfield College - Massachusetts ·

Springfield College - Massachusetts, Graduate School, SPRINGFIELD, MA.

Teachers College at Columbia University

• New York, NY ·
• · Rating 4.47 out of 5   113 reviews

Graduate School, NEW YORK, NY. 113 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says My academic journey at TC has exceeded my expectations in ways that words alone cannot capture. The strong sense of community here, combined with the genuine care and compassion demonstrated by the... Read 113 reviews.

College of Health and Community Well - Being - University of La Verne

• University of La Verne ·
• · Rating 4 out of 5   2

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences - University of Pittsburgh

• University of Pittsburgh ·
• PITTSBURGH, PA
• · Rating 4.78 out of 5   9

Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

• Middlebury ·
• MONTEREY, CA
• · Rating 4.16 out of 5   90

Showing results 1 through 18 of 18

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2025 Best Exercise Science and Kinesiology Schools

College Factual looked at 353 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Exercise Science and Kinesiology Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 32,435 degrees in exercise science and kinesiology annually.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

• Best Overall Exercise Science and Kinesiology Schools List

Choosing a Great Exercise Science and Kinesiology School

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology Rankings by Degree Level

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Exercise Science and Kinesiology Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings , to help you make that decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat , our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology .

Best Schools for Exercise Science and Kinesiology in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the exercise science degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Exercise Science

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a great choice for students interested in a degree in exercise science and kinesiology. Located in the medium-sized city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were approximately 149 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available.

Texas A&M University - College Station is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in exercise science and kinesiology. Texas A&M College Station is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of College Station. A Best Colleges rank of #42 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Texas A&M College Station is a great university overall.

There were about 279 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent data year.

Every student pursuing a degree in exercise science and kinesiology has to take a look at University of Iowa. Located in the city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 37 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were approximately 381 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year.

Every student pursuing a degree in exercise science and kinesiology needs to check out The University of Texas at Austin. UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #46 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were approximately 193 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent data year.

Located in the small city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #30 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were approximately 407 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent year we have data available.

UW - Madison is a very large public university located in the city of Madison. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 115 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Tempe, ASU - Tempe is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 26 schools for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were approximately 184 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the small city of New Brunswick, Rutgers New Brunswick is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #74 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Rutgers New Brunswick is a great university overall.

There were about 297 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent year we have data available.

Temple is a very large public university located in the city of Philadelphia. This university ranks 8th out of 103 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 100 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Temple in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the fringe town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 166 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #62 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Syracuse is a great university overall.

There were about 42 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year.

Located in the large suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were roughly 208 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent year we have data available.

Michigan State is a fairly large public university located in the small city of East Lansing. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were about 333 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year.

Located in the distant town of Cortland, SUNY Cortland is a public school with a medium-sized student population. This school ranks 25th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 123 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at SUNY Cortland in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Waukesha, Carroll U is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 15th out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Wisconsin.

There were approximately 114 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Carroll U in the most recent year we have data available.

UIUC is a very large public university located in the city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 184 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent data year.

UGA is a fairly large public university located in the city of Athens. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were about 198 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the large city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #70 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.

There were about 28 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year.

Located in the suburb of Newark, UD is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 3 colleges for overall quality in the state of Delaware.

There were about 142 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent data year.

Located in the city of Saint Louis, SLU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were about 89 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at SLU in the most recent year we have data available.

Iowa State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Ames. This university ranks 2nd out of 37 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were approximately 222 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the city of Fort Collins, Colorado State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 31 schools for overall quality in the state of Colorado.

There were about 216 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Colorado State in the most recent year we have data available.

UT Knoxville is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Knoxville. This university ranks 2nd out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 261 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at UT Knoxville in the most recent data year.

Located in the distant town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 56 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were about 136 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Central Michigan in the most recent year we have data available.

Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were approximately 71 exercise science and kinesiology students who graduated with this degree at Ball State in the most recent year we have data available.

Rest of the Top Best Exercise Science and Kinesiology Schools

Additional Award Winners

This list represents the remainder of the schools awarded a Best Exercise Science and Kinesiology Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 20% of the 353 different United States exercise science and kinesiology schools we analyzed.

