If you want a PhD in the United States with funding, research training, and direct mentorship, this opportunity is worth checking.
The University of North Texas Fully Funded PhD Assistantship 2026 is open for a doctoral student who wants to study Human Performance and Movement Science at the University of North Texas, Denton.
This is not just a regular scholarship. It is a doctoral student assistantship position. The selected student will work with Dr. Jerraco Johnson, co-director of the Pediatric Movement and Physical Activity Laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation.
The position will begin in Fall 2026. Applications are accepted until July 1, 2026.
This PhD assistantship is best for students who are interested in pediatric health, physical activity, motor skill development, childhood obesity prevention, health behavior, and movement science.
If you are also comparing general university funding in the United States, you may also read about the Yale University Scholarships 2026 in USA for international students.
Summary of the University of North Texas PhD Assistantship 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host University | University of North Texas |
| Country | United States |
| Location | Denton |
| Department | Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation |
| Program | Ph.D. in Human Performance and Movement Science |
| Position Type | Fully Funded Doctoral Assistantship |
| Start Term | Fall 2026 |
| Research Lab | Pediatric Movement and Physical Activity Laboratory |
| Faculty Mentor | Dr. Jerraco Johnson |
| Research Areas | Pediatric health, physical activity, motor skills, childhood obesity, health outcomes |
| Benefits | Tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel funds |
| Funding Duration | Renewable for up to four years |
| Deadline | July 1, 2026 |
About the PhD Assistantship
The selected student will join the Ph.D. in Human Performance and Movement Science program at the University of North Texas.
The assistantship is linked to research on children’s health and movement. The lab studies how motor skills, physical activity, and health behaviors affect children as they grow. The goal is to help children develop healthy habits early in life and reduce the risk of poor health outcomes later.
This is a good opportunity for someone who wants to do real research, not just attend classes. The student will receive hands-on research training, mentorship, and chances to work with other researchers.
Research Focus
Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on early childhood health. His work looks at how child and family-based behavior programs can improve health outcomes among preschool children, especially children who may be at risk of poor health.
The main research areas include:
- motor skill competence
- physical activity
- childhood weight status
- childhood obesity prevention
- family and parent-related health behaviors
- early childhood health development
- health outcomes in children
This means the PhD student will likely work on research that studies how children move, how active they are, how movement affects their health, and how families can support healthier childhood habits.
Benefits of the Assistantship
The University of North Texas PhD Assistantship 2026 is fully funded. Successful applicants may receive:
- tuition support
- monthly stipend
- health insurance
- travel funds
- hands-on research training
- faculty mentorship
- opportunities for research presentations and publications
The assistantship can be renewed for up to four years, but renewal depends on good academic progress and meeting the expectations of the position.
This is one of the reasons the opportunity is strong. It does not only provide money. It also gives the student proper doctoral research training.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, applicants must have a Master’s degree in kinesiology or another movement or health-related field.
Applicants must also meet the GPA requirement for the PhD program.
The ideal applicant should have interest or experience in areas such as:
- motor development
- physical activity
- child health
- movement science
- data collection
- data analysis
- teaching
- research presentations
The lab is looking for someone who is motivated, independent, organized, and able to work well with others. Strong time management and analytical skills are also important.
Who Should Apply?
You should consider this opportunity if you have a background in:
- Kinesiology
- Exercise Science
- Physical Education
- Public Health
- Human Movement Science
- Health Promotion
- Child Development
- Motor Development
- Pediatric Health Research
This position is especially good for applicants who want a PhD that connects health, movement, children, and research.
If you are looking at other fully funded PhD opportunities outside the United States, you can also compare this with the University of Bern fully funded PhD position in Switzerland and the Dublin City University fully funded PhD opportunity in Ireland.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are advised to contact Dr. Jerraco Johnson before applying.
Email: Jerraco.Johnson@unt.edu
You should send a short and clear email. Introduce yourself, mention your academic background, explain your research interest, and attach your CV.
The flyer also says prospective applicants should email Dr. Johnson to set up a Zoom or in-person meeting before applying. This is important because PhD assistantships often depend on research fit with the faculty mentor.
After speaking with Dr. Johnson, applicants should follow the official application process for the Ph.D. in Human Performance and Movement Science at the University of North Texas.
Application Deadline
The deadline for this opportunity is July 1, 2026
Do not wait until the last week before applying. Funded PhD positions can be competitive, and early contact with the supervisor can make your application stronger.
Tips for a Strong Application
Do not write a general statement of purpose. Make your application specific to this lab and this research area.
Show clearly why you are interested in children’s health, physical activity, motor skills, and movement science.
If you have done research before, mention it. If you have experience with data collection, data analysis, teaching, working with children, public health projects, or physical activity programs, include it in your CV and statement.
Your email to Dr. Johnson should also be professional and straight to the point. Mention your Master’s degree, your research interest, and why you want to join his lab.
Applicants interested in research careers may also find the Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027 in Germany useful when comparing future research funding paths.
Final Thoughts
The University of North Texas Fully Funded PhD Assistantship 2026 is a strong opportunity for students who want to study in the United States and build a research career in human movement, pediatric health, physical activity, and childhood development.
The funding covers key support such as tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel funds. The selected student will also receive research training and mentorship from Dr. Jerraco Johnson.
If your background is in kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, public health, health promotion, or a related field, this PhD assistantship is worth applying for before the July 1, 2026 deadline.
