An online doctorate degree in kinesiology can help you shift into higher education or leadership roles, supporting your career growth by qualifying you for advanced roles. It’s designed for practitioners ready to move forward, teaching you to design educational experiences and develop teaching strategies that shape the next generation of professionals.
Kinesiology studies the mechanics of body movements. It’s an area close to physical therapy but focuses more on research than clinical practice. The paths that might lead you to a doctorate in kinesiology are varied, including athletic training, corporate wellness, fitness instruction, occupational therapy and more. If you’re interested in a doctoral degree, you’ve likely held one of these roles, and now you’re ready for the next step: leadership.
What’s the difference between a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree in kinesiology?
Undergraduate or bachelor’s kinesiology programs are focused on foundational knowledge in exercise science, wellness, strength and conditioning, athletic training, occupational therapy and physical therapy. You’ll be exposed to practices and technologies used in fields that rely on kinesiology, and you’ll graduate with the ability to make recommendations and assessments related to wellness and fitness.
Graduate or master’s kinesiology programs take it a step farther, teaching you to conduct your own research and gain hands-on experience in a practicum. You graduate from with a master’s degree with advanced skills for practice. You could use your master’s to conduct research, provide personal training, or start a teaching career as a college professor.
A doctoral degree in kinesiology is less focused on hands-on practice and is instead dedicated to developing your skills for leadership. The online Doctor of Applied Science in Kinesiology offered through ODUGlobal builds on the applied skills you’ve learned through education and practice and prepares you for faculty roles or leadership positions in healthcare, education and human performance.
Is a doctorate in kinesiology right for you?
Any doctoral program is a significant investment, requiring years of study that form you into an expert on your subject matter. It’s the highest level of education you can earn, unlocking access to qualifications needed to advance as a faculty member or administrator, work as a researcher, or pursue leadership in other kinesiology career paths.
Old Dominion University’s doctorate in kinesiology is a Doctor of Applied Science degree, meaning it’s focused on field application and solving real-world problems. This kinesiology program, which can be completed is as little as two-and-a-half years, is designed for practitioners with a related master's degree or a clinical doctorate, preparing you to teach in a higher education setting and qualify for leadership roles. If your goal is to teach kinesiology at all levels and work your way into administration roles with leadership responsibilities, a doctorate may be a worthwhile investment for your future.
What will you learn in a Doctor of Applied Science in Kinesiology program?
A doctoral kinesiology program adds to your expertise by fine-tuning your skills in strategic communication, pedagogical practices and managing organizational change. ODU’s program uses a capstone project aligned with your goals rather than a dissertation, providing hands-on learning experiences that can help you launch the next phase of your career.
Your doctoral courses will help you:
- apply descriptive and inferential statistical methods to various kinds of data and interpret the results
- write and refine research questions and choose the best mixed or multi-method design for kinesiology research
- communicate effectively with different audiences through written and verbal interaction, including the use of social media
- design and evaluate educational experiences that foster successful student outcomes, including program evaluation in the context of health professions education
- develop effective teaching strategies illustrating best practices in establishing ideal learning environments
The ODUGlobal Difference
Earning the highest degree in your fieldis no small endeavor, but through ODUGlobal, you’ll find the support and flexibility you need to fit education into your life, from family to work and military service. While you learn to shape the next generation of health professionals, you’ll have access to comprehensive virtual support, including counseling, health coaching, military student assistance, technical support and career development. We’re with you from start to finish as you take your next steps forward.
