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

EdD & PhD in Sports Nutrition

Enroll for October 2023. Become an expert in nutrition science with a doctorate in kinesiology.

Student-Centric Approach to Doctoral Education

Application Deadline: October 9, 2023
Classes Start: October 30, 2023

Learn more about our 100% online kinesiology doctorate

Generous Transfer Credit

100% Online

No GRE/GMAT, No Comp Exam

Sportsman with sports nutrition at the table

Why Choose PhD in Sports Nutrition?

Our PhD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise and Sport Nutrition degree program is designed to prepare students 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 nutritional sciences 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.

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Why Choose EdD in Sports Nutrition?

Our EdD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise and Sport Nutrition degree program 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.

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The Value of an EdD or PhD in Sports Nutrition from CSP Global

If you are interested in pursuing a sports nutrition degree, CSP Global is a top university that offers doctoral degree programs 100% online. Our program offers easily transferable credits from past educational institutions, 100% online learning, no required GRE/GMAT or comprehensive exam, and opens up the door to many career opportunities in sports nutrition.

Graduates can expect to complete the program, having gained not only textbook knowledge but real-world experience to set them up for their future careers. CSP Global’s unique dissertation process sets students up for success by giving them a head start from the beginning with engaging and stimulating project opportunities. With an EdD or PhD in Sports Nutrition from CSP Global, graduates can engage in real-world research, become dietitians, work in public health, and more.

Program Outcomes for Sports Nutrition PhD & EdD

Demonstrate advanced knowledge in nutritional concepts including digestion and absorption of macro- and micronutrients, nutrient deficiencies and toxicities, and sources of nutrients.
Conduct and interpret dietary, biochemical, and anthropometric assessments in athletic and special populations.
Apply nutritional knowledge, skills, and theory to professional practice, education, and research.
Develop and implement appropriate strategies to prompt motivation and behavioral skills for healthy lifestyles.
Educate diverse populations on the role of nutrition in health promotion, disease prevention, and exercise performance.
Communicate nutritional assessment results, nutrient needs, and dietary plans effectively through written and oral communication techniques.
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 sports dietetics 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.

Career Outlook

A Doctorate in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise and Sport Nutrition from CSP Global can open many doors for professional experience. 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.

Consultant
Dietician or nutritionist
Health educator
Exercise physiologist
Health, research or sports scientist
Post-secondary biometrics
Exercise science teacher
Nutrition teacher
Public health professional
Professor
Researcher

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

What can I do with a PhD in Sports Nutrition?

A PhD in Sports Nutrition can open up a variety of career paths in academia, research, and industry. Here are some potential career options for someone with a PhD in Sports Nutrition:

University Professor/Researcher: With a PhD in Sports Nutrition, you can pursue a career as a university professor or researcher. This would involve teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition, conducting research on sports nutrition, and publishing academic papers.

Sports Nutrition Researcher: You could work in a research position at a university, research institution, or company. In this role, you would design and conduct studies related to sports nutrition and use your findings to develop new nutrition products or improve existing ones.

Sports Nutrition Consultant: As a sports nutrition consultant, you would provide nutrition advice and guidance to athletes, coaches, and sports teams. You would develop nutrition plans tailored to each athlete’s specific needs and goals.

Product Development Scientist: You could work for a nutrition or supplement company as a product development scientist. In this role, you would design and develop new sports nutrition products, conduct research on ingredient efficacy, and collaborate with marketing teams to promote the products.

Nutrition Policy and Advocacy: You could work in the public sector as a policy analyst or advocate for sports nutrition. In this role, you would work to shape public policy around nutrition and health, with a focus on sports nutrition and its impact on athletic performance.

These are just a few examples of the many career paths available with a PhD in Sports Nutrition. The specific opportunities available will depend on your skills, interests, and professional goals.

How much can I make with a PhD in Sports Nutrition?

The expected salary for someone with a PhD in Sports Nutrition can vary based on the role they pursue. According to Nutritionjobs.com, professionals with this level of education often charge $75 to $275 an hour for their services and expertise.

What’s the difference between a sports nutritionist and a dietitian?

While sports nutritionists and dietitians share similarities in their knowledge of nutrition, there are some key differences between the two professions.

One of the main differences is their focus. Dietitians typically work with individuals to manage medical conditions and help them achieve overall health goals. They often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices and may provide medical nutrition therapy for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Sports nutritionists, on the other hand, specialize in providing nutrition advice and support for athletes and active individuals. They focus on how nutrition can affect athletic performance and may work with individuals or teams to improve their performance, prevent injuries, and support recovery.

Why do individuals and teams need a sports nutritionist?

