Exercise Science and Nutrition
This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ndsu.edu.
Program Description
The Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (HNES) offers a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) program in Exercise Science and Nutrition. Exercise Science and Nutrition are traditionally separate disciplines that strive to improve human health or human performance. Combined, the two form a strong and natural approach to improve well-being. Exercise Science and Nutrition includes the study of energy systems, nutrient intake, behavior motivation, and the physiology and mechanics of movement. Faculty are scholars in community nutrition, nutrition across the lifespan, clinical nutrition, exercise science, biomechanics, and physical activity and health.
Program Objectives
The purpose of the PhD program is to train doctoral students in Exercise Science and Nutrition for future careers in industry and academia. The program requires coursework and scholarly activities that will produce professionals with strong skills in research, teaching, grant writing, and service who will be competitive and productive in their careers. These professionals will have a strong understanding of both Exercise Science and Nutrition that will enable them to assume positions of leadership in research and teaching in community, government, university or other professional agencies and organizations.
Professional Knowledge. Students understand disciplinary content knowledge and apply such knowledge in the field of exercise science and/or nutrition.
Scientific Inquiry and Research Skills. Students understand modes of scientific inquiry and develop research skills to answer questions in the disciplines of exercise and/or nutrition.
Professionalism. Students gain leadership experiences and obtain career-oriented credential(s) in exercise science and/or nutrition.
Career Opportunities
A PhD in Exercise Science and Nutrition offers a wide array of career opportunities. Graduates of the program can expect to work for governmental and human service agencies, for-profit and not-for-profit research organizations, as well as in university-level education and research positions. A unique and attractive aspect to this degree is that it can prepare students to work in either nutrition or exercise science academic units upon graduation. Graduates of this program are equipped to meet the needs of changing regional, national, and global populations as related to their health and well-being.
Admission Requirements
Of the qualified PhD applicants we receive, we expect to admit up to five students per year, based on the capacity of our current faculty. In addition to the core faculty members in HNES who will advise students and participate in this program, there are faculty inside and outside of the department whose research interests mesh well with the program.
Applicants with a Master’s degree:
- Completion of a Master's degree from an accredited university in a field closely related to Nutrition, Health, Dietetics, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science.
- Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.00 or higher.
- GRE exam scores in the upper 50th percentile for the Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing portions are given priority admission.
- At least one graduate course in statistics and one course in research methods, with grades of B or higher in each.
- A completed thesis or research paper.
- Agreement to be advised by current HNES graduate faculty member.
Applicants without an earned Master’s degree:
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a field closely related to Nutrition, Health, Dietetics, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science.
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- GRE exam scores in the upper 50th percentile for the Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing portions are given priority admission.
- At least one statistics course or research methods course with grades of B or higher.
- Agreement to be advised by current HNES graduate faculty member.
Financial Assistance
Graduate Assistantships are available for up to 20 hours a week based on faculty need and available funding. Assistantships are renewable on a yearly basis dependent upon student performance. Assistantship awards also include full tuition remission regardless of residency. Students are typically provided shared offices, computers, and access to printers, and support staff. Assistantships typically begin the week before fall semester classes and continue through finals week of spring semester. Summer is not included in most assistantship awards.
