The Department of Kinesiology's mission is to create, interpret, transmit, and apply knowledge related to movement, exercise, and human occupation with the ultimate goal of enhancing human health, productivity, and quality of life.
The Ph.D. in Kinesiology is available with research specialization in biomechanics, exercise physiology, exercise psychology, motor control and behavior, physical activity epidemiology, and occupational science.
The Ph.D. in Kinesiology combines advanced courses with the option of an intensive research experience. Department research facilities are well equipped, and faculty and graduate students have access to other specialized research facilities across campus. Faculty and graduate student research is currently supported by funding from the state and federal government, research foundations, and private industry. Faculty are affiliated with the Institute on Aging; Cardiovascular Research Center; Center for Neuroscience/Neuroscience Training Program; departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Neurology, Population Health Science, and Psychology; McPherson Eye Research Institute; Harlow Center for Biological Psychology; interdepartmental graduate program in Nutritional Sciences; Trace Research and Development Center; VA Geriatric Research and Education Center; Waisman Center; and Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute.
Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website. Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online. |
| Fall Deadline | February 15 |
| Spring Deadline | December 1 |
| Summer Deadline | The program does not admit in the summer. |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency). |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
The application deadline is February 15, applications may be considered after this date.
For admission, the Graduate School requires, as does the kinesiology department, a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0=A scale) on the last 60 semester hours (or equivalent) of undergraduate coursework. An applicant must submit official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, academic transcripts from each institution attended, a minimum of three letters of recommendation, and a statement of reasons for graduate study. The statement should name the applicant's intended area(s) of specialization and provide specific details on why the applicant names the area(s). If a professor in the area of specialization agrees to serve as the prospective student's advisor, then the department's graduate office recommends the applicant for admission to the Graduate School. Please consult the kinesiology website for further details of these requirements and procedures.
Graduate School Resources
Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and processes related to funding.
Program Resources
Prospective students should see the program website for funding information.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
MODE OF INSTRUCTION
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Mode of Instruction Definitions
Evening/Weekend: These programs are offered in an evening and/or weekend format to accommodate working schedules. Enjoy the advantages of on-campus courses and personal connections, while keeping your day job. For more information about the meeting schedule of a specific program, contact the program. Online: These programs are offered primarily online. Many available online programs can be completed almost entirely online with all online programs offering at least 50 percent or more of the program work online. Some online programs have an on-campus component that is often designed to accommodate working schedules. Take advantage of the convenience of online learning while participating in a rich, interactive learning environment. For more information about the online nature of a specific program, contact the program. Hybrid: These programs have innovative curricula that combine on-campus and online formats. Most hybrid programs are completed on-campus with a partial or completely online semester. For more information about the hybrid schedule of a specific program, contact the program. Accelerated: These on-campus programs are offered in an accelerated format that allows you to complete your program in a condensed time-frame. Enjoy the advantages of on-campus courses with minimal disruption to your career. For more information about the accelerated nature of a specific program, contact the program. |
CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 51 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 32 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | Half of degree coursework (26 credits out of 51 total credits) must be completed graduate-level coursework; courses with the Graduate Level Coursework attribute are identified and searchable in the university's Course Guide. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. |
| Other Grade Requirements | Course numbered 300 and above with a grade of A, AB, B, or S count toward minimum credit requirement; grades of BC or C count only if equal credits of AB and A offset the lower grades to average B (3.00). |
| Assessments and Examinations | Ph.D. students must: 1. pass all didactic courses in conformity with GPA and grad requirements; 2. pass preliminary exams (http://grad.wisc.edu/acadpolicy/#preliminaryexaminations) administered by a three member faculty committee; and 3. successfully propose and defend a dissertation before a five-member committee constituted as above in this chart. |
