Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

The Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences prepares future scholars and industry experts to teach and mentor students, lead research and development, and create knowledge relating to the impacts of exercise/physical activity and nutrition on human health and function. Entering students should have a Master of Science in one of the following areas: exercise science, kinesiology, biomechanics, motor control, nutrition science, or a related discipline.

The program will leverage expertise of program faculty and established collaborations with other programs at MSU to deliver the following doctoral options: 1) exercise nutrition, metabolism, and physiology, and 2) biomechanics and motor control. These applied science options build on the foundational sciences of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, anatomy, physiology, physics, and mathematics. Students in both options can expect to critically analyze research, identify gaps in knowledge, and develop research hypotheses; master scientific writing for both grant proposals and peer reviewed journal articles; develop technical knowledge and laboratory skills to carry out cutting-edge research; and design and deliver college-level courses.

Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences: February 15 application deadline for fall semester start; students start fall semester only.

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Master of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences

The Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences allows students to focus on understanding the determinants of physical activity and energy expenditure, adaptations to exercise that impact human work performance and disease risk, and exercise metabolism and nutrition. Entering graduate students will have completed a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, health enhancement/physical education, pre-physical therapy, or a closely related field with appropriate background course work and/or appropriate practical experience. The program will leverage expertise of program faculty and established collaborations with other programs at MSU to deliver the following doctoral options: 1) exercise physiology and nutrition and 2) sport and coaching sciences. Students in both options can expect to analyze, construct and present scientific research.

The exercise physiology and nutrition option allows students to focus on understanding the determinants of physical activity and energy expenditure, adaptations to exercise that impact human work performance and disease risk, and exercise metabolism and nutrition. A graduate student may earn a verification statement by completing required classes in the MSU dietetics program. The verification statement is needed in order to apply to an accredited dietetic internship.

Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Option: February 15 application deadline for fall semester start; students start fall semester only.

The sport and coaching sciences option is designed to meet the need in advanced coaching and sport science abilities at the local, state, national and international levels. Course work includes knowledge pertinent to coaches of all sports at developmental, competitive, and high performance levels as well as sport administrators in both public and private sectors. Students in this option can expext to analyze, construct and defend scientific research; evaluate human movement with reference to factors associated with musculoskeletal, biomechanical, and motor control; and explain acute and chronic adaptations to human movement.

Sport and Coaching Science Option: May 15 preferential application deadline for fall semester start. October 15 preferential application deadline for spring semester start.

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Application Process

Interested students must apply online to The Graduate School before the listed program deadline. Please note that every applicant who applies for admission to MSU and completes an application will receive a formal decision by The Graduate School, whether or not they have been admitted.

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Application Requirements

A completed Application for Graduate School Admission.
Payment of a non-refundable application fee. The fee must be paid before the application will be processed.
Transcripts. The Graduate School can use unofficial transcripts to review applications; however, official transcripts are required upon being offered admission.
- Official transcripts should be sent to The Graduate School directly from the university the applicant attended, and at minimum, one should have a conferred degree indicated on the transcript while also reflecting all undergraduate and/or post-baccalaureate courses and grades. Applicants who are alumni of MSU do not need to submit their official transcripts from MSU.
An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). Applicants with post-baccalaureate experience must have a graduate GPA of at least 3.00. See Provisional Admission for more information.
Three letters of reference.
A personal statement.
International Applicants must submit additional documents to complete their application including Evidence of English Language Proficiency.

All students admitted to MSU are required to submit immunization records. See the link to Immunizations and to Fees & Holds for more information.

Our Exercise and Nutrition Sciences programs are mentor based. It is strongly recommended that potential applicants view our faculty directory to learn more about the research being conducted and reach out to those they may be interested in working with before submitting an application to The Graduate School.