Doctor of Philosophy
Movement Science
Gain advanced training that prepares you for leadership and practice in human movement science research and education.
Oakland’s Ph.D. in Human Movement Science equips you to advance education, research and clinical practice in physical therapy, kinesiology, and other movement sciences. A new program that emphasizes innovation, our doctoral human movement science degree trains you to conduct research that expands the knowledge base and meets the growing demand for human movement science educators and researchers. Our Ph.D. in movement science meets the same standards of excellence as Oakland’s other graduate health science programs, and its flexible format (including online course options) lets you earn the human movement science doctorate while you’re working. Whether you’re a veteran practitioner or are in the early stages of your career, our Ph.D. in human movement science offers advanced training that puts you in a leadership position.
Oakland’s Ph.D. in Human Movement Science equips you to advance education, research and clinical practice in physical therapy, kinesiology, and other movement sciences. A new program that emphasizes innovation, our doctoral human movement science degree trains you to conduct research that expands the knowledge base and meets the growing demand for human movement science educators and researchers. Our Ph.D. in movement science meets the same standards of excellence as Oakland’s other graduate health science programs, and its flexible format (including online course options) lets you earn the human movement science doctorate while you’re working. Whether you’re a veteran practitioner or are in the early stages of your career, our Ph.D. in human movement science offers advanced training that puts you in a leadership position.
Ph.D. in Human Movement Science: The Oakland University Advantage
The nation’s aging population has created rising demand for effective movement science treatments and well-trained clinicians. Oakland’s human movement science Ph.D. prepares you to address both of these critical needs. Our health science programs are renowned for their high standards, strong community connections, and spirit of innovation.
The human movement science Ph.D. offers:
- Personalized training. Small and intimate, our human movement science Ph.D. program fosters close relationships between students and faculty. You’ll get one-on-one attention and mentorship that supports your long-term professional and personal growth.
- Cutting-edge facilities. Oakland’s School of Health Sciences offers modern research labs outfitted with state-of-the-art technology in movement analysis and exercise physiology and simulation. Our facilities support human movement science research of the highest caliber.
- Preeminent faculty. You’ll learn from and collaborate with active researchers who are at the forefront of innovation in human movement science. In addition to professional training, our instructors offer career guidance and mentorship to help you achieve your goals.
- Multiple focus areas. The Ph.D. in human movement science offers subject-matter concentrations in public health, oncology rehabilitation, orthopedic manual physical therapy, and education. You also have the option to select elective courses that fit your needs. These options allow you to align the program with your career interests and professional strengths.
- Flexible format. You can earn the human movement science Ph.D. on either a part-time or full-time basis, taking courses on campus and/or online. The program is designed to be compatible with a employment, especially if you’re already in clinical practice.
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Human Movement Science?
The human movement science Ph.D. program gives you the foundation for careers in research, education, and practice leadership. It covers all movement science disciplines, including physical therapy, kinesiology, sports medicine, orthopedic rehabilitation, and pediatric and geriatric care.
Upon graduation, you’ll be qualified for leadership jobs with a wide range of employers, including (but not limited to):
- Universities and colleges
- Research hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Sports medicine centers
- Rehabilitation hospitals
Human Movement Science Ph.D. Curriculum
The Ph.D. in human movement science requires completion of 80 credits of coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree, culminating in a research dissertation.
Coursework includes a 34-credit core, plus a concentration requirement that you can fulfill by completing a graduate certificate, research specialization, or other approved set of related coursework. Areas of concentration include:
- Clinical exercise science
- Corporate and worksite wellness
- Exercise science
- Oncology rehabilitation
- Orthopedic manual physical therapy
- Orthopedics
- Teaching and learning for rehabilitation professionals
If you’ve previously earned a master’s degree from an accredited university, you may be permitted to count up to 32 credits toward the human movement science Ph.D. (or up to 36 credits for a previously earned a Ph.D. in physical therapy or a related field).
Ph.D. in Human Movement Science Resources
Programs Related to the Ph.D. in Human Movement Science
Not sure if the human movement science Ph.D. is right for you? Check out these other graduate programs at Oakland, and contact our admissions team to discuss your options.
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- MS in Exercise Science
- Master of Public Health