For professionals looking to deepen their knowledge in exercise science, health, and ethics, SEU’s new PhD in Kinesiology offers an opportunity to pursue advanced research and contribute to the future of human movement, athletic performance, and physical wellness. Beginning this fall, this research-based doctoral program is designed for working professionals who want to expand their expertise, conduct original research, and make meaningful impact in their field.
A Curriculum Designed For Depth and Discovery
This 3-year program includes 56 credit hours of course work, following a curriculum involving the student’s research choice of a focus in biomechanics, nutrition, physiology, mental health, and ethics. Within the total amount of credit hours, students are required to conduct 16 credit hours through core research courses and 12 credit hours of dissertation research in one or more of the above areas during their third year in the program.
With this curriculum in mind, there are already incoming students who are excited to expand their knowledge on subjects they are passionate about. Incoming student Scott Gaffney is particularly interested in exploring the connection between exercise science and cognitive health.
“The most interesting area in the field of exercise science and mental health is the mind-body connection,” he said. “I hope to research neurocognitive decline in individuals suffering from dementia and explore strategies using exercise science to better understand that connection.”
The subjects discussed and the required research in this degree program provide a well-rounded education for students to step boldly into their careers.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to build something innovative from the ground up and help shape the future of the program,” said Dr. Kelsi Dickens, who serves as the program coordinator. “We are going to have a lot of students from different walks of life; that’s always exciting to me.”
Flexible Learning with Professional Mentorship
SEU’s PhD in Kinesiology is offered in-person and fully online, giving students the option to pursue their degree with convenience and flexibility. As students are being educated on physical, mental, and spiritual health, they are also being guided by professionals in the fields of neuroscience, health, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and sport psychology. Having faculty, staff, and professors who have worked in the areas that students will be educated on will give them guidance and mentorship that will be valuable for their career development. For Austin Kistner, an SEU master’s program alum and incoming student into the PhD in Kinesiology program, the supportive environment at SEU was a major factor in choosing to continue his education here.
“The things that drew me to the PhD program were similar to the things that initially drew me to SEU’s master’s program. I was looking for a high-quality Christian education first and foremost,” he said. “The level of genuine hospitality and care that all of the faculty and staff at SEU show truly set them apart. When I saw that the PhD was being offered, it was an easy decision. It feels like coming home.”
SEU’s commitment to providing students with a customizable education in all levels of higher education is echoed through this PhD in Kinesiology. We aim to continue pushing students forward in their callings and cultivating ethical and well-educated healthcare leaders.
Whether you are passionate about mental health, nutrition, physiology, or biomechanics, this doctoral degree enables you to step confidently into the field of kinesiology.
Learn More
PhD in Kinesiology
Kinesiology Programs at SEU
College of Natural & Health Sciences
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