College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Kinesiology (Ph.D.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Kinesiology (Ph.D.)
Elevate Human Performance — Earn Your Ph.D. in Kinesiology
Push the boundaries of human movement science through NMSU’s Ph.D. in Kinesiology, a research-intensive doctoral program designed for aspiring leaders in exercise physiology, biomechanics, sport psychology, aging, motor behavior, and more.
Admission Deadlines
March 1 for fall admittance.
- Total credits: 60
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
With a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from NMSU, you’ll be positioned to lead in academia, research, healthcare, and applied practice. Launch as a university professor or researcher, advancing knowledge in human movement science. Or take your expertise to clinical and industry settings as a biomechanist, exercise physiologist, motor behavior specialist, or sport performance consultant. Equipped with deep methodological skills and discipline-specific insight, you'll be prepared to shape innovation in public health, athletics, aging, injury prevention, and beyond.
- University professor or academic researcher
- Director of human performance or exercise science programs
- Biomechanics or exercise physiology research scientist
- Sports scientist or performance analyst
- Clinical research coordinator in health or rehabilitation sciences
- Director of health promotion or wellness programs
- Consultant for sports teams or athletic organizations
- Corporate health and fitness director
- Rehabilitation or motor control researcher
- Government or private sector health policy advisor
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology? Fill out our inquiry form.
Lead the Science of Movement
Built around a robust curriculum, the program requires 36 credit hours of advanced coursework — including kinesiology foundations and rigorous training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods — as well as 24 dissertation credits for a total of at least 60 post-master’s credits.
You’ll complete milestone-driven exams — qualifying, comprehensive, and dissertation defense — to guide your academic progression. Prepare for impactful research, teaching, and leadership roles fueled by cutting-edge methods and mentorship.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
Cutting-edge research facilities
Our department features a suite of cutting-edge facilities providing an unparalleled, hands-on research environment.
The Ph.D. in Kinesiology requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of formal coursework (beyond a masters degree) and an expected 24 credit hours of research and dissertation work. In addition to the coursework all students must pass a qualifying examination and a comprehensive examination prior to starting their dissertation work.
Take classes like:
- SPMD 5350 - Principles of Strength and Conditioning
- SPMD 5510 - Psychology of Sport
- SPMD 6310 - The Social Construction of the Body
- SPMD 6410 - Cardiovascular Physiology
Application Deadlines
March 1 for fall admittance
Application Requirements
- Completed a Master’s degree prior to starting course work at NMSU.
- Cumulative G.P.A 3.0 between all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- GRE test results must be submitted but no minimum score is required
- A letter of support from a potential advisor in the program.
- 3 letters of recommendation
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.