Degree Offered
- Master of Science
- Doctor of Philosophy
Nature of the Program
The Ph.D. program in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology at WVU is recognized as among the premier training programs in the discipline globally. To train highly competent and well-rounded future professionals, this program provides students with a comprehensive experience that combines academic rigor, extensive engagement in research and teaching, and opportunities in applied practice settings. Students work with our nationally- and internationally-recognized faculty to make meaningful contributions to the science and practice of the field.
Importantly, plans of study are designed in collaboration with each student to meet their unique needs toward a range of career goals, including those in research, teaching, and applied practice. Beyond coursework, students in this program complete several benchmarks in research leading to the dissertation and garner experience in teaching, often as the primary instructor. Students may choose to additionally engage in supervised applied experiences in a range of sport, exercise, and performance settings toward credentialing in mental performance consulting. For students further interested in applied practice, a concurrent completion of a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an option that qualifies them to sit for counseling licensure upon graduation. Alternatively, students may opt to place greater emphasis on research output and teaching experience to prepare for a career in higher education or another setting. Unique to students admitted to the Ph.D. program with a baccalaureate degree, a M.S. in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology is completed concurrently with their doctorate.
Admissions for 2026-2027
Applicants can seek admission to the doctoral program in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology with either a baccalaureate degree or master's degree [Note: The M.S. program in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology does not offer direct admission at this time]. To be considered for admission, applicants must upload the following documentation within the graduate application:
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Transcripts from all previous institutions. This program utilizes the University GPA requirement for entry to the program.
- Official GRE scores
- The general test is required with scores for verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing, within the last five years. Applications will not be reviewed without a current GRE score. Waivers will not be granted.
- Personal statement
- The personal statement must be 1-2 written pages that addresses:
- The applicant's professional background and goals
- The applicant's reasons for pursuing the doctoral degree in sport, exercise, and performance psychology at WVU
- Indication of whether the applicant intents to pursue the dual master's degree in clinical mental health counseling with a rationale
- Indication of potential faculty advisor(s) based on shared research interests
- Note: Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is strictly prohibited to generate all or part of the personal statement. Applicants will be asked to certify their personal statement is original without the use of generative AI.
- The personal statement must be 1-2 written pages that addresses:
- Letters of recommendation (2)
Applicants will not be able to submit their application until the above documents are uploaded. Once the application is submitted and (unofficial/official) transcripts are received, the application will be reviewed for an admission decision. International applicants will not be reviewed with unofficial transcripts.
MS Major Code: 5534
PhD Major Code: 5540