Kinesiology doctorate
Exercise Physiology Emphasis
Earn your doctorate from CSP Global to elevate your career in exercise physiology.
Application Deadline: December 29, 2025
Classes Start: January 12, 2026
Online Doctorate in Exercise Physiology
CSP Global’s Doctorate in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology program is designed to prepare students to become experts in their field. Our comprehensive curriculum is taught by esteemed faculty with expertise in exercise physiology and kinesiology.
Why Earn a Doctorate in Exercise Physiology
A doctorate in exercise physiology provides advanced expertise in physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and performance enhancement while offering opportunities for original research that advances the field. It opens pathways to academic, leadership, and consulting roles in health, fitness, and sports industries, and is often required for university teaching.
The degree enhances professional credibility, supports advanced certifications like the CSCS, and encourages innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Beyond career benefits, it enables meaningful contributions to public health and offers personal fulfillment through advancing knowledge and improving lives.

Program Outcomes: Exercise Physiology
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of physiological principles related to the metabolic, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems including the body’s response to acute and chronic exercise.
 - Interpret medical records and collaborate with clinicians to assess client needs.
 - Administer and interpret pre-participation and exercise assessments to ensure safe participation and exercise prescription.
 - Develop, implement, monitor, and modify exercise prescriptions and programming based on clinical and physiological status, client goals, and behavioral assessments.
 - Communicate, instruct, and educate clients on prescribed exercise programs, disease management, and risk factors.
 - Develop safety and emergency plans including inspection of equipment, HIPAA compliance, and proper record keeping.
 - Evaluate ethical dilemmas, make informed decisions, and demonstrate a commitment to behavior in professional practice.
 - Critically evaluate, create, and advance new trends and issues as leaders in the industry.
 
For PhD students, you will:
- Develop expertise in a variety of research methods, including experimental design, data analysis, and statistical techniques, while also critically evaluating existing research and designing and implementing original research projects that make significant contributions to the field of kinesiology.
 
For EdD students, you will:
- Develop advanced research skills, including the ability to design and implement rigorous, practical research projects that address real-world problems in kinesiology.
 
Why Choose CSP Global?
As the global campus of Concordia University, St. Paul, CSP Global is dedicated to offering graduate students the best education for their Kinesiology PhD, Exercise Physiology emphasis. Our graduate faculty is dedicated to supporting academic careers, innovative dissertation research, and the successful completion of your graduate program. Your graduate studies will prepare you to thrive in the field of exercise physiology.
Each member of our exercise physiology faculty is an expert in their field, guided by the CSP philosophy of always supporting a caring, nurturing, and energetic academic environment. The CSP Global doctoral students can expect to gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their independent research and future careers. We are an accredited college that encourages students interested in clinical exercise physiology to apply.
Why Graduate Students Pursue a PhD in Exercise Physiology
Our PhD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology is designed to prepare you for a career in academia or research. Graduates will be prepared to publish their own work and collaborate with other researchers, as well as teach at the post-secondary level.
The PhD program features additional courses beyond those of the EdD program since there is a stronger focus on research and independent study. Our PhD program features 55 hours of coursework and 12 hours of dissertation.
Why Choose EdD in Exercise Physiology?
Our EdD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology is designed to help you apply research to solve real-world problems. Graduates will be prepared to pursue leadership roles within corporate wellness, higher education, professional sports organizations, and more, in addition to teaching at the post-secondary level. Those pursuing an EdD typically work firsthand with clients, rather than working primarily with other scholars.
Our EdD program features 49 credit hours of coursework and 12 hours of dissertation.
Admission Requirements
1. Online Application
- Create an account and submit our online application. Once submitted, you can follow your application process through the application portal.
 
2. Official College Transcripts
- Submit official transcripts from an accreditor recognized by the US Department of Education stating the conferral of a Master’s degree or higher with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 system.
 - To be considered official, transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope from the institution or through secured electronic delivery.
 
3. Writing Sample
- Those seeking admission into the Doctorate in Kinesiology program should submit a sample of work from a previous master’s or doctorate program or master’s-level scholarly work.
 
