Kinesiology, PhD

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology

Department Head: Kim Graber

Director of Graduate Studies: Steven Petruzzello


Graduate Office: Julie Jenkins

Graduate Office Address: 906 South Goodwin Ave, 112 Freer Hall MC-052, Urbana, IL 61801

Graduate Phone: (217) 333-1083

Graduate Email: jjenkns@illinois.edu


Department Website:  https://ahs.illinois.edu/kinesiology
Program Website:  https://ahs.illinois.edu/kinesiology/phd

Graduate Degree Programs

Kinesiology, MS

Kinesiology, PhD

Joint Degree Program: Kinesiology, PhD and Master of Public Health, MPH

Admissions

Students may apply to either the M.S. or the PhD program. Applications are due on January 15 for Fall admissions. Applications are due on October 1 for Spring admissions.

Admission to the PhD degree program requires a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (A = 4.0) for the last two years of undergraduate study. Applicants who have a master’s degree should have a grade point average of 3.5 for previous graduate-level work. All applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation, resume, official transcripts and a personal statement that addresses the following prompts:

  • What developed your interest for graduate study.
  • Who, from the designated faculty, would you like to work with.
  • Why do you believe you would be a good fit with aforementioned faculty.
  • What do you expect to gain from a graduate experience and how will this experience prepare you for your intended career.

Although the GRE scores are not required, the scores may provide helpful supporting information in some cases. Applicants who have taken the GRE and feel their scores would benefit their application are encouraged to submit the scores. If you would like to submit scores, we recommend you scan your official score report as a PDF file and attach it to your application. You do not need to submit official scores through ETS, but if you decide to, please use our University code of 1836.

  • International and some domestic students may be required to show proof of English Proficiency.
  • Students for whom English is not their native language and who wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship must achieve a score on the speaking sub-section of (TOEFL or IELTS).

Major areas of specialization at both the master's and doctoral degree levels include:

  • Cultural, Interpretive and Science Studies

  • Exercise Physiology 

  • Exercise Psychology

  • Motor Control / Biomechanics

  • Pedagogy & Physical Activity

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology

Entering with approved M.S. degree

KIN 591Seminar8
KIN/CHLH/SHS 565/RST 560Teaching in the Professoriate4
Competency in research methods12
Research/Project Hours (8 max applied toward degree)0-8
Elective hours to bring total course work hours to 32
KIN 599Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree)32
Total Hours64

Other Requirements1

Other requirements may overlap
Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: 24 (not including 599)
Minimum Number of 500-level Hours Required Overall in Program: 8
Qualifying Exam Required: No
Preliminary Exam Required: Yes
Final/Exam Dissertation Defense Required: Yes
Dissertation Deposit Required: Yes
Minimum GPA: 3.0
1

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate programs and the Graduate College Handbook.  

Entering with approved B.S. degree

KIN 591Seminar12
KIN/CHLH/SHS 565/RST 560Teaching in the Professoriate4
Competency in research methods12
Research/Project Hours (16 max applied toward degree)0-16
Elective hours to bring total course work hours to 64
KIN 599Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree)32
Total Hours96

Other Requirements1

Other requirements may overlap
Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: 40 (not including 599)
Minimum Number of 500-level Hours Required Overall in Program: 12
Qualifying Exam Required: No
Preliminary Exam Required: Yes
Final/Exam Dissertation Defense Required: Yes
Dissertation Deposit Required: Yes
Minimum GPA: 3.0
1

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate programs and the Graduate College Handbook.