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PhD in Health & Human Performance Program Overview

The PhD in Leadership – Health & Human Performance is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to prepare students to pursue academic, clinical, leadership, and/or research roles in the fields of health promotion, Sports Leadership, kinesiology, human performance and other related disciplines.

The program has a strong research orientation and aims to develop outstanding scholars and researchers who create and disseminate new knowledge about issues arising out of the intersection of physical activity, health promotion, and human performance.

The 66 or 67 credit hour program, which varies based on research course selection, includes coursework in leadership, health, Sports Leadership, research, statistics and a 9 credit hour dissertation requirement.

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Program Features

Program is offered 100% online
Interdisciplinary degree programs
Nationally recognized faculty
No residency requirement or onsite visit required
Tuition Guarantee
Fall, Spring, and Summer start dates available
$710 per credit hour

Program Admissions Requirements

Master’s Degree in Health Science, Sports Leadership, or related field with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Millers Analogy Test (MAT), there is no minimum score requirement; however, the score is evaluated by the program coordinator during the application process. GRE or MAT must be taken within the past three years.

Required Documentation

Application for admission: Apply online.
Writing sample that demonstrates your ability to write in a scholarly manner at a level typical of graduate work. A paper from your master’s program would be most appropriate. This sample should approach, but not exceed, five pages in length.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Objective Statement, including statement of career goals and research interests.
Transcripts: Provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution through which a degree was earned.
International Transcripts: Any foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia-approved international credentialing service, such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).
Two letters of recommendation. Letters should be from individuals able to comment on the applicant’s academic proficiency, personal character and competence and effectiveness in professional work.
While we prefer electronic submission direct to your advisor via email, you may also mail documents to:
Concordia University Chicago
Office of Graduate Admissions and Services
Addison Hall, Office 158
7400 Augusta Street
River Forest, Illinois 60305-1499
Application documents may also be faxed to 708.777.4773 or emailed to exsci.admissions@cuchicago.edu.

Highlights

18 Oct 2016

Concordia-Chicago

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PhD in Health & Human Performance Curriculum

Health and Human Performance Specialization Courses 30 Credit Hours

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
HHP 7000	Cardiovascular Responses to Exercise This course examines cardiovascular adaptations to acute and chronic exercise. The course will provide an in-depth analysis of metabolic, systemic, and hormonal responses to the stress of exercise and the adaptive changes that occur with training, as well as the underlying mechanisms.	3
HHP 7010	Neuromuscular Responses to Exercise This course examines neuromuscular adaptations to acute and chronic exercise. Students will engage in an in-depth analysis of neuromuscular structure and function, motor unit recruitment during different types of movement, and muscle adaptations to resistance and endurance training.	3
HHP 7020	Exercise for Disease Prevention and Management The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a framework for evaluating current information on exercise recommendations for special populations. Students will engage in an in-depth analysis of the implications for exercise in preventing and managing obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, asthma, neurological conditions and musculoskeletal conditions.	3
HHP 7030	Advanced Exercise and Sports Nutrition This course examines the latest evidence-based principles and recommendations on meal, energy, and nutrient timing for optimal fueling and performance. Topics include principles of nutrient timing, regulation of metabolism by micronutrients and macronutrients and their role in weight control in athletes, safety and validity of supplements and ergogenic aids, and nutritional aspects of optimal performance.	3
GME 6300	Introduction to Grants Provides an overview of key components of the grant process. Identifying priorities, utilizing grant databases and distinguishing various giving sources such as foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals. Strategies for proposal development, researching, identifying, and cultivating partnerships.	3
HHP 7050	Program Design in Physical Activity and Health This course examines planning and organization of health programs. Students will investigate, contrast, develop, and evaluate a variety in intervention activities. Theories regarding techniques to enhance behavior change and instructional design strategies to meet the health needs of a diverse population will be explored.	3
HHP 7060	Health Promotion and Disease Prevention The course examines the process of disease prevention and control through the education and advocacy of health promotion. Students will examine the physiological and medical factors associated with common diseases/conditions including asthma, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other metabolic disease states. Students examine various topics while utilizing methods of health communication for prevention/control of chronic diseases.	3
HHP 7070	The Professoriate This course examines the roles and responsibilities of the professor in American colleges and universities. Topics will include teaching and advising strategies, job search strategies, academic research requirement, the tenure system, and issues facing women and faculty of color, and professional socialization.	3
HHP 7100	Seminar in Health & Human Performance This course is designed to provide an opportunity for the students to study a specific topic/area of interest within the field and develop an academically sound project with the aid of an advisor. Topics/ area of interest will be approved by the Program Director. Independent study should be related to specific program design of Health & Human Performance interventions, grant proposals for agency submission, or academic manuscript preparation for professional presentation and/or publication. This course will culminate in an independent study that will directly demonstrate program competencies.	3

