Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology
The Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is a full-time program that prepares researchers in the areas of Movement Sciences and Kinesiology for research-intensive positions at Research I Universities and Academic Medical Centers. Study is directed toward preparing the current and the next generation of researchers in the study of movement. Graduates assume professorial and full-time researcher roles in research-intensive universities and academic medical centers.
The Ph.D. program is a research-intensive degree, and students are expected to engage in full time study, which includes a series of approximately 3 successively independent research projects or the equivalent (such as a large intervention or multi-year study) during their program. Preliminary studies may be published prior to graduation, but the final study may be published only after the awarding of the degree. Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy are expected to have high quality research experience in movement and exercise sciences, including a written document such as a Master’s Thesis or research article as the primary author prior to admission to the program. Students without prior research experience should apply to the Ed.D. Program.
Research may be completed in the research laboratories at Teachers College. Work may also be completed in an outside clinical/research setting if the work is done under the direct and primary supervision of a full-time faculty member in Movement Sciences. All Ph.D. students are expected to write grants to provide funding for their research under the mentorship of their primary advisor.
We offer three areas of concentration with the Ph.D.:
- Applied Exercise Physiology
- Motor Learning & Control
- Physical Education (The Physical Education program is not taking students for the 2023-2024 school year.)
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Doctor of Philosophy
- Points/Credits: 75
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | December 1, 2026 | December 1, 2026 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Master's degree required | |
| Academic Writing Sample |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact BBSadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
For more information about special application requirements, program description and degree program requirements for the Ph.D. program in Kinesiology, contact Professor Gordon at msnsprogram@tc.edu.
Students in the Applied Physiology concentration can expect to complete at least the minimum course requirements outlined for the Ed.D. degree as part of their individually program designed in consultation with their primary faculty sponsor (advisor).
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2026-2027)
View catalog information for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 terms.