PhD in Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology

The Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology Program at UNCG teaches students the impact of exercise at the whole body, system, and cellular level. Students apply this knowledge to work with healthy and clinical populations in the community using state-of-the-art equipment, novel, cutting-edge procedures, and advanced data analytics. The program prepares graduates for careers in teaching or research-based academia, as well as industry-related research positions. The program is mentor-based, and it is expected that students gain ample experience in both research and teaching while at UNCG.

Since 1892, the Department of Kinesiology has been a cornerstone department of the University. The department took the progressive view that women should be physically active to improve their health and wellness. As the department evolved, our name changed, but our core mission to promote physical activity and education about physical health remains unchanged.

Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology Program Distinctions

The Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology Program at UNCG is one of four concentrations in the doctoral Kinesiology program. The Ph.D. at UNCG is nationally recognized for its excellence:

• It has renowned faculty who are leaders in their fields, providing mentorship and collaboration opportunities for students to engage in pioneering research.
• The National Academy of Kinesiology ranked UNCG #21 in the nation in 2023 for kinesiology doctoral programs.
• College Factual ranked UNCG’s Kinesiology doctoral program #4 in the country in 2025.
• UNCG has one of only three Kinesiology doctoral programs in North Carolina.

Students will get to use state of the art facilities, which include:

• A metabolic kitchen
• Environmental chamber
• DXA and MSD Luminex biomarker assessment equipment

The Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology Student Experience

Students enrolled in the Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology program will have opportunities tailored to them based on their goals, interests and passions.

Students progress through their degree based on an individual plan of study that’s approved by four committee members. The plan of study generally includes:

• Specialized physiology courses (i.e., cardiovascular, endocrine, pathophysiology)
• Additional elective courses related to nutrition, biochemistry, neurophysiology, psychology and biomechanics.
• Students are encouraged to take professional development courses such as grant writing.
• Students may elect to take a statistical minor

Students will have access to several labs comprising more than 4,000 square feet of research space, including:

• Exercise Endocrinology Lab (E2)
• Cardiac Metabolic Lab (CM)
• Exercise Physiology Research Lab (EPR)
• Metabolic, Energetics and Sleep Laboratory (METS)

After Graduating with a Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology

Upon graduation, alumni often find careers in:

• Academic positions, such as faculty or post-doctoral fellowships
• Research
• Innovation-related industry
• Clinical scientist

Apply to the Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology Program

To apply to the Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology Program, an application must be submitted to the UNCG Graduate School. For additional application information, see details here: Process and Requirements.