| Language Requirements | No language requirements. |
| Doctoral Minor/Breadth Requirements | Doctoral students must complete a minor, currently minimum 10 credits, either "distributed" (several departments) or in a single outside department. Students must consult their advisors on minor requirements. |
Required COURSES
Biomechanics Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| STAT/F&W ECOL/HORT 572 | Statistical Methods for Bioscience II | 4 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 2 | 1 |
| KINES 951 | Seminar-Biomechanics | 2 |
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis | 2-12 |
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| Note: KINES 991 is required for PhD candidates who did not complete this or an equivalent course as part of their MS program. | ||
| General Field Requirement | ||
| At least 2 graduate level courses of at least 2 credits each in Kinesiology, at UW-Madison, outside of Biomechanics area | 4-6 | |
| Electives | ||
| Chosen in consultation with advisor | Remaining Credits | |
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | All Kinesiology Ph.D.* students in biomechanics are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program * includes dissertations unless registered, instead, for specialization seminar KINES 951 Seminar-Biomechanics; or unless expressly exempted via advisor request to Graduate Studies Committee |
Exercise Physiology Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ANAT&PHY 435 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology | 5 |
| KINES 773 | Cardiorespiratory Adaptions to Environment and Exercise | 3 |
| KINES 774 | Metabolic Responses to Exercise and Environmental Stress | 2 |
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| Note: the above courses are only required if not taken as part of an M.S. program | ||
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 3 | 1 |
| KINES 953 | Human Biodynamics Seminar | 1 |
| KINES 999 | Independent Reading | 1-4 |
| General Field Requirement | ||
| At least 2 graduate-level courses of at least 2 credits each in Kinesiology, at UW–Madison, outside of Exercise Physiology area | 4-6 | |
| Electives (sufficient to meet graduation requirements; chosen in consultation with advisor) | ||
| Research | ||
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology | minimum of 8 |
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | Kinesiology students complete special content. Contact physiology-enroll@lists.wisc.edu for consent to enroll in ANAT&PHY 435. The Department of Neuroscience chair’s assistant will then connect you with the ANAT&PHY 435 director for content details, will data-enter your online permission to enroll in ANAT&PHY 435 and reserve your place, and will notify you by email. Please allow at least a week for the permission process to finalize. Department contacts: https://neuro.wisc.edu/contact-us/. |
| 3 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D.* students in exercise physiology are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program. *Includes dissertators unless registered for specialization seminar KINES 953 Human Biodynamics Seminar or unless expressly exempted via advisor request to Grad Studies Committee. |
Exercise Psychology Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design 2 | 3 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 3 | 1 |
| General Field Requirement | ||
| At least 2 graduate-level courses of at least 2 credits each in Kinesiology, at UW-Madison, outside of the Exercise Psychology area. | 4-6 | |
| With the exception of the requirements above, no specific courses are required of candidates for the Ph.D. in Kinesiology with specialization in Exercise Psychology. For the Ph.D., candidates must complete a minimum of 51 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree in accordance with Graduate School policy, but most students in the exercise psychology program elect to take additional credits beyond this minimum. Emphasis is placed on the demonstration of competence in general psychology, exercise psychology, exercise science, statistics and research design, rather than on completion of specific courses. Each candidate’s program of formal coursework and independent study is tailored in a personalized manner to accommodate the individual’s research and career goals. | ||
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | Ph.D. students needn’t take KINES 991 Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design if their M.S. degree included it or an approved equivalent. |
| 3 | All Kinesiology MS and PhD* students in Exercise Psychology are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program, including dissertations unless registered for the specialization seminar (KINES 951 Seminar-Biomechanics) or unless expressly exempted via advisor request to the Graduate Studies Committee. |
Motor Control and Behavior Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design 2 | 3 |
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis | 2-12 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 3 | 1 |
| Statistics courses (chosen in consultation with advisor) 4 | 4-6 | |
| General Field Requirements | ||
