Kinesiology Doctorate

EdD & PhD In Sports Nutrition

Enroll for June 2025. Become an expert in your field with a doctorate in kinesiology.

Application Deadline: June 16, 2025
Classes Start: June 30, 2025

Online EdD & PhD In Sports Nutrition

Choose the PhD for a research-driven career in academia, focusing on publishing and advancing exercise and sport nutrition science, or pursue the EdD to apply research in leadership roles, corporate wellness, or higher education.

 Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Conducting Research: A sports nutritionist may also spend time conducting research on the latest nutritional trends, supplements, and best practices for athletic performance.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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.

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.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: June 16, 2025
Next Start Date:
June 30, 2025

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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.

Nutritionist giving consultation to patient with healthy fruit and vegetables on the table

Core Program Faculty

Dr Buns Headshot

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 Headshot

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 Headshot

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.