Doctor of Philosophy
The doctoral degree (Ph.D.) options in Cellular and Behavioral Neurobiology: Exercise Physiology, Exercise Physiology, or Health Promotion are awarded for excellence in research scholarship in combination with successful completion of an approved area of study consisting of coursework within and external to the Department of Health and Exercise Science. It signifies the attainment of independently acquired and comprehensive learning which evidences general professional competence. A doctoral student should spend four to five full academic years beyond the bachelor's degree completing appropriate graduate coursework, successfully completing the General Examination (written and oral), and submitting and successfully defending the results of a dissertation. The total number of hours, combining both formal courses and hours of research, for the doctoral degree is at least 90 post-baccalaureate hours. Departmental requirements will conform to university policies in the following areas: (1) residency requirements; (2) limitations to the number of 3000/4000 level courses that may be applied to the degree; (3) transfer credit; (4) time limitations; (5) General Examination; (6) use of human subjects/animals in research; and (7) completion and defense of the doctoral dissertation.
PhD Degree Options
Cellular and Behavioral Neurobiology: Exercise Physiology
The Cellular and Behavioral Neurobiology graduate program is a campus-wide interdisciplinary program with faculty members in Biology, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Health and Exercise Science, and Psychology. This Ph.D. program emphasizes multidisciplinary research in cellular and behavioral neurobiology with a focus on exercise physiology. In this program, students frequently work with and interact with faculty in a one-on-one nature to develop critical thinking and diverse research skills to become successful neurobiologists.
Ph.D. in Cellular and Behavioral Neurobiology: Exercise Physiology (pdf)
Exercise Physiology
Students in the Exercise Physiology program in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma have the opportunity to investigate a number of different physiological systems. The department has expertise in the areas of cardiorespiratory physiology, neuromuscular physiology, bone metabolism and density, body composition, endocrinology, and metabolism. A wide variety of populations have been studied, including sedentary young subjects, elite athletes, and the very old. Subjects also vary in a wide range of health status and clinical states, including normal healthy individuals, diabetics, people with osteoporosis, pregnancy, muscle wasting, peripheral arterial disease, etc.
Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology (pdf)
Health Promotion
Our faculty bring the most up-to-date advancements in the field of health promotion into the classroom. They are committed to a collegial learning environment that provides opportunities for individualized mentoring of graduate students. Graduate students can choose to take some of their classes in the College of Public Health at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. Graduate students have opportunities to teach and conduct research projects under the direction of the health promotion faculty.
