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Exercise and Nutrition Science (Graduate)
Coursework for both options will focus on core content for exercise and nutrition sciences, research design and statistical analyses, and advanced coursework specific to each student's goals.
Exercise and Nutrition Sciences -Ph.D.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Montana State prepares future scholars and industry experts to teach and mentor students, lead research, and create knowledge relating to the impacts of exercise/physical activity and nutrition on human health and function. This program builds on the Master of Science program in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Montana State (options in Exercise Physiology & Nutrition or Sport & Coaching Science) or related MS degrees from other institutions.
The program will leverage expertise of exercise science program faculty and nutrition sciences program faculty and established collaborations with other STEM researchers and 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. The program requires a minimum of 60 credits, including a minimum of 18-28 credits of dissertation and consideration of up to 30 credits from a master's degree. Additionally, each student will develop an academic portfolio that includes research (presentations, peer-reviewed publications, grant writing) and teaching (development of course materials, instruction, student mentoring).
Human Performance Lab
Located in Harrison Hall, the Human Performance Lab is an environmentally-controlled
facility that serves as both research and instructional laboratories for biomechanics
and exercise physiology.
Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Laboratories
State-of-the-art laboratories for applied science research in physiology, biomechanics,
motor control, nutrition, and metabolism.
Carnegie Classified
The prestigious Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education® ranks
Montana State University among the Top 5 public, 4-year universities for Very High
Research Activity with a STEM-dominant research doctoral program.
Fund Your Education
The Graduate School at Montana State is dedicated to helping students secure funding to support their time at MSU. Some resources the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition & Kinesiology and the Graduate School offer includes:
- Scholarship opportunities through the College of Education, Health & Human Development
- Internal Fellowship and Funding Opportunities
- External Fellowship and Funding Opportunities
Additionally, teaching assistantships may be available within the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition & Kinesiology. Research assistantships may be available with individual faculty members who have funded grants or contracts. Stipends vary depending on the type of appointment, the requirements of the job, the experience of the applicant and available funding.
Facilities
Candidates in the Exercise Physiology & Nutrition PhD program have the opportunity to research in the Kinesiology & Nutrition Research laboratories, which boasts such equipment as (but not limited to):
- Vicon 460 – a 6-camera digital motion capture system
- Myopac Jr. 8-channel EMG system
- Biodex Isokinetic Dynaometer
- Trackmaster Research Treadmill
- Xitron Bioimpedance Spectroscopy analyzers
- Parvo-Medics TrueOne and Cosmed K5 indirect calorimetry system
- Noraxon 8 channel EMG
- Delsys EMG system
- Vicon camera system
- XSens IMU suit
- XSensor pressure insoles
- MicroQuant Universal Microplate Spectrophotometer
- Biochemistry laboratory with centrifuges, fume hood, and biosafety cabinet
- Piccolo chemistry analyzer
- Metabolic kitchen
- Seca medical bioelectrical impedance analyzer
- Bod Pod
Admissions Requirements
Note: no GRE Required.
Each program within the Graduate School at Montana State has its own particular requirements for admission. To ensure that you start your application on the right foot, please review the admissions requirements for the Exercise and Nutrition Sciences PhD program. This program is mentor based; it is strongly encouraged that potential applicants review our faculty biographies and reach out to those they may be interested in working with.