Curriculum
Core Courses (10 credits)
KHS7000 Issues and Trends in Kinesiology (3)
DOC7000 Professional Ethics (3)
DOC7410 Seminar 1: Drafting the Dissertation Introduction (1)
DOC7420 Seminar 2: Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review (1)
DOC7430 Seminar 3: Drafting the Dissertation Methodology (1)
DOC7440 Seminar 4: Finalizing the Dissertation Proposal Manuscript (1)
Exercise Physiology Emphasis (27 Credits)
KHS7010 Medical Aspects of Exercise and Disease Prevention (3)
KHS7020 Exercise and Health Behavior Change (3)
KHS7100 Advanced Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise (3)
KHS7120 Advanced Exercise & Sport Nutrition (3)
KHS7210 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
KHS7230 Advanced Exercise Prescription (3)
KHS7606 Physiology of Skeletal Muscle (3)
KHS7608 Exercise & Endocrine System (3)
KHS7595 Clinical Exercise Assessment (3) 
Research Methods and Statistics (12-18 Credits)
For the PhD (18 Credits)
DOC7100 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
DOC7500 Data Analysis (3)
KHS7550 Qualitative Research in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7600 Quantitative Research in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7650 Mixed Methods in Research in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7700 Statistics in Kinesiology (3)
For the EdD (12 Credits)
DOC7300 Action Research in Kinesiology (3)
DOC7200 Quantitative and Qualitative Research (3)
DOC7100 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
DOC7500 Data Analysis (3)
Dissertation (12 Credits)
For the PhD
DOC8000 Dissertation (12)
For the EdD
DOC7900 Dissertation (12)
Total Credits for EdD = 61
Total Credits for PhD = 67
Additional Program Information
Career Outcomes
A Doctorate in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology from CSP Global can open many doors. Graduates may pursue career advancement in education, research, and health and wellness, often in leadership roles. Please note some positions may require additional education, experience, or certification.
- Exercise Physiologist
 - Athletic Director
 - Athletic Trainer
 - Wellness Director
 - Recreation Director
 - Physical Education Teacher
 - Sports Scientist
 - Strength and Conditioning Coach
 - Corporate Wellness Coordinator
 - Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
 - Researcher/Academic
 - Exercise Physiologist in Public Health
 - Performance Analyst for Professional Sports Teams
 - Health and Wellness Consultant
 - Occupational Physiologist
 
Career pathways that could be available to you with additional education:
- Doctors of Osteopathic (DO)
 - Doctors of Chiropractic (DC)
 - Occupational Therapist
 - Physical Therapist
 
Our Unique Dissertation Process
CSP Global has adopted a unique dissertation process for our Doctorate in Kinesiology that follows the Carnegie Model for applied research. This approach will allow you to complete your dissertation process faster while engaging in industry-relevant projects with our graduate faculty.
You won’t have to complete all the coursework before you begin your dissertation. We embed the dissertation process early in coursework through four seminar courses:
- DOC7410 Seminar 1: Drafting the Dissertation Introduction
 - DOC7420 Seminar 2: Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review
 - DOC7430 Seminar 3: Drafting the Dissertation Methodology
 - DOC7440 Seminar 4: Finalizing the Dissertation Proposal Manuscript
 
These one-credit courses get you thinking about and working on your dissertation topic from the first semester of your educational journey at CSP Global.
By the time you complete all the coursework and enroll in dissertation courses (KHS7950 for the EdD and KHD8000 for the PhD), you’ll be well on your way to completing your dissertation and earning your doctorate.
Apply to CSP Global Today!
If you’re interested in earning your PhD or EdD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology, CSP Global’s program may be right for you. Learn more about the curriculum and program benefits by contacting an admissions specialist. Or apply today for our online doctoral program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Dates
Application Deadline: December 29, 2025
Classes Start: January 12, 2026
![]()  | 
![]()  | 
|---|
Charting Your Course: An Inside Look at the EdD and PhD Kinesiology Dissertation Process
This special webinar features two professors alongside several students, providing an inside look at the EdD and PhD dissertation process and dissertation defense. You’ll gain invaluable insights and hear firsthand experiences from current doctoral students, successful graduates, and knowledgeable staff, all committed to guiding and supporting aspiring kinesiology doctoral candidates like you.
Core Program Faculty

Dr. Matthew Buns
Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Science
Director of the Doctorate in Kinesiology
Dr. Buns’s research examines the mechanisms of expertise in sport and the psychological and cognitive factors associated with motor skills. Dr. Buns has published more than 25 scholarly articles in sport and exercise science and is the founding editor of the Track and Cross Country Journal. Learn more about Dr. Buns here.

Dr. Katie Fischer
Associate VP for Academic Affairs and Strategic Program Development
Dr. Fischer’s background in higher education includes administration of in-class and online programs, development of new programs, and collaborative programming. Her academic focus includes public health, epidemiology, leadership, and program administration. Learn more about Dr. Fischer here.

Dr. Lana Huberty
Dean of the College of Kinesiology, Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Dr. Huberty brings with her a wealth of industry practice in both private and public sport and recreation settings. Research interests and publications focus on sport marketing and sponsorship, gender diversity within sport management, and sport leadership. Learn more about Dr. Huberty here.