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Exercise Science and Kinesiology Schools award.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology by Region

View the Best Exercise Science and Kinesiology Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Associate degrees in exercise science, master's degrees in exercise science, bachelor's degrees in exercise science, doctor's degrees in exercise science.

View All Rankings >

Exercise Science and Kinesiology Related Rankings by Major

One of 5 majors within the Health & Physical Education area of study, Exercise Science and Kinesiology has other similar majors worth exploring.

Most Popular Majors Related to Exercise Science

View All Exercise Science Related Majors >

Notes and References

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ).

More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

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College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

Department of Kinesiology

Exercise Science (M.S., Ph.D.) Overview

The Exercise Science graduate program focuses on training proficient, knowledgeable, and technically experienced leaders in the field of Kinesiology. It specifically develops competency in four distinct areas: academic fluency, scientific proficiency, practical application, and professionalism. The rigors and time commitment of the graduate program rewards and requires a high level of maturity, personal initiative, drive, passion, and responsibility.  While the time commitment is high, most of the students attracted to this program are interested in investing a significant amount of time learning about and gaining experience in the field.

In the exercise science community, research is the foundation of our knowledge base.  It creates the basis for an effective and positive impact on performance and health outcomes.  Our program is centered on laboratory experience to ensure that each student understands and appreciates this foundation.  This provides a valuable background for all students, regardless of their future career.

Master’s Program

The master’s program is designed to give students a broad-based exposure to the essential knowledge in the field.  Students with different backgrounds and career aspirations and are tightly integrated into the research process and are part of their advisor’s research team.  Students learn laboratory skills while building an appreciation for the scientific basis of the field.

Commitment and dedication are important for each student’s continued development as a professional.  As described in the Residence Requirements section of our  Requirements page , the academic and research-oriented components of the graduate experience should be approached in a full-time capacity.

Doctoral Program

While both the master’s and doctoral programs in Exercise Science are research-oriented, doctoral students tend to take on tasks requiring a higher degree of accountability and responsibility.  Doctoral responsibilities may include helping to manage or run studies or other projects, supervise master’s and undergraduate students, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts for publication.

Senior doctoral students often are presented with different types of projects from their advisor.  The doctoral student then works with the project team to:

• Arrange meeting times;
• Develop a plan for the execution of the project;
• Present the plan to the team and work to refine and build consensus on the plan with the team (such as standard exercise procedures, the order of tasks, or when forms are to be updated);
• Guide students through mock trials of each aspect of the project to ensure consensus and consistency in each step of the subject training or data collection process;
• Assign students to complete various aspects of the project (such as ensuring materials are prepared for each day, scheduling, or small tasks);
• Regularly monitor projects to ensure smooth progress and to ensure that standards for all aspects of each project are met.

Throughout, the student is closely and personally supervised by their advisor for guidance, confirmation, correction, and advice. As described in the Residence Requirements section of our   Requirements page , the academic and research-oriented aspects of the graduate experience should be approached in a full-time capacity. The doctoral program trains students to become competent professors and investigators – a strong preparation for any avenue they may take.

Professional Development

While the graduate program at the University of Connecticut is educational in nature, it is considered by the advising faculty to be a professional appointment. Beyond academic knowledge, graduates from this program build the skills, maturity, and competency necessary for the professional world. The ability to work with others in a professional setting is a large part of the experience of graduate school. Students are active in a laboratory that works with human subjects, a responsibility which requires a significant level of maturity and professionalism.

Over the course of the program, students learn how to:

• Plan an approach to a project that accounts for and anticipates a broader scope of factors than they may have considered as undergraduates
• Gain the confidence to develop a plan on their own, but the humility to confidently present their ideas to the team to build consensus and pilot ideas before finalizing procedures
• Ask for assistance and assign tasks to others while remaining engaged in the research process
• Check-in with others and ensure accountability while learning to maintain a positive, trusting, and respectful environment
• Maturely work with those in different departments or professionally interact with those of opposing interests and needs
• Address sources of conflict in a timely, professional, and neutral manner
• Conduct and present themselves in a professional manner in terms of conduct, communication, and attire

Finally, experienced students learn to operate from a position of seniority while still engaging and respecting all members of the team.

