Program Questions
The EdD and the PhD are two different degrees offered at UNCG. The EdD in KIN takes a more interdisciplinary approach toward the degree versus the PhD; meaning students will take a broader base of coursework designed to assist them with exploring and potentially solving issues related to professional practice in the field of kinesiology. For example, a person who is a sport and exercise psychologist would not take all SEP type courses in the EdD program but instead would take courses related to leadership, teaching and advocacy that can be applied in their own specialty area. Practical application is an emphasis of this program.
Our EdD students will have research training and complete an individual dissertation but the research is not the driving force behind the degree like it is in the PhD. Someone with our degree can go onto to higher education teaching positions, but if the individual’s main goal is to have research as their primary responsibility, this may not be the best option for them.
More information on the differences between an EdD and a PhD from the Carnegie Program on the Educational Doctorate (CPED) can be found here: CPED website that includes a consortium of over 80 colleges and schools of education, working together to strengthen and advance the professional practice doctorate (EdD). Additionally, you can go directly to the CPED website for a wealth of resources about the EdD and Scholarly Practitioners.
—“The professional doctorate in education prepares educators for the application of appropriate and specific practices, the generation of new knowledge, and for the stewardship of the profession (CPED, 2007).”
You can see a sample plan of study here on page 1.
We have students who have physical activity and leadership as their main profession, as well as students for whom physical activity is part of their job and something that they are passionate about and want to expand upon.
Current students are a diverse group of professionals that include university faculty and administrators, wellness directors, public school teachers, sport medicine directors/clinic owners, coaches and athletic trainers, health promotion managers, physical therapists, and sport psychology consultants, etc.
- Assistant Professor in Department of Health, Kinesiology and Sport at South Alabama University
- Assistant Professor in Health and Physical Education in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University
- Supervisor of Integrated Care Management and Lecturer in the Department of Social Work at North Carolina State University
- Dean of Transfer, Business, and Social Sciences at Wytheville Community College
- Assistant Professor of Athletic Training and Director of Clinical Education at Moravian College
- Health Manager with Health Fitness (Duke University site)
- Hyman Performance Program Coordinator at the U.S. Army JFK Special Warfare Center and School
- Program and Operations Director of the Timpany Center at San Jose State University” from EdD paper brochure
The program is asynchronous. There are deadlines for assignments in each course, however regularly scheduled common class meeting times are not required to complete coursework. The exception might be for group work, which may require smaller groups of students to find common meeting times using a variety of distance communication tools, like Google Hangout. Students begin and end courses on a semester schedule and go through the program as a cohort.
Students have access (via video) to the UNCG Kinesiology Department monthly Colloquium as well as other professional development opportunities that are presented on campus. Students also have professional development sessions specifically designed for the EdD program needs each semester. Students are also able to utilize UNCG’s career & professional development office.
- Preparing Future Professionals: https://grs.uncg.edu/enrolled/pfl/#1555090698002-fef515be-cda5
- Launch UNCG: https://launch.uncg.edu/
- Library tutorials and webinars: https://uncg.libguides.com/libtutorials
The impact of youth adapted sport on physical activity of adults with disabilities
Transitions in university learning environments: moving towards a kinesthetic model
Promotion of mental health referral efficacy in college athletic trainers
Relationships among perceived stress, burnout, and physical activity in social workers
Creating a culturally responsive online personal health course
Classes are simultaneous. Students have 2 classes per semester each semester, including summer and follow the same academic calendar as the rest of the UNCG campus. The UNCG course calendar can be found here.
We do not currently have an online Masters program. We do have a number of traditional on-campus Masters programs in Kinesiology. Information about those programs can be found here.
From the beginning, students are assigned to an advisor, someone that can serve as a mentor to them throughout the program. The students will also be able to connect and learn from other members in their dissertation committee and other faculty as well. We are very flexible when it comes to giving students the mentorship they need, even if it means making changes to their committee. Sometimes a students’ dissertation topic or research idea may shift some, but our students will always have support in our program. We make sure to help them find additional advisors should they need them if their topic does shift.
