Great News! Incoming doctoral students can now begin their program in the Fall Term 2, which begins October 30th. Apply now to get started.
Kinesiology doctorate
exercise physiology emphasis
Enroll for October 2023. Become an expert in your field with a doctorate in kinesiology.

Why Choose 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. 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.

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.
Every faculty member 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.
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
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.
You won’t have to complete all coursework before you begin your dissertation. We embed the dissertation process early in coursework through four seminar courses:
- KHS7900 Seminar 1: Drafting the Dissertation Introduction
- KHS7901 Seminar 2: Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review
- KHS7902 Seminar 3: Drafting the Dissertation Methodology
- KHS7903 Seminar 4: Finalizing the Written Dissertation Prospectus
These one-credit courses get you thinking about and working on your dissertation topic from the beginning of your educational journey at CSP Global.
By the time you complete all 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upcoming Deadline and Dates
Application Deadline: October 9, 2023
Next Start Date: October 30, 2023
Tuition $690/credit hour
Curriculum
Core (10 credits)
KHS7000 Issues and Trends in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7030 Professional Ethics and Program Management in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7900 Seminar 1: Drafting the Dissertation Introduction (1)
KHS7901 Seminar 2: Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review (1)
KHS7902 Seminar 3: Drafting the Dissertation Methodology (1)
KHS7903 Seminar 4: Finalizing the Written Dissertation Prospectus (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)
KHS7820 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7830 Advanced Research Seminar in Kinesiology (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)
KHS7800 Action Research in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7810 Applied Measurement and Evaluation Techniques in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7820 Research Methods in Kinesiology (3)
KHS7830 Advanced Research Seminar in Kinesiology (3)
Dissertation (12 Credits)
For the PhD
KHS8000 Dissertation (12)
For the EdD
KHS7950 Dissertation (12)
Total Credits for EdD = 61
Total Credits for PhD = 67
Additional Program Information
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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.
Upcoming Webinars
Women’s Health Over 40: Natural Beauty and Youthful Energy
Discover the New Concentrations within the Kinesiology Doctorate
Host: Matthew Buns, PhD, Program Chair of the Graduate Exercise Science Program