About this Program

This area focuses on Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics and prepares graduates for positions as post-doctoral research fellows, university faculty, and/or governmental research officials.

Program Highlights

  • The Applied Kinesiology area prepares graduates for careers as educators and researchers in the areas of exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and health promotion

  • Students in the program work closely with faculty in an immersive and supportive environment to carry out innovative and applied research

  • Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities that are equipped with the latest tools for measuring physiological and biomechanical responses to exercise and other lifestyle behaviors

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Doctor of Philosophy
Concentration
Human Movement Sciences
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

$69,560 Median Salary

Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Biological Scientists, All Other

$80,200 Median Salary

All biological scientists not listed separately.

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

$107,670 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services, and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

$122,890 Median Salary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Applied Kinesiology at ODU?
Students entering the Doctor of Philosophy program in Applied Kinesiology should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.
  • An application to the University. 

  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate courses and degrees completed.

  • Two writing samples.

  • A current copy of your resume or Curriculum Vitae.

  • Three letters of recommendation from professional sources qualified to assess your suitability for study at the doctoral level. One letter of recommendation should be from a graduate advisor or faculty member and one should be from a current or former supervisor.

  • Official GRE scores taken within the last 5 years that indicate a total score of at least 297 (1000 by former scoring standard) for both the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections and a minimum of 4.5 on the analytical writing component. While these scores are recommended, other portions of the total application package will be considered. The Sport and Recreation Management emphasis area will also accept GMAT scores of 470 or higher.

  • Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit current scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 550.

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

Assistantships

Competitive graduate assistantships, with a tuition waiver, are available for select qualified fulltime students.

Dissertation Fellowship

Students may apply for a competitive college-wide dissertation fellowship during the dissertation phase.

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