PhD in Education

Typical Length 3–4 years

Delivery Campus-Based

The Kinesiology track within the COE College-wide PhD program prepares students to work as leaders in a broad range of career pursuits related to the diverse fields of professional practice in the field of Kinesiology. Areas of program emphasis include athletic training, applied biomechanics, physical activity and adapted physical education.

The Kinesiology track is typically a 3-4 year program culminating in a PhD in Education.

Who should consider this program

Athletic Trainers, Physical Educators and those with a background in biomechanics or exercise physiology who are seeking a career in academia as a faculty member in one of these program areas.

Common careers

Graduates of this program are uniquely qualified to begin careers as faculty members in college and university settings in programs related to these areas of study. Graduates may also pursue careers in hospital or corporate based research facilities in these areas.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have graduated, or will graduate, from a UHM recognized, accredited, master’s degree program prior to beginning the PhD, Education: Kinesiology program.

The GRE is recommended, but not required for admission to this program.

A transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.

A written statement of objectives as part of your application.

Your resumé or CV.

A sample of scholarly writing as part of your application.

Three (3) letters of recommendation

Applicants who are not native English speakers may need to take the TOEFL or IELTS (Academic) tests. For more information view the Graduate Division website.

International students that have been admitted are required to submit a copy of their Identification documents (i.e. Passport or Identification Card)

International applicants need to show proof of sufficient funding to cover all educational and living expenses


How to Apply
Application Deadlines
Starting Semester EARLY DEADLINE LATE DEADLINE
Fall Admission Only February 1 February 1

How to Apply
Tuition & Funding

Students applying to the Kinesiology Track without prior consultation with program faculty may be considered for admittance based on availability of faculty and program resources, need and expertise.
Once admitted to the Kinesiology Track, students must maintain full-time continuous enrollment with the University of Hawaii, Manoa (summer term excluded) throughout their matriculation, unless granted a formal exception from the KRS PhD program coordinator or formal leave of absence from the College of Education. Students who do not maintain full-time continuous enrollment must be formally readmitted to the College of Education PhD program.

Delivery Format

Professional development will be reinforced via coursework, research, clinical/practical experiences, and mentorship experiences related to each student’s intended area of professional practice. The program varies in the number of credit hours required, depending on the candidate’s qualifications, and includes courses required by the college, courses in the track, courses that provide an emphasis/breadth, a field project/internship or an apprenticeship in college teaching, and the dissertation. The majority of coursework requires traditional in-class attendance though some courses may be offered online. An extensive in-person research experience working with the primary advisor is the cornerstone of the PhD research experience.

Coursework

All students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of core classes related to research methods and statistics. Additionally, students must complete a minimum of 12 hours of Kinesiology emphasis and a minimum of 12 hours of additional coursework in consultation with their primary advisor. Nine hours of PhD level seminar, a graduate level teaching experience and research requirements provide culminating experiences within the program.

Advising & Faculty

Prior to applying to the Kinesiology Track, potential students are strongly encouraged to contact program faculty that are practicing and conducting research in their proposed area of emphasis to identify potential advisors, determine availability of openings within the PhD track and discuss a plan of study and research. Faculty may choose to sponsor the application of specific promising students based on position availability. This advising prior to application is particularly necessary for students seeking funding as a graduate assistant. Upon entry, the sponsoring faculty will serve as the primary advisor throughout the program.

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Christopher Stickley

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