Best PhD in Kinesiology in West Virginia (2026)

Programs ranked: 1
In-state tuition: $10,104
Avg graduation rate: 65%
Median wage (BLS): $59,460

What PhD in Kinesiology Programs in West 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 West Virginia. West Virginia University leads the state with a score of 64.3, which is national rank 30 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 $10,104 at the one program here. The one school with a published graduation rate reports 65%. The one school publishing an admit rate reports 89%. Together they conferred 7 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 West 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.

Rank 1: West Virginia University

Doctorate (research) in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Morgantown, WV · Public · city campus

Our score

1st of 1 in West Virginia

National rank 30 of 39

West Virginia University admits 89% of doctoral applicants in this field, the 16th percentile for selectivity among the 39 comparable programs scored, the single biggest drag on its score.

West Virginia University is the only doctoral program in West Virginia in this ranking, scoring 64.3. In-state tuition is $10,104, the only rate published in West Virginia at this level. It admits 89% of applicants.
It confers 7 research doctorates a year. Residency is worth $18,504 a year here, the gap between the in-state rate and the $28,608 out-of-state rate. Nationally it is 30th of the 39 doctoral programs scored at this level.
- SHAPE America and CAEP dual accreditation
- Accelerated BS/MS shares up to 12 credits
- Fully online 30-credit MS pathway
- 7 doctorates conferred yearly in this field
- $28,608 out-of-state tuition
Graduation rate

65%

Admit rate

89%

In-state tuition

$10,104

Out-of-state tuition

$28,608

Cost of attendance

$31,716

Undergrad enrollment

18,206

Degrees conferred

7

View West Virginia University's Doctorate (research) in Exercise Science and Kinesiology www.wvu.edu

What Kinesiology Careers Pay in West Virginia

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

Exercise Physiologists in West Virginia

West Virginia median: $50,270
vs national: −$9,190
Employed in WV: 60
10th to 90th: $47,290 – $75,400

Exercise Physiologists in West Virginia earn a median of $50,270, $9,190 below the national median of $59,460, across 60 jobs in the state. The bottom tenth earn under $47,290 and the top tenth clear $75,400, so the median is a midpoint rather than an offer.

Every West Virginia Occupation This Field Feeds, by Median Wage

Occupation	WV median	vs national	Jobs in WV
Physical Therapists	$96,600	−$6,160	1,310
Occupational Therapists	$96,190	−$4,140	700
Physical Therapist Assistants	$60,430	−$7,950	980
Coaches and Scouts	$52,050	+$4,730	910
Athletic Trainers	$50,510	−$12,010	110
Exercise Physiologists	$50,270	−$9,190	60
Recreational Therapists	$49,010	−$12,950	130
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors	$38,120	−$9,040	500

Of the 8 occupations in this field that BLS prices for West Virginia, Physical Therapists pays the most at $96,600 ($6,160 below its national median). It is also the largest of the 8 by employment, at 1,310 jobs in the state. 1 of the 8 with a national comparison pays above its national median here.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

Other Kinesiology Degree Levels in West Virginia

This page ranks doctoral programs only. West 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 West 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 West 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 West Virginia

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

Best Kinesiology Doctoral Programs in West Virginia