Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
( Emphasis in Exercise Physiology)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) emphasis in exercise physiology is specifically designed to prepare students as exercise physiologists leading to career opportunities in teaching and research in higher education and/or industry.

Laboratories, Field Experiences, Internships, Practica

HPR 796 (Practicum) is designed to provide students with opportunities for practical applications of relevant theories in professional field settings. In this multihour course, each semester hour of credit requires 50 clock hours of practicum.

The student plans the practicum project and the instructor of record works with the student to develop a contract. The contract, mutually agreed upon by the student, the cooperating teacher or administrative supervisor, and the instructor of record, specifies the methods of accountability.

A strong laboratory research emphasis is additionally integrated into doctoral studies in exercise physiology. Several laboratory experiences are designed to enhance the student’s knowledge of metabolic testing, electrocardiography, graded exercise testing, exercise prescription, and blood collection/analysis. HPR 701/701L and HPR 805/805L are examples of courses with laboratory content.

Program Requirements

1. The student must complete a qualifying examination conducted by the student’s graduate advisory committee during the student’s first semester. Students should consult their program emphasis coordinator for the required examination process.

2. A graduate degree and appropriate bachelor’s preparation in the physical education, sport management, athletic training, or an appropriately related field is required for consideration for admission in the administration and teaching phases and exercise physiology of the doctoral programs.

3. Programs of study, including all course requirements, independent research or field-based projects, and additional requirements specified by the university for proficiency in statistics, computer science or foreign language must be approved by each student’s advisory committee. The general focus of dissertation research will be initially approved by the student’s advisory committee. The specific nature and foci of the research must be approved by the student’s dissertation committee.

Research Tool(s)

4. A research tool(s) component is required of all doctoral students, and may be fulfilled in a variety of ways dependent upon the background, needs, and experience of the student.

The following guidelines apply:

The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires nine (9) hours of statistics and either

----six (6) hours of a foreign language or

----six (6) hours of research electives.

See program for specific course requirements

5. Upon the acceptance of the dissertation by the candidate’s dissertation committee and at least six weeks prior to graduation, a final oral examination in defense of the candidate’s dissertation will be administered by the student’s dissertation committee.

Residency

Students must meet the residence requirements specified in the Graduate Bullentin.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the requirement specified in the Graduate Bullentin.

Program Hours

Statistics/Research Component: (See program for specific course requirements) 9 hrs.

Foreign Language/Advanced Research Component: Committee-approved advanced research electives (6 hrs.)

OR

Approved foreign language courses or demonstrated competency
(See university foreign language guidelines in this Bulletin) (6 hrs)

Dissertation (12 hrs.)

Course Requirements:

CHE 521: Biochemistry (3 hrs.)
CHE 522: Biochemistry II (3 hrs.)
BSC 551: Mammalian Physiology (3 hrs.)
HPR 701: Advanced Exercise Physiology (3 hrs.)
HPR 701L: Advanced Exercise Physiology I Lab (2 hrs.)
HPR 706: CardiovascularPhysiology ( 3 hrs.)
HPR 733: Nutrition and Human Performance (3 hrs.)
HPR 780: Graduate Seminar (2 hrs.)
HPR 791: Research (3 hrs.)
HPR 792: Special Problems (6 hrs.)
HPR 805: Advanced Exercise Physiology II (3 hrs.)
HPR 805L: Advanced Exercise Physiology II Laboratory (2 hrs.)

Advisory committee-approved electives (9 hrs.)

Minimum Total: 72 hrs.

For course descriptions, please click on Course Descriptions