| At least 2 graduate level courses of at least 2 credits each in Kinesiology, at UW-Madison, outside of the Motor Control & Behavior area. | 4-6 | |
| Suggested Elective Courses (chosen in consultation with advisor) 5 | ||
| KINES 721 | Neural Basis for Movement | 3 |
| KINES 861 | Principles of Motor Control and Learning | 3 |
| KINES 951 | Seminar-Biomechanics | 2 |
| KINES 961 | Seminar in Motor Control and Learning | 2 |
| KINES 713 | Neural Basis of Normal and Pathological Movement | 3 |
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | Required for Ph.D. candidates who did not complete this or an equivalent course as part of their M.S. program. |
| 3 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D. students are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program. This includes Ph.D. dissertators unless they register for KINES 961 Seminar in Motor Control and Learning or unless they seek and receive express exemption via advisor request to the Grad Studies Committee. |
| 4 | Suggested statistics sequence (or equivalent):
|
| 5 | Elective courses may be Kinesiology courses not chosen as required courses or may be courses in related fields (e.g., Psychology, Neuroscience). |
Occupational Science Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Courses in Research Methods, Design, Proposal Development, and Research Ethics 2 | 6 | |
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 3 | 1 |
| KINES 785 | Human Occupation and Health | 2-3 |
| KINES 885 | Seminar in Occupation and Health | 1 |
| General Field Requirements | ||
| Two Kinesiology classes of at least 2 credits each outside your focus area (Occupational Science Track specific courses would not qualify for this requirement). | 4 | |
| Electives | ||
| Elective courses are taken in a “concentration area” specific to the area of research. (Examples: ICTR Clinical Trials, Global Health, Prevention Science, Aging, Lifespan Development). Selected in consultation with Faculty Advisor. | ||
| Research | ||
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis | 1-12 |
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | Must be completed prior to KINES 991 |
| 3 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D. students are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program |
Physical Activity Epidemiology Track1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KINES/POP HLTH 791 | Physical Activity Epidemiology | 3 |
| KINES/POP HLTH 955 | Seminar - Physical Activity Epidemiology | 1 |
| KINES 991 | Research in Physical Activity- Theory and Design | 3 |
| KINES 990 | Research or Thesis | 2-12 |
| KINES 900 | Seminar in Kinesiology 2 | 1 |
| Electives (chosen from list below or others in consultation with advisor) | ||
| ANAT&PHY 435 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology | 5 |
| KINES 521 | Physical Activity and Health | 3 |
| KINES 600 | Advanced Exercise Psychology | 3 |
| KINES 614 | Biological Factors Influencing Exercise Performance | 3 |
| KINES 700 | Psychological Effects of Exercise | 3 |
| KINES 773 | Cardiorespiratory Adaptions to Environment and Exercise | 3 |
| KINES 774 | Metabolic Responses to Exercise and Environmental Stress | 2 |
| KINES 779 | Human Muscle Function in Health and Disease | 2 |
| CHEM 341 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| BMOLCHEM 503 | Human Biochemistry | 3 |
| STAT/B M I 541 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| STAT/B M I 642 | Statistical Methods for Epidemiology | 3 |
| POP HLTH/NUTR SCI 621 | Introduction to Nutritional Epidemiology | 1 |
| POP HLTH 750 | Cancer Epidemiology | 2-3 |
| POP HLTH/SOC 797 | Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| POP HLTH 798 | Epidemiologic Methods | 3 |
| POP HLTH 802 | Advanced Epidemiology: Etiology and Prevention | 3 |
| Students will take advanced course work in various areas as described in the program area synopsis. In accordance with Graduate School policy, a minimum of 30 credits is required for the M.S. degree, and a minimum of 51 credits for the Ph.D. The curriculum is intended to provide the student with a sound basis in the adaptations to physical activity and exercise as well as the statistical and methodological tools needed to evaluate relationships between physical activity and health outcomes at the population level. There are three required courses in addition to the thesis or dissertation requirement, and the remaining credits can be chosen in consultation with the graduate advisor to meet the degree objectives. | ||
| General Field Requirement | ||
| At least 2 graduate level courses of at least 2 credits each in Kinesiology at UW-Madison outside of Physical Activity Epidemiology area. | ||
| 1 | These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript. |
| 2 | All Kinesiology M.S. and Ph.D. students in Physical Activity Epidemiology are required to register for KINES 900 Seminar in Kinesiology each semester they are enrolled in the program. Includes dissertators unless registered for specialization seminar KINES/POP HLTH 955 Seminar - Physical Activity Epidemiology or unless expressly exempted via advisor request to Grad Studies Committee. |
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Major-Specific Policies
Graduate Program Handbook
The Graduate Program Handbook is the repository for all of the program's policies and requirements.
