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School of Education - George Mason University

The PhD in Education Program is individualized, interdisciplinary, and experiential. The specific coursework in the kinesiology (KINE) concentration prepares graduates for careers in research and teaching at universities as well as for careers in industry. A secondary specialization in kinesiology is available as well.

Have questions? Attend an information session or contact the specialization representative, Oladipo Eddo.

About the Specialization

The Kinesiology Concentration provides students with a deep understanding of core-content areas in kinesiology and emphasizes an evidence-based approach to address current issues related to physical activity, fitness, and health. Students in this concentration will have access to our internationally renowned researchers and state-of-the-art research laboratories while engaging in meaningful research.

 What Will You Learn?

 The concentration features coursework and applied internships that enable you to learn:

  • Theoretical knowledge and gain the practical tools necessary for advanced inquiry into the biomechanical and physiological factors affecting the human body across the lifespan
  • Specialized knowledge in instrumentation related to your specific area of interest
  • Analyze, interpret, and generate results from data acquired using various instruments that assess human movement and performance

Our Graduates

Lauren Biscardi, PhD 2022 

  • Dissertation Title: The Role of Self-Efficacy, Effort, and Achievement Goal Orientation on Strength Training Performance in Division 1 Track and Field Athletes  
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Debra Stroiney 
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor, Barton College 

Susannah Taylor, PhD 2022 

  • Dissertation Title: Influential Factors Associated with Physical Activity Levels of College Students 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Joel Martin 

Matthew Prebble, PhD 2022 

  • Dissertation Title: Using Computational Modeling to Estimate Changes in Joint Reaction Forces in the Knee of Symptomatic Osteoarthritis Participants Using a Gait Retraining 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Oladipo Eddo 
  • Employment on Graduation: Research Scientist, The Center for Naval Analyses 

Bryndan Lindsey, PhD 2021 

  • Dissertation Title: Gait Modification to Reduce Peak Knee Abduction Moment  
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Nelson Cortes  
  • Employment on Graduation: Post Doc, John Hopkins University 

Jessica Pope, PhD 2021 

  • Dissertation Title: A Participatory Exploration of Women Athletic Trainers’ Experiences in the Workplace 
  • Dissertation Chairs: Dr. Meagan Call-Cummings & Dr. Risto Marttinen 
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor in the College of Public Health, George Mason University 

Patricia Kelshaw, PhD 2020 

  • Dissertation Title: Refining the Clinical Usefulness of the Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5th Edition 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Shane Caswell 
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor, University of New Hampshire 

Oladipo Eddo, PhD 2019 

  • Dissertation Title: Gait Modification to Reduce Lower Extremity Joint Load: A Review and Investigation into Unintended Consequences 
  • Dissertation Chair: Dr. Nelson Cortes 
  • Employment on Graduation: Assistant Professor, George Mason University 

Details

Each student in the PhD in Education Program is mentored by faculty in the development of their own personalized program of study that fosters their ability to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of significant theories, developments, and practices in one's chosen area of study
  • Understand, utilize, and interpret basic principles, ethical practice, and methodologies of educational research design and data analysis
  • Effectively communicate both orally and in writing to a variety of professional audiences

Supported professional experiences and internships beyond required coursework support mastery of these competencies, including:

  • Attending and/or presenting your scholarly work at professional conferences to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners
  • University teaching and/or co-teaching experiences in professional areas of expertise
  • Supervising pre-service teachers
  • Writing, editing, and reviewing for scholarly journals
  • Research apprenticeships and assistantships
  • Supported independent research in an area of professional interest
  • Internships unique to the individual’s area of study
  • Building a professional portfolio

The PhD in Education is awarded after the successful completion of:

  • Coursework
  • A comprehensive portfolio assessment
  • A written dissertation
  • An oral dissertation defense

Why This Program?

Are you ready to expand your impact in the field of education?

A PhD in Education from GMU can help you reach that goal! Our accomplished faculty can help you leverage your existing expertise in the field of education and deepen your toolkit of professional knowledge and skills that will take your career to the next level of influence. 
 
Our graduates have attained consequential professional positions such as:

  • Academic faculty at post-secondary institutions
  • Leadership and research positions in federal and state government, post-secondary institutions, research organizations, and non-government agencies
  • Analysts and consultants with private companies, political advocacy groups, education or research think tanks, and professional associations
  • School, district, and statewide leadership positions in major preK-12 school districts, technical assistance centers, and other informal educational agencies
  • Curriculum and instructional materials developers

Our flexible student-centered program structure allows each student to design a personalized, interdisciplinary program of study that helps them to become outstanding educational researchers, practitioners, and leaders in their respective fields. Our faculty have strengths in:

Theoretical & Applied Research

  • Choose from a wide range of advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods coursework options
  • Have the opportunity to gain research experience on projects funded by federal agencies, including the Institute for Education Sciences and the National Science Foundation 

Advanced Teacher Preparation

  • Choose from a wide range of teaching and teacher preparation coursework and internship options, including opportunities to co-teach university courses with faculty and supervise teacher internships
  • Receive advanced training in online teaching and learning

Education Leadership & Policy

  • Choose from a wide range of coursework and internship opportunities in leadership and policy fields, both national and international
  • Have unique opportunities for experiential learning due to proximity to Washington DC and several of the largest school systems in the country

Movement & Sport Sciences

  • Choose an intensive Kinesiology program with opportunities for experiential learning in state-of-the-art movement labs.
  • Or, create a custom program of study in fields related to movement and sport sciences, including teaching in physical education and sport management

How Can I Learn More?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions and Answer Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Attend an Information Session

The PhD in Education Program periodically conducts information sessions to acquaint applicants with our program and the admissions process. Information sessions include an overview of the PhD in Education Program followed by breakout sessions with faculty who can answer questions about professional specialization areas. Scheduled sessions are listed at the top of this page.