Individuals and teams need a sports nutritionist for several reasons. First, a sports nutritionist can help improve athletic performance by providing tailored nutrition plans to help athletes optimize their performance, endurance, and recovery. With proper nutrition, athletes can improve their speed, strength, and stamina, allowing them to train harder and perform better during competitions.

Second, nutrition plays a crucial role in injury prevention and recovery. A sports nutritionist can advise athletes on foods and supplements that can help strengthen bones, joints, and muscles, as well as promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.

Next, every athlete has unique nutritional needs based on their training schedule, sport, and individual goals. A sports nutritionist can develop customized meal plans that provide the right balance of macronutrients and micronutrients to support an athlete’s specific needs.

Additionally, for athletes who need to maintain a certain weight or body composition for their sport, a sports nutritionist can provide guidance on how to achieve their weight goals while still meeting their nutritional needs.

Last, proper nutrition is essential for overall health and well-being. A sports nutritionist can help athletes establish healthy eating habits, promote good gut health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with poor nutrition.

What does a typical day as a sports nutritionist look like?

A typical day as a sports nutritionist can vary depending on the setting, client base, and specific job responsibilities. However, here is a general overview of what a day in the life of a sports nutritionist might look like:

Assessing Clients: A sports nutritionist may begin their day by assessing clients to determine their specific nutrition needs, including their dietary preferences, goals, and any medical conditions or food allergies they may have.
Creating Customized Meal Plans: Based on the client’s needs and goals, a sports nutritionist will then develop customized meal plans that incorporate healthy, nutrient-dense foods that will support their athletic performance and overall health.
Consulting with Athletes: Sports nutritionists may work with individual athletes or teams to provide nutritional guidance and support before, during, and after competitions or training sessions. They may advise athletes on hydration, nutrient timing, and recovery strategies.
Conducting Research: A sports nutritionist may also spend time conducting research on the latest nutritional trends, supplements, and best practices for athletic performance.
Education and Outreach: A sports nutritionist may conduct educational outreach to groups of athletes or coaches to promote healthy eating habits and provide resources for proper nutrition.
Administrative Tasks: Sports nutritionists may also spend time on administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, billing clients, and maintaining records of client progress.

Overall, a sports nutritionist’s day can be busy and varied, with a focus on assessing clients’ needs, creating customized meal plans, providing guidance and support, conducting research, and educating athletes and coaches.

How long does it take to complete an EdD PhD in sports nutrition?

Degree requirements are as follows: 61 credits for the EdD in Kinesiology and 67 credits for the PhD in Kinesiology. Students can graduate in as little as 3 years with most graduating in 4 years. Time to graduation depends on transfer of credit and class schedules.

Is the economy needing more sports nutrition degrees?

Yes, there is an increased demand for dietitians and nutritionists in the United States. The BLS reported that growth in this profession is projected at 7% from 2021 to 2031, with approximately 5,600 expected job openings each year. Getting a sports nutrition degree is a solid investment in your career.

Upcoming Deadline and Dates

Application Deadline: October 9, 2023
Next Start Date: October 30, 2023
Tuition $690/credit hour

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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 and Sport Nutrition Emphasis (27 Credits)

KHS7010 Medical Aspects of Exercise and Disease Prevention (3)
KHS7020 Exercise and Health Behavior Change (3)
KHS7120 Advanced Exercise and Sport Nutrition (3)
KHS7210 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
KHS7501 Nutrition for the General Population (3)
KHS7511 Vitamins and Minerals (3)
KHS7521 Nutrition Assessment and Analysis (3)
KHS7531 Nutrition and Weight Management (3)
KHS7541 Dietary Trends and Special Populations (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

EdD Course Descriptions

KHS7000: Current Issues and Trends in Kinesiology: This course prepares students to analyze current problems, issues, and trends impacting kinesiology professions. The emphasis is on selecting and discussing emerging and controversial topics from research and everyday experiences that lead to action. Leadership principles will be examined as students develop and identify leadership strategies, tools and applications to successfully implement a personal mission and vision statement.

KHS7010: Medical Aspects of Exercise and Disease Prevention: This course utilizes an epidemiological approach to examine the relationship between physical activity and health and/or disease outcomes. Emphasis is on the role of exercise in preventative medicine. Topics include the impact of exercise on various diseases, and the effect of various medical conditions on the ability to participate in vigorous exercise and competitive sports.

KHS7020: Exercise and Health Behavior Change: Advanced analysis of theoretical health behavior models and their application to physical activity behavior. Includes practical techniques, tools and interventions (e.g., counseling skills, motivational interviewing) to enhance exercise adherence and motivation across the lifespan.

