Experiences

Doctoral Visitation Program

The Department of Kinesiology hosts an annual visitation program for promising doctoral applicants. The event is traditionally held in mid-November and specific details are published in early September of each academic year.

The Department of Kinesiology has decided to cancel the 2026 doctoral visitation program due to budgetary reductions. The Department hopes to reinstate the doctoral visitation program in Fall 2027.

Requirements

• Interest in pursuing doctoral study in the Department of Kinesiology at Michigan State University
• Strong academic qualifications and evidence of research preparation 

If so, you may be eligible for our Doctoral Visitation Program. We will be inviting selected prospective doctoral students on an expense-paid trip (though airfare likely will be capped at $1000 US) to visit the Department of Kinesiology at Michigan State University. During this visit prospective students will meet with faculty, learn more about the KIN doctoral program, and see the MSU community. 

Apply

The Doctoral Visitation Program will be held this year on November 5-7, 2025. Applications for the Doctoral Visitation Program will open on August 1st and must be completed by October 2, 2025.

We strongly recommend that you contact your prospective faculty mentor within your intended concentration area prior to applying to the Doctoral Visitation Program. Please see the Kinesiology Faculty biography page for more information.

The Kinesiology PhD Concentration areas with respective faculty include:

• Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation – Dr. Tracey Covassin, Dr. Matthew Harkey, Dr. Harvi Hart
• Exercise Physiology – Dr. Katharine Currie, Dr. David Ferguson, Dr. Eric Leszczynski, Dr. Karin Pfeiffer, Dr. Chad Wiggins
• Cognitive and Motor Neuroscience – Dr. Jackie Goodway, Dr. Janet Hauck, Dr. Florian Kagerer, Dr. Mei-Hua Lee, Dr. Caterina Pesce, Dr. Matthew Pontifex, Dr. Rajiv Ranganathan
• Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity – Dr. Panteleimon Ekkekakis, Dr. Jeemin Kim, Dr. Leapetswe Malete, Dr. Nicholas Myers, Dr. Spyridoula Vazou 

To qualify for an invitation for this program, you must submit the following information:

• Official or student copies of transcripts from all degree programs (e.g., undergraduate, masters)
• Statement regarding your academic and career goals
• A current CV 

These materials should be uploaded as part of your application for the Doctoral Visitation Program. Materials can also be sent to the Kinesiology Graduate Academic Program Coordinator via email (kingrad@msu.edu). 

Candidates will be notified about an invitation in mid-to-late October. 

KIN Assistantships

The Kinesiology Ph.D. program offers graduate assistantships that provide valuable financial support and professional experience in research and teaching. These assistantships help students gain hands-on expertise while working alongside distinguished faculty in state-of-the-art facilities. Opportunities vary by funding availability, and applicants are encouraged to explore positions early in the application process. Learn more about available assistantships and how to apply by visiting the Kinesiology Assistantships page.