The Ph.D. in Human Bioenergetics covers all aspects of Health and Exercise Science. While it primarily prepares students for academic and research careers, it is also a pathway to careers outside academia (e.g. public health, research foundations, footwear/equipment, pharmaceutical, or nutrition industries) that require advanced training in research. The program trains professionals in basic and applied research centered around preventing age-related decline in human health and function, understanding the pathophysiology of disease and disability, as well as designing and testing novel countermeasures and maximizing functional performance in first responders, soldiers, and athletes.

Learning Objectives

  1. Refine and demonstrate practical knowledge and skills within the research laboratory and the classroom (leadership, administrative, teaching/communication, and professional attitude) in exercise science through laboratory and teaching experiences.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to disseminate knowledge effectively through writing and verbal communication. Writing skills will focus on abilities to synthesize, integrate, and apply health and exercise science disciplinary knowledge at a professional level.
  3. Demonstrate critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge related to the key concepts, issues, and tools fundamental to health and exercise science.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to design and implement novel scientific experiments.

Learn more about the Ph.D. in Human Bioenergetics on the Department of Health and Exercise Science website.

Effective Fall 2022

Ph.D. course requirements include a minimum of 72 credits for each of three entry routes:

Entry A: For students who have completed the CSU M.S. degree in Health and Exercise Science, up to 30 credits can be applied toward partial fulfillment of the required 72 credits.

Entry B: For students who submit a previously earned Master’s degree from an institution other than CSU, up to 30 credits may be accepted toward partial fulfillment of the required 72 credits. All credits accepted toward partial fulfillment of the requirements below must be approved by the Director of the Health and Exercise Science Graduate Program and the Graduate School.

Entry C: For students who do not submit a Master’s degree in partial fulfillment of the required 72 credits, up to 10 credits earned after the bachelor’s degree maybe accepted for transfer.  Only courses taken at a 500-level or higher will be considered.  All potential credits accepted toward partial fulfillment of the requirements below must be approved by the student’s graduate committee, the Department of Health and Exercise Science, and the Graduate School.

HES 510Bioethics--Concepts and Controversies3
Select 9 credits from the following:9
HES 500
Environmental Exercise Physiology
HES 600
Research Design in Health/Exercise Science
HES 602
Advanced Physiology of Exercise
HES 608
Physical Activity Intervention Development
HES 610
Exercise Bioenergetics
HES 620
The Science of Healthspan
HES 619
Advanced Neural Control of Movement
HES 700
Professional Skills in Bioenergetics
HES 793Bioenergetics Seminar (1 cr seminar, min 4 semesters required) 14
Statistics 26
Directed Electives 338
HES 799Dissertation 312
Program Total Credits:72

A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program.

1

Seminar must be taken for a minimum of 4 credits (4 semesters), but can be taken more than 4 times.

2

Select six credits of statistics with approval of advisor.

3

Select additional dissertation credits and/or 500-level and above elective credits with approval of advisor to bring the program total to a minimum of 72 credits. Depending on entry route into program, up to 30 credits may be accepted as directed electives from previous M.S degree or up to 10 credits earned after a bachelor's degree may be counted towards directed electives.

For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

NOTE:  Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

Forms are available online.

Step Due Date
1. Application for admission (online) Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) When change is made
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website.
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
15. Graduation Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website