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Kinesiology PhD Program Requirements

Note: University regulations apply to all students at Laurier. If there is any discrepancy between the program or progression requirements outlined on this page and those in the university's academic calendars, the academic calendars are the official sources of information. The information below is from the latest calendar, and you may be following progression requirements from an earlier calendar. Students are responsible for checking the appropriate calendar. Contact your program coordinator should you notice any discrepancies.

For more information, including on admission requirements, see the graduate academic calendar.

Program Requirements

The PhD in Kinesiology is research intensive and, as such, course requirements in most areas are minimal. The minimum requirements are as follows:

  • A total of at least six courses at the graduate level (including both Master’s and PhD)
  • Two courses must be completed while registered in the PhD in Kinesiology program (in addition to KP801 - Seminar in Kinesiology I; KP811 - Seminar in Kinesiology II; KP891: Comprehensive Examination; and KP899: Doctoral Dissertation). These additional courses can be completed through the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education or other departments as deemed necessary.
  • Additional courses at the discretion of the Doctoral Advisory Committee may be required.

Course Requirements

KP801: Seminar in Kinesiology I

Registration for two terms is required (fall/winter).

KP811: Seminar in Kinesiology II

Registration for two terms (fall/winter) is required; however, doctoral students are generally expected to attend the seminar for the duration of their period of study (i.e., until graduation). Periodic exceptions to this general expectation are permitted on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the supervisor and KPE graduate coordinator (GC).

KP891: Comprehensive Examination

The objectives of the examination are to determine whether (a) the proposed program of research (i.e., dissertation) is suitable and of appropriate scope for a PhD in Kinesiology (as approved by the Dissertation Advisory Committee; DAC) and (b) the candidate has the foundational background and intellectual ability to communicate and conduct independent research in their field of study.

KP899: Doctoral Dissertation

An original doctoral dissertation provides the primary evidence of the candidate’s academic competency. The regulations governing the doctoral dissertation from the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies are directly adopted.

Progress Reports

In April of the first year of registration and minimum once a year thereafter, a student is required to complete an annual progress report detailing the achievements of the previous year and the objectives for the next year. Supervisors may also request more frequent progress reports if required. The report must demonstrate satisfactory progress, and must be signed with comments by the supervisor and department’s Graduate Coordinator, and filed with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Failure to submit a satisfactory report may result in the student being required to withdraw from the program.

Typical Progression