The decision to earn another degree is a big one, and Concordia St. Paul understands that you have questions. From broad considerations, like understanding how an EdD and PhD in Kinesiology will help your career, to specifics on the format of Concordia St. Paul’s online courses, this Q&A provides an introduction to what you need to know to make sure this doctorate in kinesiology is right for you.

This article is an 8-minute read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Kinesiology is the study of human movement from the point of view of the physical sciences, such as mechanics, anatomy, and physiology. Kinesiology focuses on muscles by testing and correcting motor responses to improve the body’s performance.

While the aim of kinesiology is to balance the rest of the body’s systems by treating one muscle, this field of science has found a home in athletics and sports. The information can do more than heal the body; it can optimize it (sports-management-degrees.com).

If you are looking into any doctoral program, you might have learned some of the benefits: more specialized knowledge, better employment opportunities, and higher salaries. Depending on the particular field of work, salary can be 20-33% higher with a doctorate degree compared to a master’s degree (wes.org)

The difference between a PhD and an EdD is a matter of career aspirations. A PhD, in theory, guides you toward academic research goals. An EdD, on the other hand, is more fit for more hands-on areas of work. EdDs lend themselves to leadership positions in education, government, nonprofits, and more. That’s because the degree focuses on real-world applications and industry-relevant techniques in addition to building knowledge (teach.com).

This program is 100% online so you can shape your education around your schedule. Courses are asynchronous, meaning you can log on to complete assignments, participate in discussion boards, and view lectures as it fits around your week, rather than having to log in at specific times. This way, your class is available to you wherever you have Wifi or internet.

Class sizes are small so you can connect with your classmates, even virtually. 

By design, you will continue to see the same people throughout the program so you can form long-lasting academic and professional communities.

Compared to other doctoral degrees that merely provide guidance on your dissertation, Concordia St. Paul provides more support. Dissertations within the program follow the Carnegie Model for applied research, which allows students to directly engage in industry-related projects.

 

Another unique feature of the dissertation process in our online kinesiology doctoral program is that you won’t wait to start your dissertation until after all coursework is complete. In our program, you’ll begin working on your dissertation as part of the coursework, starting in the third term. This structured and guided approach will help you focus on potential dissertation topics, research opportunities, and challenges you may face early in your doctoral experience.

Subject Matter

Concordia St. Paul’s Kinesiology degree is split into five subject matter areas. 

Kinesiology Core (16 credit hours)

Seminar in Kinesiology 

Current Issues and Trends in Kinesiology

Medical Aspects of Exercise and Disease Prevention

Exercise and Health Behavior Change

Professional Ethics and Program Management Kinesiology

Research Methods and Statistics (12 credit hours) 

Action Research in Kinesiology

Applied Measurement and Evaluation Techniques in Kinesiology

Research Applications in Kinesiology

Advanced Research Seminar in Kinesiology

Exercise Science (12 credit hours) 

Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise

Neuromuscular Aspects of Exercise Physiology

Advanced Exercise and Sports Nutrition

Advanced Exercise and Sport Psychology

Cognate (9 credit hours, select three courses)

Advanced Biomechanics in Exercise Science

Advanced Exercise Physiology

Advanced Mechanisms of Skilled Neuromuscular Behavior

Advanced Exercise Prescription

Advanced Strength & Conditioning

Dissertation (12 credit hours)

Dissertation

  1. Online Application
  1. Official College Transcripts
  • Submit your official transcripts; you must have completed a master’s degree or higher, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 system.
  1. Writing Sample
  • Submit a master’s-level scholarly work, with APA in-text citations and references.
  • Work samples from a previous Master’s program and/or professional doctorate will be accepted.
  1. Letters of Recommendation
  1. Current Resume and Professional Goal Statement
  • Provide a copy of your resume and a brief statement detailing your motivation for pursuing a doctorate in kinesiology and your persistence toward achieving long-term goals.

With 61 credit hours at $690 per credit hour, the total tuition for the Kinesiology EdD is $42,090 for the full program. PhD programs have a total of 55 credit hours at $690 per credit and $46,230 for the full program. If you’ve looked at comparable degree programs you already know that Concordia offers a superior private college education at an affordable price.

Concordia St. Paul offers a variety of sources to help you pay for your education, including state and federal financial aid, payment plans and scholarships for those who qualify. Our financial aid specialists can answer your questions and help determine the best plan for you. For more information, visit Graduate Tuition & Financial Aid.

A Kinesiology EdD can open many career doors, including but not limited to:

  • Exercise Physiologists
  • Athletic Trainers
  • Coaches and Scouts
  • Dietitians and Nutritionists
  • Health Educators
  • Fitness Trainers and Instructors
  • Health Specialities 
  • Biological Sciences
  • Recreation and Fitness 

Job prospects for these positions are rapidly growing as businesses, government, and insurance organizations continue to recognize the benefits of health and fitness.

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