The doctoral program in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies offers degrees in one of the fields of Applied Exercise Science; Biomechanics and Neuromechanics; Physical Activity Epidemiology and Health Promotion; Sport Psychology; or Socio-Cultural Studies of Sport, Health and the Body. This program conforms to the requirements specified in the general regulations of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.  All candidates receive their degree in Kinesiology and Health Studies.

The program involves three stages: preparation for research (course requirements); certification that the preparation is adequate (comprehensive examination); and thesis proposal, research and thesis.

The degree requirements for Ph.D. candidates are:

1. Ph.D. candidates are normally required to complete at least two graduate level courses, chosen in consultation with their supervisor, while enrolled as a Ph.D. candidate in SKHS. Students must complete a minimum of six one-term graduate level courses beyond the bachelor's degree to meet Ph.D. degree requirements.
2. Other courses, as advised by the student's supervisor to ensure that the student has a background adequate for undertaking the proposed thesis topic.
3. Course in Human Research Ethics (CORE)
4. Completion of Queen’s online Health and Safety Awareness Training.
5. Completion of Queen’s online AODA Training Suite.
6. Attendance at the SKHS Graduate Seminar Series.
7. Comprehensive examination, which must be defended orally (see below).
8. A Thesis Proposal which must be defended orally (see below).
9. A Doctoral thesis (KHS 999 Ph D Thesis Research). The Doctoral thesis must be defended orally.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is held after the student has successfully completed the required course work, normally within 18 months of the start of their studies. The focus of the examination is on the candidate's research area and on designated areas of specialization in the broader field of study.  The examination consists of two parts: 

1. a written component that is based on the theoretical and methodological issues central to the student's program and:
2. an oral examination based on the student's written answers.

Research and Thesis

Each candidate must submit and defend a thesis proposal for approval before proceeding to prepare the final scholarly thesis.

Each candidate must submit a scholarly thesis and defend it at an oral examination.

Complete details of the program policies and regulations are available on the School's web site at: https://skhs.queensu.ca/students/grad/prospective-students