Degree Requirements
For the Ph.D. in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, students will work directly with their plan of study committee to determine the specific courses included. Doctoral plans of study are differentiated based on the student’s academic background, work experience, research interests, and career goals. Students must also complete a series of research benchmarks beyond the required coursework: essential readings, qualifying project, dissertation proposal and defense, and multiple peer-reviewed manuscript submissions and/or presentations. It is expected that all students will meet their respective research benchmarks in accordance with the timelines described by their doctoral advisor (chair) and plan of study committee.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum grade of B- is required unless otherwise noted. | ||
| Disciplinary Core | 9 | |
| Select three of the following: | ||
| Sport and Performance Psychology | ||
| Social and Psychological Foundations of Performance | ||
| Psychological Sport Performance Enhancement | ||
| Counseling College Student-Athletes | ||
| Exercise and Health Psychology | ||
| Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury | ||
| Ethical/Legal Issues in sport Psychology | ||
| Special Topics (3 to 6 credits) | ||
| Professional Practice Core * | 12 | |
| Supervision Sport Psychology (Repeated; 3-9 credits) | ||
| Teaching Practicum (Repeated; Required 3 to 6 credits) | ||
| Statistics and Research Design Disciplinary Core | ||
| SEP 615 | Research Methodology in Physical Education | 3 |
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| Statistical Methods 1 | ||
| Statistical Methods 2 | ||
| Mixing Research Methodologies | ||
| Survey Research Methods | ||
| Multivariate Methods 1 | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Advanced Qualitative Research | ||
| Advanced Measurement and Research in Physical Education | ||
| Research Practice Core | ||
| SEP 797 | Research | 9 |
| SEP 765 | Dissertation and Thesis Seminar | 3 |
| Research Benchmarks | ||
| Complete essential readings as part of the plan of study process | ||
| Submit a first-author, data-based manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal ** | ||
| Submit a first-author, data-based or conceptual manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal OR present a first-author data-based study at a national or international conference | ||
| Submit a first-author, data-based manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal as the Qualifying Project AND pass the Qualifying Project defense | ||
| Pass dissertation proposal | ||
| Pass dissertation defense and ETD submission and approval | ||
| Submit a first-author, data-based manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal based on the dissertation findings | ||
| Total Hours | 45 | |
- *
SEP 647 repeated for 3 to 9 credits; SEP 690 repeated for 3 to 6 credits.
- **
A first-author data-based article submitted prior to the student’s first year can count towards this benchmark only if the submission occurred after their official admission into the program and is approved by the doctoral chair as meeting minimum quality standards.
Program Standards
Student research will be graded by program faculty each semester. Research grades will be awarded satisfactory or unsatisfactory (S/U). Additionally, doctoral student performance will be evaluated annually. Students who do not meet their research benchmarks by the prescribed deadlines could receive probation notification due to lack of progress. Failure to meet benchmark requirements beyond that point could result in suspension or dismissal from the program.
Major Learning Outcomes
Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology Ph.D.
Following the completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
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Adhere to the principles and standards for ethical research in the social sciences.
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Critique and synthesize the literature in their primary field of study for the purpose of identifying gaps in the knowledge base and formulating new research questions.
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Apply theories, methodologies, and data analysis approaches to answer research questions of conceptual significance.
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Demonstrate skills in oral and written communication enough to publish and present peer-reviewed research in their primary field of study.
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Initiate an independent line of research that represents a significant contribution to the literature base in their primary field of study.