Integrated physiology researcher with gloves running an experiment in a piece of lab equipment

Tomorrow Needs You. Are You Ready?

Receive a graduate education from an accredited institution.

Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology PhD Program

Michigan Technological University’s commitment to broad-spectrum research with far-reaching real-world effects makes it the perfect place for aspiring medical researchers to make a difference on a global scale now and what’s next. Are you ready?

Program Overview

With our doctorate in kinesiology and integrative physiology program, we take a systems-level approach to understanding the role of physiology in human health and movement. Our work is conducted across the entire spectrum—fundamental basics at the molecular level, animal- and human-based research, and population studies—to translate research into cardiometabolic health outcomes.

Delivery Options
- On-Campus: PhD

Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology Program Details

Learn more about the kinesiology and integrative physiology program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

PhD Requirements, Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
Pass Qualifying Examination
Pass Research Proposal Examination
Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Degrees	Credits
MS-PhD (minimum)	30 Credits
BS-PhD (minimum)	60 Credits

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the Doctor of Philosophy Requirements website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about kinesiology and integrative physiology at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

"I have had a lot of fun and have grown significantly as a teacher and researcher throughout my time at Michigan Tech."

Kevin Phillips, PhD
Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, MTU

Contact

Graduate Director

William Cooke

Graduate Assistant

Megan Johnson

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your kinesiology and integrative physiology PhD. Sample areas include:

Exercise and Stress Physiology
Neural Control of Circulation
Biomechanics of Human Movement
Muscular Fatigue in Humans

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation
Master's Degree required in related field
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
No GRE required

International Students

TOEFL scores as of January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 4.5
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 85 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Score of 6.5 overall

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 4.5 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decision

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadline

Apply at least a semester in advance of projected admission.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Work With

You’ll work with world-class faculty on research funded by the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, the National Science Foundation, and industry partners. Work in the integrative physiology, human neuromechanics, and cognitive aging labs to conduct research focused on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Where You'll Work

Participate in a collaborative laboratory environment to address issues of cardiometabolic health. We incorporate advanced techniques and technologies to approach the physiology underlying health and disease. Our graduates have gone on to post-doctoral appointments at prestigious medical universities or careers in academia and industry.

Faculty Spotlight

Zhiying (Jenny) Shan

Zhiying (Jenny) Shan
Associate Professor,
Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology

"We look for strategies to correct miscommunication between the brain and peripheral organs involved in the development and maintenance of hypertension."

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and contributes to nearly 1,000 deaths each day in the US. Shan’s research focuses on exploring molecular mechanisms of hypertension and seeking new gene targets in the brain to prevent hypertension.

Program Faculty