Prior Coursework
Graduate Work from Other Institutions
With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 18 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
UW–Madison Undergraduate
No credits from a UW–Madison undergraduate degree are allowed to count toward the degree.
UW–Madison University Special
With program approval, students are allowed to count no more than 15 credits of coursework numbered 300 or above taken in UW–Madison University Special student status. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
ProbatioN
The Graduate School regularly reviews the record of any student who earned grades of BC, C, D, F, or Incomplete in a graduate course (300 or above), or grade of U in research credits. This review could result in academic probation with a hold on future enrollment or in being suspended from the Graduate School.
- Good standing (progressing according to standards; any funding guarantee remains in place).
- Probation (not progressing according to standards but permitted to enroll; loss of funding guarantee; specific plan with dates and deadlines in place in regard to removal of probationary status).
- Unsatisfactory progress (not progressing according to standards; not permitted to enroll, dismissal, leave of absence or change of advisor or program).
An overall GPA below 3.0 will place the student on academic probation. If a 3.0 GPA is not regained in the subsequent semester the student may be dismissed from the program or allowed to continue provisionally for 1 semester based on advisor appeal to the Graduate School. The Graduate School's probation policy is described in the Graduate School's Academic Policies and Procedures.
ADVISOR / COMMITTEE
Ph.D. students work with two (or three) committees during their studies.
- Preliminary exams Committee (three graduate faculty members)
- Dissertation committee (five members)
- Proposal committee
- Defense committee
Ordinarily the proposal and defense committees have the same membership. Committee members are selected by the student in consultation with the faculty advisor to be consistent with Graduate School policy.
CREDITS PER TERM ALLOWED
15 credits
Time Constraints
Doctoral degree students who have been absent for ten or more consecutive years lose all credits that they have earned before their absence. Individual programs may count the coursework students completed prior to their absence for meeting program requirements; that coursework may not count toward Graduate School credit requirements.
A candidate for a doctoral degree who fails to take the final oral examination and deposit the dissertation within five years after passing the preliminary examination may be required to take and pass another preliminary examination to be readmitted to candidacy.
Within the department, completion of required courses and passing preliminary exams within three years of starting the Ph.D. program is considered satisfactory progress. See the program handbook for more information.
Other
Students pursuing research degree generally supported with tuition remission throughout study career. Students pursuing classroom-based (Non-thesis) M.S. occasionally supported, generally without tuition remission (unless they personally locate same via separate department, e.g., Athletics).
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
- Demonstrate academic mastery in at least one of the broad areas of specialization represented in the Department of Kinesiology.
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of major current and past theories, research findings, methodologies, and techniques in their area of specialization both orally and in writing.
- Retrieve and examine scientific literature, evaluate evidence for and against hypotheses, identify knowledge gaps, strengths and weaknesses in existing literature, synthesize knowledge, and develop conclusions.
- Formulate ideas, concepts, designs and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge with their area of specialization.
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the field of kinesiology extending beyond their area of specialization.
- Develop and complete original research that makes a substantive contribution in advancing their area of specialization.
- Develop testable hypotheses and predictions for their own realistic and feasible research projects.
- Conduct independent research and analyze and interpret resulting data.
- Clearly communicate their ideas in both oral and written form through the preparation and defense of a dissertation.
- Foster ethical and professional conduct.
- Use scientific rigor when designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting and reporting results.
Graduate Faculty
Susan Andreae
Karla Ausderau
Jill Barnes
David Bell
Ruth Benedict
Janet Branchaw
Lisa Cadmus-Bertram
Luis Columna
Dane Cook
Gary Diffee (chair)
Dorothy Farrar-Edwards
Kreg Gruben
Kelli Koltyn
Elizabeth Larson
Andrea Mason
William Morgan
Kristen Pickett
William Schrage
Brittany Travers
Peter van Kan
Graduate Faculty Affiliate
Marolowe Eldridge
Kimberlee Gretebeck
Troy Hornberger
Ozioma Okonkwo