

Want to know more about the PhD application process? On this page we outline what you will need to meet the Kinesiology requirements for applying to the doctoral program in Movement Science or Sport Management.
PhD Program Funding Deadline: December 1. Apply Now.
Rackham Graduate School and the Kinesiology Graduate Program team up to manage the application review process. As an applicant, you will be interacting with both offices.
Applications must be submitted online via the U-M Rackham School of Graduate Studies website. Program codes to use in the application may be found below:
Demographics and other data on our current and past PhD students can be found under Kinesiology, on the Rackham website.
To be considered for funding, applications for Fall admission to the doctoral program are due December 1. All other PhD applicants should apply by March 1.
*NOTE: We do not require or accept GRE scores for our PhD programs.
Three (3) letters of recommendation in support of the student's application must be submitted. These letters should ordinarily be from professors at the student's last degree-granting institution. Recommenders must complete their recommendations online. When the applicant registers the recommenders' names in the Rackham application, an email is automatically sent with a link to enter the recommendation online. Applicants should check the status of their recommendations on the Rackham website status page.
We require one scanned or electronic official transcript uploaded to the online application for all undergraduate and/or graduate programs in which you have received a degree. If you have not yet completed your baccalaureate degree, you may submit a current (in-progress) transcript now and a final transcript showing degree conferral upon graduation.
The Academic Statement of Purpose should be a concise, well-written statement about your academic preparation, practical experience, and/or research background related to the area(s) within Kinesiology that you’re interested in studying. It should also include your career goals and how Kinesiology's graduate program will help you meet your career, and educational objectives.
The following information is required on the header of your Academic Statement of Purpose:
The personal statement should address how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, have motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. For example, if you grew up in a community where educational, cultural, or other opportunities were either especially plentiful or especially lacking, you might discuss the impact this had on your development and interests. This should be a discussion of the journey that has led to your decision to seek a graduate degree. Please do not repeat your Academic Statement of Purpose.
The following information is required on the header of your Personal Statement:
1. Do you require the GRE?
We do not require or accept GRE scores for our PhD programs.
2. What’s the difference between Rackham Graduate School and the School of Kinesiology?
The School of Kinesiology is one of the 19 schools and colleges at U-M. Our graduate program is co-administered by the Rackham Graduate School. Rackham oversees the requirements and procedures and certifies the admission recommendation as appropriate.
3. Should I come visit?
Visiting U-M and the School of Kinesiology is a good idea so that you can get a feel for the faculty and students, as well as the Ann Arbor area. Please set up appointments with faculty you wish to meet before you come to Ann Arbor.
We also offer in-person and webinar info sessions. Check our Events page for dates and details.
4. Do you have a GPA minimum requirement?
All applicants should report their Grade Point Average (GPA) on page 5 of the online application. The GPA should be reported using a standard U.S. four-point scale. Applicants who attended an institution outside the United States should follow the instructions to convert their international average grade point to a U.S. four-point GPA (see "How to Convert Grades to a U.S. GPA" on the Scholaro website).
5. Do you have minimum requirements for the TOEFL/IELTS (academic) test scores?
Your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score should be at least 84. We also accept International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores in place of the TOEFL. The minimum IELTS is 6.5. We require your most recent TOEFL or IELTS from all applicants whose native language is not English, regardless of their educational background.
6. Can I transfer credits toward my doctoral program?
No, you cannot transfer credits into the doctoral program.
7. How do I view my admissions decision?
You can view application decisions online by following directions outlined on the Rackham Admissions page.
8. Does the University of Michigan offer distance learning for the graduate program?
No, we do not offer distance learning for any of our graduate programs.
9. Are assistantships available?
Yes, we have graduate student instructor (GSI) assistantships available for doctoral students.
10. How do I go about applying for a Kinesiology GSI Assistantship?
All PhD applicants are considered for our open GSI positions – there is no separate application. The number of open positions we have varies from year to year. Please make sure we have your completed application by December 1 prior to the fall you’ll be beginning your program.
11. How can I find a place to live?
Previous graduate students have found the University Housing website helpful. If your question isn't answered on this page, check the Rackham Admissions page or email us at kingradcomm@umich.edu.
12. Do you offer application fee waivers?
Based on the following criteria, if you believe you qualify for an application fee waiver, contact kingradcomm@umich.edu. In a brief e-mail, provide proof and explain your qualifications for a fee waiver. Fee waivers are limited and are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please keep in mind race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin may not be used as criteria for requesting an application fee waiver.
If your question isn't answered on this page, check the Rackham Admissions page or email us at kingradcomm@umich.edu.