Earning a doctorate in kinesiology can open the door to impactful, high-level careers in academia, clinical practice, human performance, and research. But if you’re considering a PhD in this field, one key question arises early in the decision-making process: Should you pursue an emphasis in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology?
At CSP Global, the online PhD in Kinesiology offers both tracks, designed for professionals who want to lead, innovate, and make a difference through movement science. In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these two emphases, career paths you can pursue, and how to determine which route aligns with your goals. Along the way, we’ll answer important questions like: What is an exercise physiologist? and What do exercise physiologists do? while integrating key insights into academic and industry opportunities.
Understanding the PhD in Kinesiology
A PhD in Kinesiology is a research-intensive degree that explores the science of human movement in depth. Students investigate how the body responds to physical activity, how performance can be optimized, and how exercise can be used to prevent and treat illness.
PhD programs typically emphasize research methodology, statistics, applied physiology, and biomechanics. At CSP Global, you can tailor your studies by choosing an Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology emphasis, each designed for different career trajectories within the movement sciences field.
What Is Exercise Science?
Exercise Science is a broad and interdisciplinary field that studies how physical activity, exercise, and sport impact the human body and overall well-being. It often incorporates aspects of biomechanics, sports psychology, motor behavior, and public health.
Who Should Choose This Emphasis?
This emphasis is ideal for students interested in careers in:
- Research and academia focused on human performance, biomechanics, or health outcomes
- Strength and conditioning or sport science consulting
- Public health initiatives promoting physical activity and disease prevention
- Wellness and corporate health program leadership
Graduates often seek roles in university research, human performance labs, or applied health settings. If you want to focus on broader applications of physical activity across populations and performance settings, the Exercise Science track may be your best fit.
What Is an Exercise Physiologist?
Before diving into the specialization, it’s important to define the field: What is an exercise physiologist?
An exercise physiologist is a health professional who designs and delivers exercise programs for individuals with chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or pulmonary disorders. They also work in rehabilitation settings to help patients recover and improve functional health. Their work is grounded in clinical and applied physiology.
So, what do exercise physiologists do on a day-to-day basis?
- Assess a patient’s fitness level and medical history
- Design individualized, medically-supervised exercise programs
- Monitor physiological responses (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels)
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers
- Conduct research on exercise interventions and outcomes
The Exercise Physiology Emphasis: Clinical and Research-Focused
The Exercise Physiology track of CSP Global’s PhD in Kinesiology is tailored for students who want to work in clinical, rehabilitation, or applied physiology settings, or conduct translational research to support those fields.
This Emphasis Is Best For:
- Those pursuing careers as clinical exercise physiologists or advanced health specialists
- Individuals interested in exercise physiologist jobs in hospital or outpatient environments
- Professionals aiming to contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation science
- Academics who want to conduct research on chronic disease prevention, cardiac rehab, or metabolic response to exercise
This path is often ideal for someone asking, “How to become an exercise physiologist at the highest level?”
Career Opportunities with Either Emphasis
Whether you choose Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology, earning a PhD in kinesiology equips you with the expertise to pursue top-tier careers.
Exercise Physiologist Career Opportunities:
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist (hospital or cardiac rehab center)
- Research Scientist in physiology or chronic disease prevention
- University Professor in kinesiology or allied health
- Program Director for wellness or rehab facilities
Exercise Science Career Opportunities:
- Biomechanics or Human Performance Researcher
- Strength and Conditioning Coach (elite sports)
- University Faculty in Exercise Science or Movement Studies
- Public Health Consultant or Program Leader
In both cases, demand for skilled professionals is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise physiologist jobs are expected to grow as healthcare systems prioritize preventative care and wellness strategies.
Choosing the Right Path at CSP Global
CSP Global’s online PhD in Kinesiology offers a flexible, career-focused format with expert faculty and robust research support. Whether you choose Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology, you’ll build advanced knowledge, research skills, and leadership experience to thrive in a variety of professional settings.
Here’s how to decide which emphasis fits you best:
- Choose Exercise Science if you’re drawn to research, sport performance, biomechanics, and health promotion.
- Choose Exercise Physiology if you’re passionate about clinical work, chronic disease intervention, and physiological research.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Doctorate
If you’re ready to pursue a leadership role in movement science and health, a PhD in Kinesiology from CSP Global can help you get there. Whether your path leads to exercise physiologist career opportunities or innovative research in exercise science, your journey starts with the right academic foundation.
Explore our program and book a call if you have any questions.