PhD in Health and Exercise Science
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Why pursue a Doctorate in Health and Exercise Science?
Public health care systems are currently under great stress thanks to a disproportionate share of funds being allocated to treatments for illness rather than prevention and supportive care. As health care providers try to address the demands of a growing population, people living longer often do so with chronic diseases. Now more than ever, we need health sciences researchers to answer some of the most significant health challenges in our society.
The PhD in Health and Exercise Science offers a stimulating academic environment where you will acquire knowledge in specific areas of health sciences research, including cellular and systems physiology, intervention and rehabilitation, and population health. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty members, you will become part of a cohort that fortifies links between specialized sciences as diverse as athletic therapy, molecular biology, neurology, nutrition and behavioural medicine.
Benefit from unparalleled access to Concordia’s PERFORM Centre and its unique, multiplex facilities. PERFORM provides an exceptional environment for health research that combines a variety of methodologies under one roof. Current researchers can be found conducting motion analysis, cardiopulmonary testing, clinical imaging, biological sample analyses and socioenvironmental diagnoses.
Take advantage of our program’s strong links between fundamental and applied domains. Our researchers have access to a number of university-led research centres, such as the Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics, the Centre for Research in Human Development, and the Centre for Studies in Behavioural Neurobiology, as well as many offsite research units.
Program details
A research MSc in science subjects (e.g., Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physiology, Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Psychology, or Physics) from a recognized university is required to be admitted to the PhD program. Applicant selection is based on a superior academic record at the undergraduate and master's level, an established publication record, a detailed and convincing statement of purpose that clearly describes their academic interest in the program, and strong letters of recommendation. In addition, admission is contingent on the availability of an appropriate faculty member in the Department to serve as supervisor. Before final admission, applicants are required to find a faculty member to supervise their work. Applicants with a BSc Honours and published results are also considered. Those applicants may be required to complete additional courses. Upon recommendation by full-time faculty members of the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, students registered in the MSc in Exercise Science at Concordia University who have completed 12 credits from the MSc program and who have shown themselves to be outstanding through performance in research may apply for permission to proceed directly to doctoral studies without submitting a master's thesis (fast-tracking).
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
- Credits. A fully-qualified candidate entering the program with a master’s degree is required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
- Courses. To graduate, students must meet the following requirements:
6 credits: HEXS 801 Scientific Communication and Pedagogy in Health and Exercise Science (3 credits), HEXS 820 Special Topics in Health and Exercise Science (3 credits).
6 credits chosen from HEXS 810, 811 or 812 Advanced Topics in Health and Exercise Science.
- Comprehensive Exam in Health and Exercise Science. HEXS 850 (6 credits). The examining committee consists of the student’s supervisory committee and is chaired by the Graduate Program Director. The student is evaluated on the basis of the quality of the oral and written presentations and on the responses to the questions from the examining committee.
- Research Proposal in Health and Exercise Science. HEXS 851 (3 credits). Students are required to write a research proposal describing a series of projects leading to the production of new knowledge from hypothesis-driven data acquisition and experimental inquiry. A supervisory committee including the supervisor and three additional faculty members (often the same as the comprehensive examination) with varied expertise related to the thesis topic is formed to guide the student with the production of the proposal. The proposal is presented in written form to the committee, and in oral form to the committee and department.
- Research and Thesis in Health and Exercise Science. HEXS 890 (69 credits). Students are required to write a PhD research thesis, consisting of the production of new research knowledge from hypothesis-driven data acquisition and experimental inquiry. The research project should involve the integration of knowledge from the health sciences.The thesis is examined by a Thesis Examining Committee and is defended orally.
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two letters of reference
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology graduate entrance form
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
Courses offered include:
- Grant writing, Scientific Communication, and Pedagogy in Health and Exercise Science
- Special Topics in Health and Exercise Science
- Advanced Topics in Health and Exercise Science: Physiology Module
- Advanced Topics in Health and Exercise Science: Intervention Module
- Advanced Topics in Health and Exercise Science: Population health Module
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses
Consideration for Entrance Awards is automatically part of the admissions process for all applicants. Graduate students receive a base annual stipend of $20,000 per annum. Funding comes from an arrangement of sources, including principal investigator grants, teaching assistantships, internal awards and prizes, and externals scholarships.
Please also consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
Research-active faculty members have received the highest honours from the Canada and Concordia University Research Chairs Programs. They also publish regularly in some of the highest peer-reviewed journals in physiology or behavioural sciences, including Neurology, the Journal or Neuroscience, the Journal of Physiology, Journal of Pain, PNAS, Chest, Circulation and Lancet Oncology.
Faculty research interests include:
- injury prevention and rehabilitation
- physiological mechanisms of vascular control
- biomechanics of human movement
- cardiorespiratory health and exercise
- movement and balance control in neuromuscular disorders
- sleep physiology and health
- neural coding in normal and pathological brain systems
- nutrition and body composition
- behavioural medicine and chronic illnesses
- clinical and fundamental research on pain
- the immune system and multiple sclerosis
- cancer and exercise physiology
- clinical athletic therapy
Review an inspiring list of thesis topics.
Our alumni are highly sought after by universities for post-doctoral and research fellowships, tenure-track positions, and teaching appointments. Many have found positions in the areas of physiology, kinesiology, psychology, neuroscience, experimental medicine, geography and urban planning.
Graduates are also well-positioned to secure jobs at equipment companies such as TechnoGym, Nautilus and Cybex, as well as at large pharmaceutical companies, including Merck Frosst and GlaxoSmithKline. A number of our alumni also work within the health care sector as health and exercise program developers, technical supervisors, and policymakers.
Contacts
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Geoffrey Dover
Office: SP-165.19
Tel: (514) 848-2424, ext. 3319
geoffrey.dover@concordia.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
Mr. Karl Stamp
Office: SP-165.05
Tel: (514) 848-2424, ext. 3685
karl.stamp@concordia.ca
