Researcher with laptop, participant on treadmill

Integrative Physiology PhD Degree Program

If you’re fascinated by health and human physiology and have a passion for fitness, bring your interests together through study with a doctorate of Integrative Physiology.

We take a system-level approach to understand the role of physiology in human health. 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 tangible health outcomes.

What you’ll work on

We have many focus areas and laboratories where you can work with top faculty to do your research. For a more in-depth look at the areas we offer, our research focus page will show you more.

Cardiovascular Physiology

Study how the human central nervous system regulates cardiovascular function, body fluid, and sodium homeostasis. Research in the Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory focuses on hypertension, congestive heart failure, obesity, and diabetes.

Integrative Physiology Research

Deepen your understanding of human cardiovascular disease and orthostatic hypotension by studying sympathetic neural control of circulation. Researchers combine cutting edge technology with innovative techniques.

Molecular Physiology

Focus on the neurogenic mechanisms of hypertension and associated cardiovascular diseases, with emphasis on developing novel targets for disease treatment and management.

Exercise Physiology

Study how the human nervous and musculoskeletal systems interact to give rise to coordinated locomotor movements. Combine applied science and clinical research for a broader understanding.

Human Biomechanics

Understand how the laws of physics act on the human body to influence performance and injury risk with both clinical and occupational applications.

Aging and Cognition Action

Explore the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in both healthy aging and dementia. A multidisciplinary approach to research uses methods found in cognitive science, movement science, and neuroscience.

Tissue Interfaces Research

Concentrate on understanding how the transient signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) can mediate and control physiological response in both normal and pathological conditions.

PhD Requirements, 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.

Required Courses

Please select 10 credits of the following:

KIP 5000 - Advanced Exercise Physiology

This course focuses on exercise physiology in both humans and rodents. Topics include detailed muscle physiology, fatigue mechanisms, the autonomic nervous system, advanced cardiovascular adaptations with exercise, exercise metabolism, and environmental exercise physiology. The importance of translational research will be highlighted.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): KIP 4100 and KIP 4110

KIP 5500 - Systems Physiology

A comprehensive systemic study of the physiological functions of the adult human, including an introduction to the underlying etiologies and clinical indicators of molecular, cellular, and tissue bases for common organ system diseases in humans.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

KIP 5510 - Molecular Physiology

Introduction on how different biochemical and molecular pathways of the cell work together to produce various physiological functions. Emphasis will be placed on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying physiological processes. Structure and function relationship will be addressed throughout the course.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

KIP 6100 - Doctoral Graduate Seminar in Integrative Physiology

The graduate seminar is designed to facilitate critical discussions of peer-reviewed research and student research projects in the field of integrative physiology. The presenter will provide an overview or seminar of the research of interest, which will establish the foundation for the discussion thereafter.

Credits: 1.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-1-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Integrative Physiology

At least one of the following:

MA 4710 - Regression Analysis

Covers simple, multiple, and polynomial regression; estimation, testing, and prediction; weighted least squares, matrix approach, dummy variables, multicollinearity, model diagnostics and variable selection. A statistical computing package is an integral part of the course. Some prior experience with R is expected.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or MA 3715 or MA 5701

MA 4720 - Design and Analysis of Experiments

Covers construction and analysis of completely randomized, randomized block, incomplete block, Latin squares, factorial, fractional factorial, nested and split-plot designs. Also examines fixed, random and mixed effects models and multiple comparisons and contrasts. The R programming language is an integral part of the course.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MA 2710 or MA 2720 or MA 3710 or MA 3715 or MA 5701

MA 5701 - Statistical Methods

Introduction to design, conduct, and analysis of statistical studies, with an introduction to statistical computing and preparation of statistical reports. Topics include design, descriptive, and graphical methods, probability models, parameter estimation and hypothesis testing.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

PSY 5210 - Advanced Statistical Analysis and Design I

An overview of data analysis methods including visualization, data programming, and univariate statistics such as t-test and ANOVA.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Remaining credits are dissertation research and/or electives. Talk with your advisor each semester about specific research and elective credits. For more-detailed information, see Degree Requirements and our Graduate Student Handbook.

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: Recommended Score of at least 85 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Score of 6.5 overall

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 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.

Advance Human Performance and Health Through Graduate Study

The Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology (KIP) department at Michigan Technological University offers a dynamic, graduate-focused academic environment that blends rigorous coursework with hands-on research and real-world applications in human health, movement science, and physiology. Graduate students pursuing the PhD in Integrative Physiology and the MS in Kinesiology work closely with faculty on interdisciplinary investigation and clinical applications that span from molecular physiology to biomechanics and performance science.

Faculty expertise: Graduate students will engage with accomplished KIP faculty whose varied research and mentorship interests include cardiovascular and metabolic physiology, human performance, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. Faculty labs focus on translating research into health outcomes—from understanding cardiovascular regulation to improving human movement and rehabilitation strategies—which enriches the mentorship and training environment for both MS and PhD students.
Funding opportunities: Graduate students at Michigan Tech can access a range of financial support mechanisms, including graduate assistantships that provide a stipend and potential tuition support, internal and external fellowships that may include stipends and tuition benefits, and reduced-tuition programs for eligible students. These resources are administered through the university’s Graduate School and Financial Aid offices.
Career outcomes and networking: Graduates of the KIP graduate programs have pursued careers in academia, healthcare, industry, and clinical settings, and doctoral alumni often continue into post-doctoral research appointments or faculty positions. The department’s seminar series and collaborations with professionals across health and sports science fields help students build professional networks that support career advancement.
Research: Research is central to graduate study in KIP, with students participating in projects that address pressing health challenges such as hypertension, metabolic disease, aging, neuromechanics, and injury prevention. Both the MS and PhD programs support research or in-depth investigations, allowing students to contribute insights to the sciences of human physiology and movement.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces.

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.