Kinesiology

Kinesiology

Doctor of philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Program overview

Kinesiology is not just the study of movement. We are the length and breadth of the human condition, from the joy of competition, to the steps taken by cancer patients on their road back to wellness. We are in schools encouraging healthier habits and in labs researching the mysteries of why one child becomes obese while another doesn’t. Our graduate students are mentored by some of the top professors and researchers in the field in their original investigations, with the goal to advance the study of kinesiology, and to create leaders whose work will have an impact on society. Sharing knowledge is vital, and we work closely with other faculties, like the biomedical researchers in the Schulich School of Engineering and the mental health researchers in the Cumming School of Medicine.

Completing this program

  • Courses: Topics may include nutrition for performance, applied exercise physiology, statistical techniques, muscle mechanics and more.
  • Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original thesis.
  • Candidacy: Students will submit a research proposal and complete both oral and written candidacy exams.

Specializations

  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise & Health Physiology
  • Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology
  • Innovation in Pedagogy and Sport Performance
  • Neuro-Motor Psychology & Motor Learning
  • Nutrition, Metabolism & Genetics
  • Rehabilitation
  • Socio-Cultural Aspects of Sport & Physical Activity
  • Sport History
  • Sport Injury Epidemiology
  • Sport Medicine

Outcomes

Academia, Research career, teaching (secondary and post-secondary), health care, health coach consulting, research associate, sporting careers (administration, coaching, sport psychology, strength and conditioning coach), injury prevention and rehabilitation, community/municipal programming.

A PhD in kinesiology is usually considered a final degree.

Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Four year full-time; six years maximum

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary’s (UCalgary) Kinesiology complex from anywhere. Experience all that the Kinesiology program has to offer for interested prospective graduate students. Explore one of the top Kinesiology programs in North America without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.


Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.


  1. Placeholder Profile Image

    David Paskevich

    Accepting Inquiries
    Sport Psychology
  2. Thilo Pfau profile picture

    Thilo Pfau

    Seeking Students
    Quantification of Movement Symmetry in Horses, Foot and Farriery/Hoofcare, Highspeed Locomotion in Horses, Novel Techniques for Quantifying "Real Life" Movement
  3. Dr. Marc Poulin

    Dr. Marc J. Poulin

    Accepting Inquiries
    human physiology, healthy brain aging and dementia, sleep, intermittent hypoxia & high altitude, industrial physiology
  4. Raylene Reimer De Bruyn

    Raylene Reimer De Bruyn

    Accepting Inquiries
    Nutrition, chronic disease and gut microbiota
  5. Janet Ronsky

    Janet Ronsky

    Accepting Inquiries
    Musculoskeletal biomechanics
  6. Jane Shearer

    Jane Shearer

    Accepting Inquiries
    Laboratory Mission Statement, Impact of Diet on Neurological Disorders, Mitochondrial Regualtion and Flux, Energy Drinks, Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
  7. Photo of Dr. Zwicker

    Jennifer Zwicker

    Seeking Students
    Health and social policy

Admission requirements


GPA

A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

Minimum education

A four-year undergraduate degree and completion of a thesis based masters degree.

Work samples

None

Documents

Written confirmation of external funding in accordance with policies of the Faculty of Kinesiology Graduate Program

Reference letters

Two

Test scores

None


English language proficiency (ELP)

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

Deadlines

For admission on May 1:

  • Canadians and permanent residents: Mar. 1 application deadline
  • International students: Mar. 1 application deadline

For admission on July 1:

  • Canadians and permanent residents: May 1 application deadline
  • International students: May 1 application deadline

For admission on September 1:

  • Canadians and permanent residents: Jul. 1 application deadline
  • International students: Jul. 1 application deadline

For admission on January 1:

  • Canadians and permanent residents: Nov. 1 application deadline
  • International students: Nov. 1 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Learn more about this program

Kinesiology graduate program

Kinesiology B, Room 139B
2500 University Drive N.W.
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.5183

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit their website

 

Faculty of Kinesiology

University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit their website

Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour