PhD Kinesiology at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Pursue a Ph.D. in Kinesiology online or on campus through one of the few doctoral programs in the nation designed to fit around your schedule. As critical concerns surrounding obesity, diabetes and other preventable chronic conditions continue to rise, UND's Ph.D. in Kinesiology prepares you to build a meaningful career as a scholar, researcher, educator or industry leader, driving evidence-based solutions that improve individual and population health.

Department: Department of Education, Health & Behavior Studies | Duration: 4-5 years (90 credit hours) | Study mode: full-time; online | Intake: Fall (March 15), Spring (Oct. 15) | Location: Grand Forks, ND, United States

What you will study

Students seeking the Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Kinesiology program. Ph.D. candidates are expected to have undertaken and completed independent research leading to an original contribution of knowledge in the field. Required courses include EFR 516 Statistics II; KIN 590 Individual Research in Kinesiology; HE 549 Dissertation Orientation.

Career pathways

A Ph.D. in Kinesiology will prepare you for a wide range of impactful and fulfilling careers in higher education, research, healthcare, performance and health-focused organizations. As demand grows for evidence-based approaches to physical activity, chronic disease prevention, human performance and wellness across a lifespan, graduates with advanced expertise in kinesiology are well positioned…

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The following criteria will be used to assess a student’s application for admission into the Kinesiology doctoral program. No single criterion can adequately predict a student’s probable success in graduate work; as such, candidates for admission to the doctoral program are evaluated on the following criteria: Completion of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university Grade point average from all previous graduate work (minimum of 3.5 required) Statement of goals Professional resume Writing sample Three (3) letters of recommendation that address the academic and professional qualities that support you for doctoral-level work Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog. The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies' current minimum general admission requirements as published in the academic catalog.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Education'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17,070. Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Education'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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