Physical Education (PhD)
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Admissions Contact
Rachel Ahlmeyer Are you an International Student? |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Upcoming Events
Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School Athletic Leadership and Physical Education Virtual Information Session Athletic Leadership and Physical Education Virtual Information Session |
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The PhD in Physical Education at Springfield College is one of approximately 25 programs in the United States, and the only one housed at a small-to-medium-sized college. This niche allows graduates of the program to be uniquely prepared to fill gaps in the job market. Specifically, graduates are well-positioned to attain and flourish in faculty and athletic leadership positions in higher education. The curriculum, experiences, and nature of the bachelor's and master's programs at Springfield College combine to support the success of doctoral students.
The PhD in Physical Education curriculum includes a choice of tracks in Physical Education Teacher Education, Athletic Administration, or the flexible General Studies. From there, students engage in a rigorous research sequence culminating in the dissertation in a student-identified area of interest. Another element of choice is the cognate, in which students explore a selected focus area within physical education, such as adapted physical education, ethical and legal dimensions, or psychosocial aspects. A final curricular highlight is the Preparing Future Faculty series where students examine the roles and responsibilities of faculty.
Experiences within the program include field time, academic and social gatherings, research collaborations, and interactions with peers who have taught, coached, or led in a variety of settings. Students are also encouraged to apply for teaching fellowships to further build competence and confidence in faculty responsibilities.
Key to the structure of the doctoral program is the relationship to the bachelor's and master's programs in Physical Education and Athletic Administration. These programs are well-renowned and offer doctoral students opportunities to mentor, teach, and supervise student teachers while receiving guidance and feedback from a faculty member.
Recent graduates of the PhD program have landed positions as faculty and administrators in higher education across the United States and around the world. Many are seen presenting at national and international conferences and publishing their work in academic journals.
What job can I get with a doctorate degree in Physical Education?
A doctorate degree in Physical Education from Springfield College unlocks a variety of influential career opportunities in academia, research, and applied sports settings. Graduates often become university professors, teaching and mentoring students while conducting research to advance the field. Another rewarding path is working as a research scientist, leading studies that explore the psychological aspects of sport and exercise.
You could also pursue roles as sport psychology consultants, working with athletes and teams to enhance their mental performance and resilience. Additionally, positions like clinical psychologists specializing in sports allow you to provide therapeutic services to athletes dealing with mental health challenges. Opportunities as program directors in sports organizations enable you to develop and oversee mental training programs.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Professors or faculty, specialize in a variety of subjects and fields. At colleges and universities, professors are organized into departments by degree field, such as history, science, or business. A professor may teach one or more courses within that department. For example, a mathematics professor may teach calculus, statistics, and a graduate seminar on a topic related to polynomials.
Postsecondary teachers’ duties vary, often based on the size of their employing institution. In large colleges or universities, they may teach courses, conduct research or experiments, publish original research, apply for grants to fund their research, or supervise graduate teaching assistants. In small colleges and universities or in community colleges, they may spend most of their time teaching courses and working with students.
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges. Education administrators’ duties depend on the size of their college or university. Small schools often have small staffs that take on many different responsibilities, but larger schools may have different offices for each of these functions.
Training and development managers oversee training programs, staff, and budgets. They are responsible for creating or selecting course content and materials for training programs. Training may be in the form of a video, self-guided instructional manual, or online application and delivered in person or through a computer or other hand-held electronic device. Training also may be collaborative, with employees informally connecting with experts, mentors, and colleagues, often through social media or other online medium. Managers must ensure that training methods, content, software, systems, and equipment are appropriate.
How to Apply:
Admission Requirements
- Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
Essay: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials. Once you login to your application portal you'll be able to upload your essay.
In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College.
- Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study.
- Three letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
- Interview: This program requires an interview.
- Master's Degree: Completion of a master's degree is required. If your master's degree is in progress and will be completed by the end of your first year of PhD coursework, conditional acceptance may be possible.
- Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address:
Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
International Applicants
- $100 non-refundable International Application fee
In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:
- Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
- Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.
The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students:
- Application and Supporting Materials Priority Deadline: February 16
- Rolling after on space available basis
International Students:
Fall Start
- Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1
