The doctoral program leads to the highest degree awarded by the School of Kinesiology and the university. The program seeks to develop scholarly and research competence, and culminates in an original doctoral dissertation that adds to the body of knowledge in Kinesiology. The program is designed for those students who intend to make their careers as scholars, teachers, researchers, and professionals in kinesiology or allied fields.

PhD students choose from a set of core courses in Kinesiology, as well as cognate courses from other units, and complete a minimum of 30 pre-candidacy credits beyond the master's level. Qualifying examinations must be passed before advancing to candidacy, after which the student completes an original doctoral dissertation. A minimum of 50 credits including pre-candidacy and candidacy work must be completed to graduate.

All PhD students work closely with a faculty advisor from the beginning of their degree program. Working with the student and advisor, a Guidance Committee, Qualifying Examination Committee, and a Dissertation Committee provide advice and evaluate progress at successive stages of the program.

A principal goal of doctoral training is the achievement of competence as an independent scholar. This entails not only proficiency in research but in the dissemination of knowledge. An important component of knowledge dissemination is guiding the learning of others. Each student’s program will be tailored to develop skills in knowledge dissemination.