Students learn the value of their character and contributions to the laboratory, rather than their academic background alone.  These professional, interpersonal, and managerial skills are invaluable and necessary for success in future professional endeavors.  However, the skills and professional benefits of the program cannot be achieved without the active presence and engagement of each student, regardless of the task in question.  It is for these reasons that the residence requirements are in place.

Experience and Seniority

In both the master’s and doctoral programs, experience with the   Human Performance Laboratory   is paramount to gaining and maintaining higher-level responsibilities.  While experience elsewhere is highly valued, to ensure consistency in data collection it is important for all students to demonstrate competency on fundamental skills prior to engaging in higher-level skills.  All students are expected to work hard, but may do so in different ways or with different projects.  All responsibilities are valued and students are asked to take the steps necessary in order to accomplish a given task.

Academic Courses

For more information on the academic program and courses, please see our   Graduate Requirements page .

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Become an expert in the exercise science field

Our exercise science Ph.D. program will empower you to become a leading authority whether your career trajectory involves academia, private industry, research, or the government.

This is a full time, face-to-face, research-based doctoral program that includes 90 credit hours of graduate study taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty.

You will receive training through a rigorous, mentor-based interdisciplinary curriculum with pedagogical and research experiences. You’ll also conduct applied and translational research focused on exercise science, which will help you enhance and prolong the quality of human life.

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Teaching and research assistantships

A limited number of teaching assistantships are available, and research assistantships are available depending on grant funding. Assistantships include a tuition waiver, health insurance, and stipend. Research assistantships are required of Ph.D. students.

Find research mentors

The exercise science Ph.D. program provides ample opportunity to not only enhance one’s knowledge but also gain experience teaching and engage in research. The faculty within the program are phenomenal and always willing to help. Monica Teegardin, Ph.D. Student, Kinesiology

9% Expected growth rate of exercise physiologists from 2021-2031

$90 K Annual mean wage of doctorate exercise physiologists in the U.S., 2023

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PhD in Exercise Physiology

Receive advanced exercise physiology training to help people adopt healthier lifestyles.

The PhD in Exercise Physiology is focused on training students to prepare for academic research careers related to exercise and physical activity to prevent and treat chronic health-related conditions, health and well-being, and the underlying physiological and/or behavioral mechanisms.

The degree prepares students for academic careers focused on research, teaching, mentoring, and translation of research findings to a variety of settings.

For students interested in primarily an academic research career, this degree will also prepare students for post-doctoral fellowships.

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Program Facts

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Time Commitment

Full-Time or Part-Time

3-5 years on average

Enrollment Term

Application Deadline

Admissions Requirements

No GRE Exam is required

Program Overview

Collaborate with Faculty

The student will work closely with their faculty mentor to develop a plan of study and research experiences.

Current research expertise of the faculty includes the following:

• Obesity and Body Weight Regulation
• Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
• Epidemiology of Physical Activity and Chronic Disease
• Physical Activity Programming for Health and Fitness
• Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents
• Technology-Based Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease
• Perceptual Responses to Physical Activity and Exercise

Required Credits

The program consists of a minimum of 90 credits.

A maximum of 30 credits can be transferred from a student’s previous master’s degree, plus up to 9 post-master’s doctoral-level courses may be applied to the doctoral plan of studies.

"The program has prepared me to be exceptionally successful in my young professional career. I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I am given to learn and grow as a student every day." Caitlin Ann Cheruka - Pitt student

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Prerequisites

Applicants must demonstrate completion of a related degree and/or course work that are foundational to exercise physiology.

The applicant also needs to demonstrate a desire to pursue doctoral training in an area of study that is matched to the focus of graduate faculty in the department who may serve as their mentor, with a particular interest in pursuit of an academic research career.

The minimum requirements of courses include:

• Exercise physiology, physical activity, and health (30 credits)
• Collateral area of study (9 credits)
• Statistical analysis (12 credits)
• Research methods (9 credits)
• Doctoral dissertation (18 credits)
• Additional credits as electives

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Degree Requirements

• Minimum of 90 credits
• Successful completion of Preliminary Comprehensive Examination.
• Successful completion of doctoral dissertation

Program Faculty

Program Coordinator

Christopher Kline

Sirry Alang

April Chambers

Kelli Davis

Benjamin DH Gordon

Duck-chul Lee

Sharon Ross

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