Positions in Kinesiology and Physical Education at the College or University Level

Abstract

Many graduates of doctoral programs in kinesiology and physical education (KPE) pursue positions in higher education. To determine how student interests in KPE are aligned with academic positions and the qualifications for and responsibilities of those positions, we conducted two analyses: (a) of student interest based on a survey of 26 doctoral degree programs from 1997-2000, and (b) of position announcements from 1998-2002 in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Overall, 1,483 positions were found. Results showed that competitive candidates need a doctorate degree or ABD (n = 1,108), college/university (n = 695) or K-12 (n = 316) teaching experience, and a record of or potential for scholarly activity (n = 483). Teaching responsibilities were usually in the position subdiscipline, yet candidates need to be prepared to teach a variety of courses. Nonteaching responsibilities included scholarship (n = 723), service (n = 644), and student advisement (n = 543). Doctoral programs in KPE need to determine the future aspirations of degree candidates and offer them a variety of learning experiences and assessments to prepare qualified candidates for these positions.