Research and Statistics 16 Credit Hours

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
RES 7900	Research Design Principles of research theory, methods, inquiry, problem formulation, data collection, literature searches, and ethical considerations. Emphasis on how to design a doctoral-level research study.	4
RES 7605	Quantitative Analysis An introduction to quantitative analysis of data. Statistical software will be used to explore descriptive and inferential statistics using both non-parametric and parametric techniques.	3
RES 7700	Qualitative Analysis An examination and application of qualitative research approaches with a focus on research design, the role of the researcher, data collection and analysis, and writing from a qualitative perspective.	3
RES 7800	Mixed Methods Research This course explores the theory, design, and application of mixed methods research.	3
RES 7620	Advanced Topics in Statistics An introduction to advanced statistical concepts including multivariate analysis, linear models, hierarchical linear models, factor analysis, and data management. Students will use statistical software packages and will learn to write basic syntax for custom analysis.	3
RES 7710	Advanced Topics in Qualitative Analysis This course will prepare students to utilize naturalistic inquiry in their own research, most immediately, the dissertation experience. Students will be able to reflect on choices of inquiry paradigms, the goodness of fit between the problem and the approach chosen to explore it, the selection of appropriate instruments, and the role of the writer in the presentation of findings.	3

Foundations/Philosophy/Ethics 12 Credit Hours

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
EDL 7140	Organizational Change Application of change theory to large and small organizations. Leadership strategies for successful change implementation.	3
FPR 7300	The Philosophy of Scientific Knowledge This course provides an orientation to the nature, uses and limitations of science with the aim of achieving and understanding of the variety of approaches to research design and developing conceptual frameworks. With regard to the metatheory of knowledge, particular attention will be paid to the following topics: the relationship between theory and observations, the role of the researcher’s values in knowledge generation, how the research conceptualizes the relationship between researcher and subjects, the standards that are used to appraise theories, the theory of reality (ontology) and of how to know that reality (epistemology) that underlies critical theories, and how different methods of data gathering and data analysis influence the generation of scientific knowledge.	3
EDL 7210	Policy Analysis Educational policy-making at the macro (national, regional and state) and micro (local and institutional) levels. Selected educational policies.	3
HHP 7090	Ethical Issues in HHP This course examines the ethical conflicts and challenges around autonomy, liberty, individual rights, and the common good in regard to healthful living and quality of life. Human rights, civil rights, influence of race, social class, and gender/sex will be examined in the context of health issues, such as social determinants of illness, health promotion and behavior modification, social justice, and research equity. Ethical considerations will center on the program design, evaluation, and research aspects related to Health and Human Performance with special attention to inclusion.	3

Dissertation/Comprehensive Exam 9 Credit Hours

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
COMP 7000	Comprehensive Exam	4
DIS 7010-7040	Dissertation	9

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PhD in Health & Human Performance Faculty

The faculty at Concordia University can be found hard at work in the fields they teach-specialties in kinesiology and sports studies.At Concordia, we realize that a top-flight education in only possible with best-in-class instructors with real-world experience. We recruit passionate professionals from around the globe who are committed to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals.

Our faculty are experienced and distinguished, combining years of hands-on clinic experience with extensive academic knowledge and teaching experience. Many of our faculty have the highest credential available in the field in which they teach. They demonstrate the highest degree of professional skills, and find unique ways to convey that knowledge in our remote online curriculum.

Robert Ferguson, PhD

EDUCATION:
PhD in Sports Leadership and Pedagogy, University of Arkansas
MA in Health and Physical Education, Adams State College
BA in Business Administration, Adams State College

BIO:
Dr. Robert Ferguson is an adjunct faculty member teaching in the web-based graduate program in Applied Sports Leadership. Dr. Ferguson is the director of physical education and physical education project director in the Springdale Public Schools in Springdale, AR. He has also served as a grant consultant for school fitness and wellness programs and coaching/teacher continuing education. He has spent over 20 years working in higher education both as a track & field coach and teaching Sports Leadership, coaching education, and teacher education coursework.
Previously, he was a full time faculty member at the University of Arkansas and Kentucky Wesley College from 1993 until 2006. He has taught Sports Leadership, physical activity, and fitness related coursework at the University of the Ozarks (AR) and Northwestern State University (LA). Additionally, he was an exercise physiology instructor for Level I and Level II coaching certification programs for USA Track & Field from 2000 to 2010. He has coached college and high school track at Adams State College, Northwestern State University, Springdale Har-Ber HS and Tucumcari HS (NM).
He received his Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas in 1997, a Master of Arts in Health and Physical Education from Adams State College in 1988, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Adams State College in 1986. While at Adams State, he was a member of the track & field and cross country teams and was an eight-time All-American and National Champion. He also ran post collegiately as a member of the Reebok Racing Team. His research interests include exercise and performance in the heat, fitness assessment, and teaching and coaching education.

