Doctor of Education in Kinesiology

The Doctor of Education in Kinesiology Online (Ed.D.) at UNC Greensboro is a cohort-based four-year program designed for practicing professionals with a minimum of three years of experience in kinesiology or related fields. Ed.D. students are focused on professional scholarship and practice in leadership, advocacy, and teaching. Our students address current issues in the field from an applied, interdisciplinary perspective with the goal of becoming action-oriented leaders in kinesiology. Our students, faculty, and graduates form a community of scholars who positively impact their local communities.

For over a century, the Department of Kinesiology has been a cornerstone department of the University. Beginning as the Department of Physiology and Physical Culture in the Woman’s College in 1892, the department took the progressive view that women should be physically active to improve their health and wellness. As the department evolved and grew with the University, our name changed, but our mission to promote education in and instruction of physical health remains at our core.

DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN KINESIOLOGY Program Distinctions

Students in the Doctor of Education in Kinesiology Program will be joining a nationally-recognized program that is unique. Online since 2014, the Ed.D. in Kinesiology program has a history of developing high-quality graduates who make an impact in the field.

• The online Doctor of Education in Kinesiology at UNCG was the first online Doctor of Education in Kinesiology and is one of only two in the country.
• UNCG was ranked #1 nationally for universities and colleges with doctorates in exercise science and kinesiology by collegefactual.com in 2023.
• UNCG’s doctoral programs in Kinesiology are ranked #24 by the National Academy of Kinesiology in 2023.

The KINESIOLOGY ED.D. Student Experience

The Doctor of Education in Kinesiology program is fully online. Students will have a supportive network with their cohort and faculty. This is done by:

• The four-year program is cohort-based and requires students to complete a total of 48 credit hours, including the dissertation. View the full program brochure.
• Professional learning communities that support academic and professional growth throughout the program.
• Three required campus visits to foster collaboration and community in cohorts.

After GraduatiNG WITH a Doctor of Education IN KINESIOLOGY

Our Ed.D. students are a diverse group of professionals working in a variety of positions:

• University faculty and administrators
• Public school teachers
• Coaches and athletic trainers
• Physical therapists
• Wellness directors
• Sports medicine directors/clinic owners
• Health promotion managers
• Sport psychology consultants.

What Ed.D. IN KINESIOLOGY Alumni Say about the Program

Alumni state the support they received from the program:

• “I expected a singular online experience and was pleasantly surprised in finding out the purposefulness of building relationships throughout the program.  The feedback gained from the instructors, my peers, and committee have been priceless.”  – Dr. Kara S., alumni
• “The skills and confidence I gained throughout the Ed.D. program enabled me to deliver more educational sessions at conferences and in classrooms. This allowed me to network and gain experience to feel well qualified for this position” – Dr. Chris C., alumni
• “Earning my EdD in Kinesiology was truly transformative— not just for my career, but for my perspective on leadership and wellness.”  – Kristi W., alumni
• “…completely changed and enhanced the way I thought, processed, evaluated and communicated as a professional and as a human…This program is transformative and the relationships and network that you gain is second to none.” – Jen C., alumni

Read more about our students and alumni by visiting our Ed.D. in KIN Stories webpage. Two recent stories that feature our alumni and provide insight into how the program has contributed to their professional success include:

• Alumni Advancing Programs at UNCC Story 

• Two Grads, One City: New Roles 

Apply to THE KINESIOLOGY Ed.D. Program

To apply to the Doctor in Education in Kinesiology Program, students must apply to UNCG’s graduate school. Other requirements include:

• Applicants must hold a master’s level degree and have a minimum of three years of professional experience in kinesiology or related fields to be accepted into the program.
• Required application materials include:
  • Official Transcripts
  • Recommendation Letters
  • Ed.D. in Kinesiology Supplemental Application
    • Resume/CV
    • Professional Goal Statement
• Learn more about UNCG online degree applications here.

GRE scores are no longer required.