Each program requires 36+ credit hours prior to sitting for the qualifying exam, followed by the completion of a dissertation. Determination of a student’s particular course plan is made in consultation with the student and his or her approved advisory committee. The dissertation is guided and ultimately approved by the student’s dissertation committee.

The Exercise Science Core includes 20 hours, and provides the student with a broad understanding of the various disciplines involved in this field. Each student is also required to take a minimum of 7 hours in research/statistic coursework and 3 hours of computer programming or demonstate proficiency in programming. Beyond this minimum of 30 hours, the structure and content of the doctoral program are set by an advisor and committee in consultant with each student. The number of formal courses within each area of specialization may vary.

The Ph.D. program in exercise science uses a mentor-based admission process. What this means is that students are admitted into the program under the direct supervision of a specific faculty member. Other programs may admit students without a faculty mentor, and then allow the students to decide on their primary advisor over a period of time.