Kimberly Harris, PhD

EDUCATION:
PhD in Health Science, University of Arkansas
MS in Kinesiology, California University of Pennsylvania
BS in Education, Kinesiology, and Sports Leadership

Michael Heifferon, PhD

EDUCATION:
PhD — Motor Learning/Orthopedic Sports Medicine, The University of Toledo
MS – Strength Training and Athletic Conditioning, The Ohio State University
MBA — Healthcare Administration, Baker College, Flint Michigan, MI
BA – Physical Education, The Ohio State University

BIO:
A native of Rochester New York, Michael Heifferon completed his Bachelor of Education and Master of Science at The Ohio State University. He earned his Doctorate of Science from The University of Toledo and Masters in Business Administration from Baker College. Over the past 29 years as an athletic trainer, Michael has worked with the New York Yankees, The Ohio State University, The United States Olympic Committee and United States Anti-Doping Agency. Additionally, during that period of time Michael was selected to participate as a Doping Control Officer for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Additionally, from 1992 until present Michael has remained a health care administrator with a career in strengthening and leading all areas of operations within ambulatory, orthopedic, primary care, occupational, pain management and sports medicine practices. His diverse healthcare management experience includes achieving bottom line objectives, improving organization communication, and negotiator with success in securing advantageous contracts with strategic business partners, professional staff, insurance providers, and vendors. Other areas of interest and strengths include marketing, financial budgets, joint ventures, benchmarking and strategic planning and implementation.

Ayanna Lyles, PhD

EDUCATION:
PhD in Health Education, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
MS in Athletic Training Education, California University of Pennsylvania
BS in Sport Science with emphasis in Athletic Training, University of Connecticut

BIO:
A doctoral graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Dr. Lyles’ has presented at the NATA (National Athletic Trainers’ Association) Educator’s Conference, the AAHPERD (American Association for Health, Physical, Education, Recreation, and Dance) National Convention, the SOPHE (Society for Public Health Educator) Annual Meeting, the Columbia University Annual Health Disparities Conference, and the High Performance Center in Pretoria, South Africa, and the Global Internship Conference in Dublin, Ireland. Dr. Lyles’s maintains two research foci in education, problem-based learning in athletic training and health education including health disparities, cultural competency, and multicultural education.

Theresa Miyashita, PhD

EDUCATION:
PhD in Education in Biomedical Sciences
MA in Exercise and Sport Science with a concentration in Athletic Training, University of North Carolina
BS in Athletic Training, Canisius College

BIO:
I have worked in Higher Education for the last nine years as a Clinical Education Coordinator and now as a Program Director. My area of focus is on college athletes-injury prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, and functional return to play assessments. I have worked with a variety of athletes at varying levels of competition. My research focuses on sports-related concussions.
I am a Subject Matter Expert for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and serve on a variety of school, state, regional, and national committees including by not limited to: Internal Review Board, Legislative Task Force on Youth Concussion, Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association Research & Education Committee, and PINK Concussions Medical Advisor.

Jordan Moon, PhD

EDUCATION:
PhD in Exercise Physiology, University of Oklahoma
MS in Sports Leadership and Health Promotion, Florida Atlantic University
BS in Physical Education with an emphasis in Corporate Fitness and Wellness, Grand Valley State University

BIO:
Dr. Jordan R. Moon has been teaching in higher education for over 10 years with 6 years of online teaching experience and been actively involved in strength and conditioning for over 15 years. Dr. Moon is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction (CSCS*D) and a Certified Health and Fitness Specialist (HFS). Dr. Moon has trained all levels of athletes, including professionals in Major League baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, as well as college athletes and teams in addition to youth and fitness clients. He has presented over 40 lectures at multiple scientific conferences and has published more than 125 research articles and abstracts in the areas of sports nutrition and human body composition and changes regarding age and fitness level.

Ronald Wagner, PhD

EDUCATION;
PhD in Kinesiology, Sports Leadership, and Pedagogy, University of Arkansas
MS in Instructional Technology, Bloomsburg University
MS in Physical Education, Eastern Kentucky University
BS in Health Management and Athletic Training, Southeast Missouri State University

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PhD in Health & Human Performance Tuition & Fees

Our tuition is reasonable and will not change over time.

Concordia University Chicago is committed to providing students with a high-quality education at a reasonable cost. And for graduates, the benefits of obtaining a Master of Science degree can be very valuable. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, the median of earnings for adults ages 25-34 working full-time, year-round, with a master’s degree or higher was $59,200, compared to just $44,970 for individuals with a bachelor’s degree.

PhD in Health & Human Performance	Cost
Tuition (Per Credit Hour)	$695
Technology Fee (Per Credit Hour)	$15
Books (Approximate)	$1625
TOTAL	$49345

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PhD in Health & Human Performance Career Options

A variety of careers are attainable with a Doctoral degree in Health & Human Performance

Our doctoral degree programs are 100% online, allowing students to achieve real-life success in their chosen profession, while advancing their careers.

Graduates with a doctoral degree in education and sports studies go on to serve in a variety of capacities in performance, education, and leadership careers. Our students emerge from our programs in as little as three years with:

Increased earning potential
Job security
Job opportunities
Increased job satisfaction

Explore the following career opportunities. Talk with your student advisor for additional information on which degree program is right for you. Many of our students pursue careers in Sports Leadership fields such as these areas:

University Faculty
Education, Health, and Human Performance Researchers
University Leadership Positions
Education Administration
Non-profit and Private Sector Liaisons
Entrepreneurs
Training and Development Managers

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