Doctor of Philosophy
Our doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree is a rigorous program with an emphasis on creating new knowledge and research leading to a thesis. The Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation PhD program prepares graduates to be independent scholars, inspirational teachers, internationally competitive and highly qualified leaders in their academic and professional careers. This degree prepares graduates to pursue the wide variety of career possibilities in academics, government/policy, health, kinesiology and sport.
Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Faculty
Our professors actively collaborate in relevant interdisciplinary research. This provides PhD candidates with the opportunity to engage in rich avenues of inquiry and to extend their professional and academic relationships beyond the faculty.
As a PhD student you will:
- Engage in high quality, rigorous research related to your area of interest
- Expand your understanding of concepts, theories, and practices in your discipline
- Learn the knowledge base and analytical skills to evaluate and influence programs, policies, issues, and environmental/organizational structures
- Enhance your ability to apply and disseminate new knowledge and practices to colleagues, practitioners, policy makers/analysts, and other professionals
- Gain in-depth training, knowledge and research experience while also benefiting from the program's cross-disciplinary approach and partnerships
- Have the opportunity to participate in a Dual Doctoral Degree Program with Yonsei University, located in South Korea. See the UAlberta-Yonsei Dual Doctoral Degree Program page for more information
PhD Program Requirements:
This is a rigorous research degree and emphasis is on research leading to a thesis, rather than on coursework. Full-time registration is required. Part-time and distance education degrees are not offered at this time. Courses are decided by the supervisor and student in preparation for conducting independent research in an area which will create new knowledge. The choice of course(s) depends on students' previous academic preparation and area(s) of study.
- nine credits per fall/winter term; can be a combination of courses and thesis
- six credits of thesis registration per spring/summer term
- KSR 685 - Doctoral Research Seminar (3 credits) to be completed in year two: mandatory for students admitted 2013 onward
- Ethics and Academic Citizenship Requirement; mandatory for all students
- Professional Development Requirement (8 hours of professional development activities and Individual Development Plan (IDP); mandatory for all students admitted September 2016 and onwards
- All program requirements (coursework, candidacy exam, ethics and professional development requirements), other than the thesis, must be completed within three years of the commencement of a student's program
PhD FAQs
- Who can apply for a PhD degree?
Canadian and international students may apply. You must have a master's degree with thesis in physical education, kinesiology, recreation or an area related to student's specific area of research, and be proficient in English. Detailed admission requirements and how to apply can be found here.
- Do I need to know before I apply who I would like my academic supervisor to be?
Acceptance into the PhD is contingent upon having an academic supervisor. Therefore, it is highly recommended that before you apply you identify and contact a potential academic supervisor from the Faculty's list of Professors.
- How much does the degree cost and is there financial support available?
The following link provides details concerning tuition and fees to complete the PhD. There are numerous possibilities for financial support from the faculty, including funding as a teaching or research assistant or a principal instructor. To learn more about tuition and fees visit here. To learn about the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation's graduate student funding opportunities click here. Additional graduate student funding opportunities are available here.
- How long will it take for me to complete my degree?
On average, a PhD degree takes five to six years to complete with six years being the maximum time for completion.
- Who should I contact if I have further questions?
Contact Graduate Student Programs at KSRgrad.info@ualberta.ca
- Where can I find more information on the UAlberta-Yonsei Dual Doctoral Degree Program?
For more information on the UAlberta-Yonsei Dual Doctoral Degree Program, please visit the UAlberta-Yonsei Dual Doctoral Degree Program section of our website.