Degree Requirements
All students must complete the written and oral qualifying exam within the first two semesters of the program. All students must also pass a comprehensive exam as designated by the candidate's doctoral committee, pass the dissertation prospectus, and successfully defend the dissertation.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum grade of B- required unless otherwise noted. | ||
| Core Classes | 12 | |
| Critical Thinking in Sport & Physical Education Research | ||
| Action Research in Kinesiology | ||
| Higher Education Curriculum in Kinesiology | ||
| Policy and Advocacy in Kinesiology | ||
| Statistics and Research Methods | 15 | |
| Statistical Methods 1 | ||
| Statistical Methods 2 | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Advanced Qualitative Research | ||
| Research Methods in Sport, Physical Activity, and Performance | ||
| Electives (courses must be approved by advisor) | 12 | |
| Dissertation Research | 21 | |
| Research (18 credit hour required) | ||
| Dissertation and Thesis Seminar (3 credit hours required) | ||
| Benchmarks | ||
Qualifying Exam | ||
Comprehensive Exam | ||
Dissertation Proposal | ||
Dissertation Defense | ||
| Total Hours | 60 | |
Performance Standards
Students who do not meet benchmarks would receive probation notification due to lack of progress at the end of the academic year with remediation required during the summer term. Failure to meet benchmark requirements beyond that point would result in suspension or dismissal from the program. Student research will be graded by the faculty each semester. Research and grades will be satisfactory or unsatisfactory (S/U).
Degree Progress
The School of Sport Sciences requires the following milestones for all students. According to the graduate catalog, students will receive a yearly evaluation. Students who are either not making adequate degree progress or who are failing to uphold professional standards may receive notice of probation, suspension or dismissal. Students may be notified of academic consequences outside of routine evaluation processes if an issue must be addressed immediately.
Each year, no later than the first day of classes of the Fall semester, the department will distribute an updated version of the CAHS Graduate Student Handbook, which includes links to program-specific handbooks.
Benchmarks
- Year One: Pass qualifying exams (1st semester), Identify a doctoral advisor, Develop and have a Plan of Study approved with identified benchmarks (2nd semester)
- Year Two: Form doctoral committee, Complete all coursework (end of 4th semester), Prepare comprehensive document (end of 4th semester)
- Year Three-Four: Pass the comprehensive examination (including document) (5th semester), Pass the doctoral proposal to enter candidacy, Pass dissertation defense, Complete all benchmarks
Satisfactory Progress
A doctoral student is considered to be making satisfactory progress when they:
- Maintain a minimum grade of B- or higher in all Plan of Study coursework
- Receive satisfactory (S) evaluations in all coursework, including research hours, independent studies, and assistantship-related academic credits (if applicable)
- Meet all program benchmarks within expected timeframes (e.g., coursework completion, comprehensive exams, proposal, dissertation milestones)
- Demonstrate consistent academic engagement and progress as evaluated by faculty/advisory committee
- Successfully complete the written and oral comprehensive document and examination within program guidelines
- Successfully defend the written and oral dissertation proposal and advance to candidacy
- Successfully complete, defend the written and oral dissertation
- Submit the dissertation to the WVU ETD
- Complete all Plan of Study benchmarks according to the document timeline
- Adhere to the institution's Student Code of Conduct and uphold professional and ethical standards
- Maintain regular communication and engagement with their advisor and committee
A doctoral student may be placed on academic probation if any of the following occur:
- Earning a grade below a B- in any Plan of Study coursework
- Receiving an unsatisfactory (U) in any coursework, including research hours, independent study, or practicum experiences
- Failure to pass the qualifying exam
- Failure of the written and/or oral comprehensive document or examination within the program’s allowed attempts or timeline
- Failure of the written and/or oral dissertation proposal
- Failure of the written and/or oral dissertation defense
- Failure to meet Plan of Study established benchmarks or make adequate progress as outlined in the Plan of Study
- Demonstration of insufficient academic progress as determined by the advisor, committee, or program leadership
- Lack of engagement or responsiveness in program requirements or academic responsibilities
Major Learning Outcomes
Coaching and Teaching Studies
Upon completion of the Ed.D, each graduate should:
- To develop an in-depth knowledge of the contemporary theoretical concepts within coaching and teaching studies.
- Develop a critical understanding of the knowledge, research and analytical skills required to be an effective and reflective pedagogue in coaching and teaching studies.
- Be able to apply, justify, and promote evidence-based practices in varied environments within coaching and teaching studies.
- Be able to identify, critically analyze and reflect on practice-based problems in teacher and coach preparation to generate and implement informed solutions and directions in professional practice.
- Critically engage in reflective practice through the development, implementation and reporting of an extended piece of research work.