The School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation is authorized to qualify candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in health behavior, human performance, and leisure behavior. The Ph.D. degree is offered through the University Graduate School but is administered by the School of HPER. This degree provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of interest and an intimate knowledge of research methodology.

The Department of Applied Health Science offers the doctoral degree in health behavior. The doctoral degree in leisure behavior is offered by the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies. The Cooper Graduate Program in Kinesiology offers the doctoral degree in human performance with specialties in adapted physical education, biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor learning/control, and sport management.