Kinesiology Degree Programs

Virginia · Doctoral ranking

Best Kinesiology Doctoral Programs in Virginia

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
$7,800
Avg graduation rate
46%
Median wage (BLS)
$59,460

What PhD in Kinesiology Programs in Virginia 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 Virginia. Old Dominion University leads the state with a score of 62, which is national rank 33 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 $7,800 at the one program here. The one school with a published graduation rate reports 46%. The one school publishing an admit rate reports 90%. Together they conferred 8 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 Virginia, 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: Old Dominion University

    Ph.D. in Education, Applied Kinesiology - Human Movement Sciences Concentration

    Norfolk, VA · Public · city campus

    Our score

    1st of 1 in Virginia

    National rank 33 of 39

    Old Dominion's Applied Kinesiology Ph.D. sets a GRE floor of 297 combined verbal and quantitative, yet still admits 90% of applicants, the 13th percentile for selectivity among the 39 peer doctoral programs scored.

    Old Dominion University is the only doctoral program in Virginia in this ranking, scoring 62. In-state tuition is $7,800, the only rate published in Virginia at this level. It admits 90% of applicants.

    It confers 8 research doctorates a year. Residency is worth $20,505 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $28,305 out-of-state rate. Nationally it is 33rd of the 39 doctoral programs scored at this level.

    • Advanced Biomechanics course, EXSC 827
    • Ergogenic Aids in Sport and Human Performance course
    • GMAT accepted for Sport and Recreation Management emphasis
    • $510 per credit for Virginia residents
    • 8 doctorates conferred yearly in program
    Graduation rate
    46%
    Admit rate
    90%
    In-state tuition
    $7,800
    Out-of-state tuition
    $28,305
    Cost of attendance
    $32,988
    Undergrad enrollment
    17,746
    Degrees conferred
    8

    View Old Dominion University's Ph.D. in Education, Applied Kinesiology - Human Movement Sciences Concentration www.odu.edu

What Kinesiology Careers Pay in Virginia

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

Exercise Physiologists in Virginia

Virginia median
$52,400
vs national
−$7,060
Employed in VA
240
10th to 90th
$43,800 – $90,110

Exercise Physiologists in Virginia earn a median of $52,400, $7,060 below the national median of $59,460, across 240 jobs in the state. The bottom tenth earn under $43,800 and the top tenth clear $90,110, so the median is a midpoint rather than an offer.

Every Virginia Occupation This Field Feeds, by Median Wage

Occupation VA median vs national Jobs in VA
Physical Therapists $101,450 −$1,310 7,630
Occupational Therapists $100,710 +$380 4,150
Physical Therapist Assistants $73,760 +$5,380 3,370
Athletic Trainers $61,860 −$660 830
Recreational Therapists $61,270 −$690 570
Exercise Physiologists $52,400 −$7,060 240
Coaches and Scouts $46,290 −$1,030 6,810
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $40,820 −$6,340 12,100

Of the 8 occupations in this field that BLS prices for Virginia, Physical Therapists pays the most at $101,450 ($1,310 below its national median). The largest employer of the 8 is Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors, at 12,100 jobs in the state paying a median of $40,820. 2 of the 8 with a national comparison pay above their national medians here.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

Other Kinesiology Degree Levels in Virginia

This page ranks doctoral programs only. Virginia 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 Virginia’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 Virginia, 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 Virginia

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