Rankings by degree level
Doctoral kinesiology and exercise science programs
A doctoral kinesiology program is a significant commitment best matched to a clear goal: faculty or research work, advanced leadership, or specialized expertise. Delivery flexibility does not remove dissertation, mentorship, or research expectations.
Which doctoral programs are in the verified directory?
How to use this comparison: Start with verified program facts, then use the linked school page to confirm current availability, placement requirements, and tuition before applying.
| School | Program | Best fit | Credits | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | PhD in Kinesiology | The program page states a majority of online courses may be synchronous or asynchronous; confirm the current doctoral tuition rate directly with UND. | 90 credits | Same online rate regardless of residency |
| Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP Global) | PhD or EdD in Kinesiology, Exercise Science emphasis | The school states no GRE/GMAT or comprehensive exam is required. The PhD emphasizes research and academia; the EdD emphasizes applied leadership. | 67 credits (PhD) or 61 credits (EdD) | Rate not stated on the program page |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | EdD in Kinesiology | For practicing professionals with at least 3 years of related experience; focuses on applied scholarship, leadership, advocacy, and teaching. | 48 credits including dissertation | Rate not stated on the program page |
| Liberty University | PhD in Health Sciences, Exercise and Sport Science | The curriculum combines health-sciences core coursework, research and statistics, a dissertation, and an Exercise and Sport Science specialization. Confirm current admissions requirements, including graduate-degree prerequisites, directly with Liberty. | Confirm with the institution | $630 per credit full-time / $695 per credit part-time for 2026–27 |
Which state comparisons are available?
Choose a state to compare programs headquartered there. These pages do not assume that an online program can enroll every resident, so confirm state authorization and placement requirements with the school.
What should you verify before choosing a doctoral program?
- Distinguish a research PhD from an applied or leadership-focused doctorate.
- Ask about dissertation support, research methods expectations, faculty match, and residency requirements.
- Confirm the degree supports your intended academic, professional, or leadership outcome before comparing only format and duration.
How should you use this degree-level comparison?
Use the table to build a shortlist, then compare curriculum and required practical work against the career or credential you intend to pursue. A degree label alone does not establish professional eligibility.
Advisor perspective
A program is a platform, not a guarantee.
The coursework matters, but so do the references, experience, and relationships you build while completing it. Ask each program how students access faculty, applied learning, alumni, and career support.
Where should you go next?
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a kinesiology doctorate be completed online?
Some programs use online delivery, but students should verify synchronous requirements, residencies, research expectations, and dissertation supervision directly with the institution.
Is a doctorate required for clinical practice?
It depends on the profession. A kinesiology doctorate is not a substitute for a separate professional licensure pathway.
What this comparison does not show
These records do not predict admission, graduation, certification eligibility, employment, or individual earnings. Tuition, availability, and requirements change. Confirm details directly with the institution and the relevant credential or licensing body.
Return to the rankings hub, browse the program directory, or review the ranking methodology.