KHS7030: Professional Ethics and Program Management in Kinesiology: This course examines ethical and socio-cultural issues that kinesiology students will face during their training and professional practice emphasizing conceptual frameworks needed to articulate concerns and engage in meaningful dialogue with others. Topics include the application of ethical program management, financial management, legal issues, and evaluation and planning.

KHS7120: Advanced Exercise & Sport Nutrition: This course examines the role of nutrient selection, metabolism, and timing play in supporting and improving health and human performance. Topics include nutrient bioenergetics, optimizing nutrient timing, micronutrients and macronutrients, ergogenic aids, thermoregulation, fluid balance, and weight management.

KHS7210: Advanced Exercise Physiology: The physiological responses to exercise performance and the effects of physical activity on the body’s functions are examined in theory and application.

KHS7501: Nutrition for the General Population: This course will introduce students to the biochemical, physiological, and microbiological basics of general human nutrition. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health by reviewing topics such as the nutritional needs of special populations, sociocultural influences of nutrition, community nutritional applications, and major public health concerns related to nutrition. Students will learn how to evaluate nutritional information or misinformation to create goals and apply publicly available guidelines or tools to dietary plans.

KHS7511: Vitamins and Minerals: This explores the metabolism of vitamins and minerals essential for health throughout the lifespan. Specific topics will include nutrient bioavailability, absorption, and proper micronutrient intake. The health effects of inadequate or excessive micronutrient intake will be covered along with methods to estimate nutrient requirements and upper limit levels.

KHS7521: Nutrition Assessments and Analysis: In this course, students will gain an understanding of the methods and approaches to conducting nutrition assessments of individuals throughout a lifecycle. Students will learn best practices and applications in evidence-based dietary, biochemical, and anthropometric assessments. An in-depth overview of the rationale of use, advantages, disadvantages, and validity of each assessment will be completed.

KHS7531: Nutrition for Weight Management: This course will review current evidence-based strategies to manage overweight and underweight individuals. The genetic, metabolic, and psychological factors affecting weight management will be covered. Students will gain knowledge and skills in assessment techniques, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

KHS7541: Dietary Trends and Special Populations: This course will provide students with an understanding of the ever-changing aspects of nutrition science, including emerging diets and controversies such as fad diets and supplementation. Additionally, students will learn about nutrition applications for special populations such as athletes and those with infectious or chronic diseases. Students will develop skills in the evaluation and interpretation of nutrition-related claims in both popular media and scientific studies.

KHS7800: Action Research in Kinesiology: This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to design, conduct, and evaluate action research projects within the field of kinesiology. This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of action research and its use in promoting change and improvement in a variety of settings, including physical activity and exercise programs, sport organizations, and health promotion initiatives.

KHS7810: Applied Measurement and Evaluation Techniques in Kinesiology: This course develops skills for the selection, development, and implementation of various types of instruments and techniques for measuring and evaluating health and human performance interventions. Evaluation of these interventions includes general health behaviors, health related fitness, nutritional and dietary intake, body composition, and other areas related to an individual’s quality of life.

KHS7820: Research Methods in Kinesiology: This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the research process in the field of kinesiology. Emphasis will be placed on real-world examples of how research is effectively accessed, interpreted, and used in professional kinesiology settings.

KHS7830: Advanced Research Seminar in Kinesiology: This course builds on the previous course, but with an intentional focus on the dissertation topic of interest for each student. In-depth research strategies, data reliability and credibility, and the IRB process are discussed and completed during this course. Students schedule the dissertation proposal during this course.

KHS7900: Seminar 1-Drafting the Dissertation Introduction: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a faculty mentor. Special focus on selecting the dissertation topic, forming the committee. and drafting an introduction.

KHS7901: Seminar 2-Drafting the Dissertation Literature Review: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a dissertation advisor and advisory committee. Special focus on an annotate bibliography drafting the literature review.

KHS7902: Seminar 3-Drafting the Dissertation Methodology: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a dissertation advisor and advisory committee. Special focus on drafting the methodology.

KHS7903: Seminar 4-Finalizing the Written Dissertation Prospectus: This course provides students the opportunity to make progress on their dissertation in collaboration with a dissertation advisor and advisory committee. Special focus on drafting a dissertation prospectus.

KHS7950: Ed.D. Dissertation: The dissertation is an independent, scholarly work of research completed by the doctoral candidate, under the guidance of a dissertation committee. A dissertation demonstrates a candidate’s ability to undertake scholarship in his or her field through intellectual endeavor and the application of research skills. The completion of a dissertation requires a scholarly mindset involving ongoing evaluation, analysis, and synthesis of previous, relevant research as well as one’s own work. A dissertation involves exploring an important problem that warrants investigation due to its centrality to issues of practice and application.

PhD Course Descriptions