Kinesiology Degree Programs

Montana · Doctoral ranking

Best Kinesiology Doctoral Programs in Montana

1 doctoral program in exercise science and kinesiology, ranked on graduation rate, admissions selectivity, in-state cost, and field outcomes.

Last updated

Programs ranked
1
In-state tuition
$6,299
Avg graduation rate
57%
Median wage (BLS)
$59,460

What PhD in Kinesiology Programs in Montana Cost and Who Gets In

We scored all 39 doctoral programs in exercise science and kinesiology (CIP 31.0505) on the same weighted model, then pulled the single highest scoring in Montana. Montana State University leads the state with a score of 65.2, which is national rank 29 out of 39. It does not crack the national top 25, so read the score below rather than assuming a national reputation.

In-state tuition is $6,299 at the one program here. The one school with a published graduation rate reports 57%. The one school publishing an admit rate reports 82%. Together they conferred 2 research doctorates in the field in the latest IPEDS completions year.

The one program here is at a public institution. None carry an online flag in IPEDS, so plan on attending in person.

The PhD in Kinesiology Program in Montana, Ranked (2026)

Each bar shows where the program’s national score falls between 50 and 100, ticked at 75 for the middle of the range.

  1. Rank 1: Montana State University

    Doctorate (research) in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

    Bozeman, MT · Public · city campus

    Our score

    1st of 1 in Montana

    National rank 29 of 39

    Montana State keeps in-state doctoral-track tuition at $6,299, but confers just 2 kinesiology doctorates a year, ranking in the 13th percentile for degree output among the 39 comparable programs scored at this level.

    Montana State University is the only doctoral program in Montana in this ranking, scoring 65.2. In-state tuition is $6,299, the only rate published in Montana at this level. It admits 82% of applicants.

    It confers 2 research doctorates a year. Residency is worth $24,485 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $30,784 out-of-state rate. Nationally it is 29th of the 39 doctoral programs scored at this level.

    • Neuromuscular Biomechanics Lab pairs engineering and health research
    • Separate Health and Fitness major option
    • Coursework spans biomechanics, motor learning and exercise physiology
    • Out-of-state tuition of $30,784
    • 82% admit rate
    Graduation rate
    57%
    Admit rate
    82%
    In-state tuition
    $6,299
    Out-of-state tuition
    $30,784
    Cost of attendance
    $27,936
    Undergrad enrollment
    15,046
    Degrees conferred
    2

    View MSU's Doctorate (research) in Exercise Science and Kinesiology www.montana.edu

What Kinesiology Careers Pay in Montana

Occupational medians for everyone in the job, not starting pay and not outcomes for any one program.

Every Montana Occupation This Field Feeds, by Median Wage

Occupation MT median vs national Jobs in MT
Physical Therapists $91,450 −$11,310 1,180
Occupational Therapists $88,990 −$11,340 420
Physical Therapist Assistants $62,650 −$5,730 250
Athletic Trainers $60,090 −$2,430 50
Recreational Therapists $51,110 −$10,850 40
Coaches and Scouts $48,020 +$700 990
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $43,940 −$3,220 1,420

Of the 7 occupations in this field that BLS prices for Montana, Physical Therapists pays the most at $91,450 ($11,310 below its national median). The largest employer of the 7 is Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors, at 1,420 jobs in the state paying a median of $43,940. 1 of the 7 with a national comparison pays above its national median here.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

Other Kinesiology Degree Levels in Montana

This page ranks doctoral programs only. Montana reports programs at other levels too, and each level is compared only with programs at that same level.

What Careers Can You Get With a PhD in Kinesiology?

These 8 occupations list this credential, or less, as their typical entry requirement. Figures are Montana’s own BLS medians where published.

Entry requirements are O*NET’s typical-entry field; wages are BLS OEWS. Neither is a guarantee about any individual program’s graduates.

Rank 1 here is highest scoring in Montana, not nationally; each card carries its national rank as well. Every program on this site is ranked the same way — see how we compare them.

Sources for this page

PhD in Kinesiology Programs Near Montana

The same ranking, filtered to one state at a time. The number is how many programs that state ranks.