Students Entering with a Master's Degree
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Core | 12 | |
| Applied Statistics | ||
9 additional credits in statistics and research methodology | ||
| Recommended HNES Core | 9 | |
| Graduate Exercise Physiology | ||
| Nutrition in Wellness | ||
| Scholarly Writing and Presenting in HNES | ||
| Electives (up to 6 credits outside of HNES) | 18 | |
| Physical Activity Epidemiology | ||
| Nutrition, Health and Aging | ||
| Graduate Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise | ||
| Psychological Foundation of Sport & Physical Activity | ||
| Introduction to Research Design and Methods in HNES | ||
| Health Promotion Programming | ||
| Nutrition Education | ||
| Nutrition and Human Performance | ||
| Obesity Across the Lifespan | ||
| Assessment in Nutrition and Exercise Science | ||
| Skeletal Muscle Physiology | ||
| Physiological and Fitness Assessment in Exercise Science | ||
| Exercise Endocrinology | ||
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| Temporary/Trial Topics | ||
| Research Practicum (minimum of 3 credits) | 3-6 | |
| Practicum/Internship | ||
| Teaching Experience (minimum of 3 credits) | 3-6 | |
| Graduate Teaching Experience | ||
| Dissertation (must encompass at least two seperate semesters) | 15 | |
| Doctoral Dissertation | ||
| Total Credits (minimum) | 60 | |
Students Entering with a Bachelor’s Degree
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Research Core | 21 | |
| Applied Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Research Design and Methods in HNES | ||
12 additional credits in statistics and research methodology | ||
| Recommended HNES Core | 9 | |
| Graduate Exercise Physiology | ||
| Nutrition in Wellness | ||
| Scholarly Writing and Presenting in HNES | ||
| Electives (up to 6 credits outside of HNES) | 33 | |
| Physical Activity Epidemiology | ||
| Nutrition, Health and Aging | ||
| Nutrition and Human Performance | ||
| Graduate Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise | ||
| Psychological Foundation of Sport & Physical Activity | ||
| Health Promotion Programming | ||
| Nutrition Education | ||
| Obesity Across the Lifespan | ||
| Assessment in Nutrition and Exercise Science | ||
| Skeletal Muscle Physiology | ||
| Physiological and Fitness Assessment in Exercise Science | ||
| Exercise Endocrinology | ||
| Graduate Seminar | ||
| Temporary/Trial Topics | ||
| Research Practicum (9-12 credits) | 9-12 | |
| Practicum/Internship | ||
| Teaching Experience (3-6 credits) | 3-6 | |
| Graduate Teaching Experience | ||
| Dissertation (must encompass at least two semesters) | 15 | |
| Doctoral Dissertation | ||
| Total Credits (minimum) | 90 | |
Bryan Christensen, Ph.D.
University of Kansas, 2000
Research Interests: Biomechanics, Sports Psychology, Strength and Conditioning
Shannon David, Ph.D.
Ohio University, 2013
Research Interests: Patient-Clinician Relationship, Patient Oriented Outcomes
Joe Deutsch, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2007
Research Interests: Physical Education Teacher Education, Youth Sport Coaching
Marty Douglas, Ph.D.
Michigan State University, 2009
Research Interests: Adapted Physical Activity
Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1994
Research Interests: Nutrition Education, Chronic Disease Prevention, Food Safety/Science
Kyle Hackney, Ph.D, CSCS, CCD.
Syracuse University, 2013
Research Interests: Skeletal Muscle, Sarcopenia, Muscle Inactivity, Ergogenic Aids, Sports Performance
Elizabeth Hilliard, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2018
Research Interests: Breastfeeding Support and Promotion in the Workplace, and Infant and Child Feeding Practices
Jenny Linker, Ph.D.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2011
Research Interests: Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs, Physical Education Teacher Preparation
Ryan McGrath, Ph.D.
University of Idaho, 2015
Research Interests: Frailty and Health, Epidemiology of Aging, Physical Activity and Health for Aging Adults and Persons with Disabilities, Disability Prevention
Yeong Rhee, Ph.D.
Oklahoma State University, 1999
Research Interests: Chronic Disease Prevention, Functional Foods
Sherri Nordstrom Stastny, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2007
Research Interests: Nutrition for Healthy Aging
Bradford N. Strand, Ph.D.
University of New Mexico, 1988
Research Interests: Physical Education Curriculum and Instruction, Fitness Education, Sport Sociology
Donna J. Terbizan, Ph.D.
The Ohio State University, 1982
Research Interests: Exercise Physiology, Fitness, Wellness, Exercise Science, Chronic Disease Change