intro
Our Kinesiology Ph.D. program will equip you with advanced research methods, laboratory techniques and technologies, and statistical techniques to be a successful scholar in the field. With a Doctoral degree in Kinesiology you can pursue a career in higher education or the research industry, advancing science and making a positive contribution to societal health.
As a doctoral student, you will develop your program of study with a faculty member and a committee based on your professional objectives. You will work with your mentor on extensive study and/or laboratory investigation for approximately four years. From your research projects, you can publish papers and establish your name in the field. In your last semester, you will defend your dissertation to your committee and mentor.
During your time as a Ph.D. student, you may teach undergraduate kinesiology courses as a graduate teaching assistant (GTA). You will also take classes and complete your comprehensive exam prior to proposing and defending your dissertation.
Review our research laboratories and the novel work each is conducting. Contact the faculty member that directs the lab for more information and to pursue opportunities to be a doctoral student under their mentorship.
Degree Overview
Coursework — 60 hours
-
50 hours of Select Advisor Approved Credits
-
10 hours of Research and Dissertation
Areas of Study
-
Biomechanics
-
Exercise physiology
-
Motor development
-
Motor learning and control
-
Neuroscience
-
Physical activity and health
-
Research in athletic training
-
Sport & Exercise Psychology
-
Teaching and research in physical education
-
Advanced Teaching Certification through an NCATE-approved program is available for students who hold undergraduate teaching certification.
Admissions
Prerequisite
-
Master’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
-
Prior to acceptance, a faculty member within the School of Kinesiology must agree to serve as your mentor. We recommend you do this prior to applying.
Application Deadlines
-
Applications and all other relevant material must be received by the Graduate School by the following dates:
-
February 1 for Graduate Assistantships (completed online with your graduate school application)
-
May 1 for Fall semester start (August)
-
April 1 for International applicants for Fall semester start (August)
-
Admission Requirements
GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS >>
For the admission process, you will need to provide the following:
-
Three letters of recommendation that address professional and academic qualifications (submitted through Graduate School online application)
-
Official transcript
-
Application fee payment
-
TOEFL or IELTS test
-
Medical insurance plan and an Official Statement of Financing
SCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS >>
-
Résumé
-
Letter of Intent
-
Approval from the School of Kinesiology Director and Graduate Program Officer
Contact Faculty
Must confirm approval of a faculty mentor within the School of Kinesiology. Learn more about the School of Kinesiology faculty.
Contacts
Cost and Financial Support
-
Contact the Auburn University Office of Student Financial Services for more financial support opportunities and information.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
In the School of Kinesiology, there are three types of graduate assistant opportunities - Graduate Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Research Assistantships, and Graduate Assistantships. A full appointment is typically considered to be 50% FTE (20 hours of work per week).
All assistantships are 1-year appointments. Based on job performance, academic standing/progression, and funding availability, graduate students may qualify for additional years of funding as specified by the School of Kinesiology. For doctoral students, up to four years of support is typical.
Deadline — February 1
If you are interested in applying for an assistantship, please complete the teaching assistantship form when completing your on-line graduate application. February 1st is the deadline for assistantship applications for the upcoming academic year. In order to be considered for an assistantship, all graduate school admission application materials and the assistantship application must be complete.
Information for Students
Prospective Graduate Students
The School of Kinesiology provides a quality graduate program rich in scholarly work and opportunity. One of the school’s strongest assets is our faculty and their willingness to mentor graduate students for future employment and scholarly endeavors.
Auburn is the university to attend if you are looking for faculty support and involvement. Students who graduate from the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University report great satisfaction with their educational experience.
Peter Hastie, Ph.D.
Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor
Graduate Program Officer – Physical Education/Teacher Education
Matthew Miller, Ph.D.
Professor
Graduate Program Officer – Physical Activity & Health and Exercise Science
Current Graduate Students
The School of Kinesiology provides an orientation to help prepare our GTAs for teaching at the university level. Throughout the year, the School of Kinesiology provides GTAs with a comprehensive professional development and training program.
Auburn’s Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning also provides instructional development for GTAs. The Preparing Future Faculty program helps graduate students who are planning a future in higher education.
