Doctoral Programs in Physical Education: A Census with Particular Reference to the Status of Specializations

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Abstract
This study examined the nature and extent of specialized study offered in doctoral programs in U.S. universities during 1985. On the basis of information supplied from representatives of 61 programs, curricula were positioned on a continuum from highly specialized to generalist. Most doctoral programs were classified either as highly or moderately specialized (42% and 43%, respectively), while 15% were classified as generalist programs. Overall, 26 areas of doctoral study were identified and collapsed into five “generic” categories. One of the categories, exercise science, accounted for more than half of the doctoral programs offered during the reporting year, education-related specializations accounted for approximately 30%, and sociocultural studies approximately 12%. Among highly specialized programs, the majority of students graduated with specializations in exercise physiology (35%). The implications of these data for the future of the field are discussed.

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