Sport and Exercise Psychology (PhD)
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Admissions Contact
Rachel Ahlmeyer Are you an International Student? |
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Program Contact
Jasmin Hutchinson, PhD |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Start Dates and Duration
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Looking for a master's degree?
We also offer a MEd/MS in Sport and Exercise Psychology |
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The PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Springfield College prepares students to be future leaders and scholars in the field. Diverse coursework with an emphasis on psychological, sociological, physiological, and motor behavioral viewpoints equips students with a sound knowledge base that informs their research and practice. Collaborative research experiences enable students to design, execute, and conduct meaningful research to advance the field. Engaging coursework and applied experiences develop our students into informed practitioners who understand the value of evidence-based practices in applied work. The robust education and personalized training students receive in this program prepare them well for their future professional goals
Upon successful completion of the PhD program, students will be prepared for certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), in conjunction with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).
Program graduates will be well prepared to teach sport and exercise psychology and related disciplines at all educational levels. As the majority of doctoral students in this program enter careers in higher education, it is important they acquire the requisite skills and knowledge to be successful in this setting. As part of the doctoral degree, students will complete a sequence of courses that comprise Springfield College’s Preparing Future Faculty Series. This program exposes students to the diverse responsibilities of a career in academia, supports student development of pedagogical and scholarly writing skills, and assists in the transition from doctoral student to faculty member.
What job can I get with a doctorate degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology?
A doctorate degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology 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.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Professors 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.
Medical scientists form hypotheses and develop experiments. They study the causes of diseases and other health problems in a variety of ways. For example, they may conduct clinical trials, working with licensed physicians to test treatments on patients who have agreed to participate in the study. They analyze data from the trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
Some medical scientists choose to write about and publish their findings in scientific journals after completion of the clinical trial. They also may have to present their findings in ways that nonscientist audiences understand.
How to Apply
Prerequisites
Program prerequisites
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Physiology of Exercise
- Research competency (master’s thesis or alternative)
*Students are still encouraged to apply if they do not have the prerequisites mentioned. However, students are expected to complete these prerequisites during their first year in the program.
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: In two to three double-spaced pages, please address the following: 1. Your research interests and the faculty member(s) that you would prefer as your research advisor and why; 2. Your professional goals in the field, and 3. Why you have chosen to apply to 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.
- Writing Sample: Please submit a sample of your academic writing. This could include, but is not limited to, a journal article, thesis, capstone project, or research paper.
- GRE: This program requires the GRE, The Springfield College GRE code is 3763. You will be able to input your scores on your application, but please make sure your official scores are submitted.
- Interview: Upon faculty request, an interview may be required.
- 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:
- Priority deadline: Friday, January 10
- Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: January 12
International Students:
- Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: January 12
*All applications will be reviewed following the deadline.
