Earn your PhD in Kinesiology at Oregon State
Advance your career in exercise science, human performance or sport research with a Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology from Oregon State University.
As a doctoral student, you’ll study the theoretical and practical effects of physical activity and human movement on health.
You'll engage in high-impact research alongside world-class faculty in areas such as biomechanics, motor control, sports injury prevention and physical activity promotion.
Whether you're preparing for a career in academia, leadership or applied research, Oregon State’s kinesiology PhD program offers the rigor and mentorship to help you lead in a growing field.
Choose your area of concentration within the PhD in kinesiology
Although your chosen concentration determines the focus of your studies, we value the benefits of interdisciplinary learning and provide ample opportunity for you to collaborate with faculty and peers.
You can select one of the following concentrations:
Biophysical kinesiology
Includes subdisciplines such as biomechanics, exercise physiology and/or motor control.
Students in this concentration generally conduct their research in one the following laboratories: Biomechanics, Human Performance, Physical Activity and Public Health, Translational Metabolism Research Laboratory, or Sports Injury Prevention Research Group.
Psychosocial kinesiology
Includes subdisciplines such as motor development, sport and exercise psychology and/or sociology of sport.
Students in this concentration generally conduct their research in one the following laboratories: Children and Youth with Disabilities, Physical Activity and Public Health, Psychosocial Physical Activity (2PLAY), Social Mobility, or Sport and Exercise Psychology.
Graduate student handbook
Detailed information about degree requirements and coursework
Kinesiology research
As a kinesiology doctoral student, you will apply the specific skills and knowledge you gain in coursework to projects conducted under the direction of faculty members with whom you share research interests.
Faculty study a broad range of kinesiology research areas, including:
- Molecular and cellular basis of metabolic disease and lifestyle interventions
- Movement in children with disability
- Improving access to play, sport and physical activity in children and adolescents
- Exercise energy metabolism, athletic performance and body composition
- Biomechanics and motor control
- Bone health and reducing fractures
- Sports injury prevention
Faculty contact information and a detailed description of the kinesiology research being conducted at Oregon State may be found on each laboratory’s webpage.
Learn from faculty who lead in movement science
Our kinesiology faculty are recognized for advancing human performance, injury prevention, and exercise science. You’ll be mentored by scholars who are committed to your academic and professional growth.
Kyle DeRosia, PhD ’24
Majored in: PhD Kinesiology
Now: Exercise scientist and Human Performance Lab supervisor, Seattle University
In-depth kinesiology education
“As the supervisor of a human performance lab, I oversee all aspects of its operation, including research, teaching and equipment maintenance.
The kinesiology doctoral program at OSU provided ample hands-on laboratory experience, and its coursework covered nearly every subdiscipline of kinesiology, which has been instrumental to my success in this role.”
Tuition and funding
Graduate assistantships are available in teaching and research to highly qualified candidates.
Annual support ranges from $9,595-$22,176 based on assignment (and also includes a waiver of graduate tuition).
More information about how to apply for funding and deadlines:
Estimated costs
The Kinesiology PhD program is a 108-credit program that can be completed within 4-5 years on a full-time credit load (except for summer).
The estimated costs for the program are broken down as follows:
Resident costs for years 1-3
$16,563 per year
Resident Tuition ($13,986)
+ Fees ($2,577)
Each additional year after 3
$7,185 per year
Resident Tuition ($4,482)
+ Fees ($2,523)
Based on 3 credits per term.
Non-resident costs for years 1-3
$35,085 per year
Non-resident Tuition ($32,508)
+ Fees ($2,577)
Each additional year after 3
$13,359 per year
Non-resident Tuition ($10,836)
+ Fees ($2,523)
Based on 3 credits per term.
Tuition and fees estimates were calculated using the 25-26 academic year tuition and fees tables in combination with the tuition calculator. Please note, tuition and fees can change for the 26-27 academic year.
Please Note Cost of Attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected costs for the academic year before any financial aid. Actual costs may vary based on personal circumstances.
Careers in kinesiology
After completing the kinesiology PhD program, you will be able to synthesize and communicate knowledge in your field of study; identify central issues, problems and research priorities in your field of study; and design, conduct, interpret and communicate original research.
Many of our graduates seek employment at public and private universities known for research and teaching, while others seek a career path in federal and state agencies or the private sector.
Marc Norcross, PhD, ATC
Professor
“Our students work alongside faculty with a range of expertise and use social, psychological, physical and biological approaches to address physical activity-related public health issues in diverse populations.”
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you want to deepen your expertise in exercise science or launch a research career, Oregon State’s kinesiology is a great place to start.
We’re here to help
For questions about the application process and requirements, contact COH graduate admissions.
For academic or professional information specific to the kinesiology doctoral program, please contact the program director John Schuna, PhD