Metadata
Title
Kinesiology
Category
graduate
UUID
86afb534e8fa42608c5ac2e7e07afa57
Source URL
https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore...
Parent URL
https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore...
Crawl Time
2026-03-24T03:38:15+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown
# Kinesiology

**Source**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore-programs/kinesiology-phd
**Parent**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/discover-opportunities/explore-programs/anthropology-ma-thesis

Doctor of philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

[Start your application](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply)

## 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 include integrative and clinical exercise physiology, fitness testing, training strategies, nutrition, sport psychology.
- **Capstone:** A self-directed project where students apply advanced knowledge to address a practical challenge in exercise science.
- **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 Medicine
- [Wearable technology Interdisciplinary Specialization](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/WTECINTSPC)

### Outcomes

Exercise Physiologist, Coach, Kinesiologist, teacher, Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise specialist, Access to a variety of healthcare programs (eg. Medicine, Nursing, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Athletic Therapy).

**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.

### Courses

Three courses

[Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/KNESPHD)

### 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,](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/uofcregs/tuitionandfeesoverview/grad) and for information on [awards and financial assistance](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/uofcregs/studfinsupport/awardsgrad).

## 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.

[Take the Kinesiology Virtual Tour](https://virtualtour.grad.ucalgary.ca/ucalgary/kinesiology-complex)

---

## Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.\
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. [Contact the program](https://kinesiology.ucalgary.ca/research/faculty-members) for more information.

---

1. [William Bridel](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/william-bridel)

   Unavailable

   Socio-Cultural Studies of Sport, Physical Activity, and the Body
2. [S. Nicole Culos-Reed](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/s-nicole-culos-reed)

   Unavailable

   Exercise and Cancer Survivorship
3. [Dr. Patricia (Tish) Doyle-Baker](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/patricia-doyle-baker)

   Unavailable

   Menstrual Health Biomarkers and Biosensors; Sport Science; Female Athletes
4. [Brittany Edgett](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/brittany-edgett)

   Accepting Inquiries

   Exercise Physiology, Energy Metabolism, Erythropoiesis, Sex Differences
5. [W. Brent Edwards](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/w-brent-edwards)

   Accepting Inquiries

   Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
6. [Carolyn Emery](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/carolyn-emery)

   Accepting Inquiries

   Injury Epidemiology, Injury Prevention, Concussion, Pediatric Rehabilitation
7. [Leigh Gabel](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/leigh-gabel)

   Accepting Inquiries

   Growth and Development
8. [Walter Herzog](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/walter-herzog)

   Accepting Inquiries

   Neuro-Biomechanics, Biomechanics
9. [Matt Jordan](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/matt-jordan)

   Unavailable

   Exercise Physiology, Neuromuscular Control, Resistance Training, Sport Injury, Sport Performance
10. [Sarah Kenny](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/supervisor/sarah-kenny)

    Unavailable

    Dancers as Artistic Athletes, Benefits of Dance for General Population

---

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## 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 different ways. For accepted criteria, please refer to the program “Admissions” tab in the [Academic Calendar](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/programs/KNESPHD).

*\*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements.*

#### 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](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/international-students)

## Are you ready to apply?

[Application process](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply)

## 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](mailto:knesgrad@ucalgary.ca)

[Visit their website](https://kinesiology.ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduates)

### Faculty of Kinesiology

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

[Visit their website](https://kinesiology.ucalgary.ca/)

Learn more about UCalgary by taking a
[virtual tour](https://virtualtour.grad.ucalgary.ca/)

## Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

#### [Kinesiology](#collapse335303324)

[Course-based MKin](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/kinesiology-mkin-course)

[Thesis-based MSc](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/kinesiology-msc-thesis)

[Thesis-based PhD](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/kinesiology-phd)

#### [Biomedical Engineering](#collapse1237168970)

[Thesis-based MEng](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/biomedical-engineering-meng-thesis)

[Thesis-based MSc](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/biomedical-engineering-msc-thesis)

[PhD](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/biomedical-engineering-phd)

#### [Community Health Sciences](#collapse538549190)

[Thesis-based MSc](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/community-health-sciences-msc-thesis)

[Thesis-based PhD](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/community-health-sciences-phd)

#### [Community Medicine](#collapse2127746922)

[Course-based MCM](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/community-medicine-mcm-course)

#### [Disability and Community Studies](#collapse1434454315)

[Course-based MDCS](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/disability-and-community-studies-mdcs-course)

#### [Medical Science](#collapse705837889)

[Thesis-based MSc](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/medical-science-msc-thesis)

[PhD](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/medical-science-phd)

#### [Psychology](#collapse369938218)

[Thesis-based MSc](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/psychology-msc-thesis)

[PhD](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/psychology-phd)

## Curious about the University of Calgary?

Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.

[Learn More about student life at UCalgary](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/student-life)