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As our population ages and physical activity declines, there is a critical need for advanced researchers who can investigate and understand physical activity, sport, exercise, health and physical education.
Our PhD in Kinesiology provides a highly integrated approach to scholarship, so you can follow your research passion and become an expert in the field. You’ll collaborate with faculty mentors as you conduct leading-edge research in one of our core research areas.
When you complete this program, you’ll be able to engage in research and take part in the vital conversation about our nation’s health.

The PhD in Kinesiology is research intensive and, as such, course requirements in most areas are minimal. The minimum requirements are as follows:
Our program has four core research strengths:
"I had a wonderful network of supporters including my supervisor and other faculty mentors and staff members who were truly committed to providing meaningful training opportunities for the students."
Jeemin Kim (PhD '19), assistant professor, Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University
Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.
After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).
Please note, the application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks. To avoid disappointment, apply early.
An application for admission to our PhD program in Kinesiology must include:
Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS.
Questions? Contact kingrad@wlu.ca.
"This program undoubtedly increased my critical thinking skills, sharpened my scientific writing, and helped me navigate stressful situations with patience and respect towards peers. This program facilitated the transition into a postdoctoral appointment at Laurier and current industry research collaborations."
Kelly Robb (PhD '21), postdoctoral researcher, Wilfrid Laurier University
Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.
Laurier welcomes international applicants to all of our doctoral programs. International students who have confirmed funding from a third-party, such as their employer or a scholarship program in their home country, will be considered for admission. Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants.

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace.
Learn about the interests and ongoing research of our faculty members. If their research interests you, email the professor directly to set up a meeting. Include information about yourself, your skills, your experience, and why you’re interested in their research.
Stephanie Beni
Assitant Professor
Pam Bryden
Professor
Michael Cinelli
Professor
Kimberley Dawson
Professor
Tim Elcombe
Professor
Mark Eys
Professor
Laurier Research Chair, Group Dynamics and Physical Activity
Paula Fletcher
Professor
Associate Dean: Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Diane Gregory
Associate Professor
Alanna Harman
Associate Professor
Tom J. Hazell
Professor
Graduate Coordinator
Jayne Kalmar
Professor
Renée S. MacPhee
Associate Professor
Phil Medeiros
Assistant Professor
Undergraduate Officer
Stephen Perry
Professor
Jennifer Robertson-Wilson
Associate Professor
Margaret Schneider
Associate Professor
Jill Tracey
Associate Professor
Stephen Wenn
Professor