Health and Kinesiology/Gerontology, PHD

About the Program

The Department of Health and Kinesiology’s mission is to keep people of all ages healthy and moving. From participating in innovative, student-driven research to leading community fitness programs, students will develop a strong understanding of human movement, sports performance and management, exercise and fitness and disease prevention. From undergraduate and graduate degree programs to online certifications, the department will help students take the next giant leap across all stages of their careers.

Graduate students can choose to pursue a Master of Science (MS) and/or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), working with faculty members within five research training areas: athletic training education administration; biomechanics, motor control and motor development; exercise physiology; exercise psychology; and recreation and sport management.

Dual-Title PhD in Gerontology: Students may enroll in the groundbreaking dual-title PhD in gerontology. This degree program combines the disciplinary depth of a traditional PhD with the interdisciplinary breadth of gerontology. Students are admitted through and meet all course requirements in their home department, while taking courses in aging in at least three disciplines and focusing their dissertation on an aging related issue or problem.

Program Website: Health and Kinesiology

Program Website: Gerontology

Program Requirements

90 Credits Required

(30 credits from a Master’s may be applied.)

Concentrations

Optional interdisciplinary concentrations:

• Interdepartmental Nutrition Program
• Interdisciplinary Life Science (PULSe), MS or PHD 
  • Integrated Neuroscience

Geronotology Requirements for Dual Title

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Develop advanced knowledge of human movement, including the physiological, biomechanical, and behavioral principles that inform research and practice in the field.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature, design and conduct ethical and methodologically sound research, and effectively communicate findings to both professional and scholarly audiences.
• Apply evidence-based strategies in areas such as performance enhancement, clinical exercise interventions, and health promotion.
• Cultivate professional competencies including problem-solving, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration to support diverse career paths within academia, clinical settings, industry, and health-related organizations.

GPA Requirements

Students must maintain a sufficient cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 to be retained in the graduate program.

Graduate Programs Disclaimer

• The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
• Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary. 
• Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
• Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
• Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.