We pride ourselves in creating opportunities where students can engage with faculty, such as the graduate colloquiums, in-person visits, and more. Community is a pillar in our program and making sure that students feel comfortable coming to faculty with questions or for advice is one of our priorities.
Application Questions
Applications will be accepted through April. The admissions review process begins January 15, and continues through April or until all spots for the upcoming year are filled.
Application information can be found here.
GREs are not required for admission. However, you can submit your scores if you want.
Yes, you need to have a Master’s degree and 3 years of work experience in the field prior to admittance into the EdD program. The only exception for students without a master’s degree is if they already hold a doctorate ((e.g., Doctorate of Physical Therapy [DPT]).
All states are approved for the program. UNCG changed Authorized Provider agreements with states to ensure this.
In order for your application to stand out, the first question that you need to ask yourself is: what are my goals and how do I see the program helping me achieve them? If you can speak about how you plan to do those things in our program and how our program will help you meet your specific research and professional goals, then you are off to a great start. We strive to make sure that the interests of the student is something we can definitely support.
Addressing what you can bring to the program from a professional standpoint is very important as well. Applicants that can demonstrate the mutual benefit of accepting you into the program are the ones that will stand out.
We require applicants to have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in Kinesiology or related fields to be accepted into the program. This includes professionals who are physical education teachers in primary/secondary public schools, coaches and physical education instructors in higher education, physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic trainers and fitness professionals, strength and conditioning professionals, sport and exercise psychologists, coaches of professional group sports teams, and so much more. Any type of assistantship work that occurred during a master’s program does not count for this requirement.
If you are not sure that your past professional experience fits with our program, please email us at eddkin@uncg.edu.
After Admission Questions
For the orientation, students will be on-campus for three days. Students will 1) get a chance to get to know each other with course faculty and staff, and university leadership, 2) talk about their practices in the field of kinesiology from an educational standpoint, and 3) engage with the learning technologies that we use in the program.
For the proposal, students will come to campus and present their dissertation proposals, and these presentations are spread out over several days so that students get maximum time to receive feedback and meet with their faculty mentors, various experts and consultants.
After the dissertation defense online, students will be on campus to hold their own poster presentations and engage in multiple panels. They can give and get feedback, talk in-depth with faculty mentors, and also host their own five-minute Q&As.
Orientation is required for all admitted students prior to beginning the program. If you are admitted and then cannot attend the orientation for any reason, you will have to defer enrollment until the following year after you have attended the next summer’s orientation. Orientation dates: Orientation dates: June 7th-9th, 2021 – Virtual
Canvas is the main learning management platform that we use at UNCG. Students will have various types of learning resources and experiences (e.g. readings, video, discussion) through Canvas. We also use Google Suite, UNCG YouTube, and Zoom for effective communication in group works.
Visit UNCG’s Information Technology service web page or reach out to 6 tech online service portal at 6tech@uncg.edu or call 336.256.8324.
No, this is only a requirement for students who are physically on the UNCG campus. To read more about immunization requirements click here and read bullet point #4.
Students registered in On-line/Distance “Programs” are not eligible for the Student Health Insurance Plan though Student Blue. Being “not eligible” means students are not charged for the Student Insurance premium and not required to submit proof of outside health coverage. IF, students notice that they have been charged for the premium on their student account, they should immediately contact their Graduate department or the Student Insurance department on their campus, (slqueen@uncg.edu or 336-334-5759)..
If students are charged for the insurance premium and do not follow-up with the appropriate departments prior to the posted “Waiver” deadlines, the premium may remain on the student account and be the responsibility of the student to pay.
Yes. Our students are all working professionals and our program is designed with this in mind. Will you be busy? Yes. But with good time management skills, it is very doable. We would be happy to have you talk with some of our current students to learn how they have been able to balance their responsibilities.
Yes. The requirements of the practical experience are developed around you being a working professional.
For more information, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Pam Brown, at eddkin@uncg.edu.
