Sport and Exercise Psychology (PhD) | Springfield College

Sport and Exercise Psychology (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions & Events
School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • 78-credit program
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Cohort size: 4
  • Course requirements
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester)
  • Attend full time
  • Complete the program in 4 years
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Looking for a master's degree?
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Springfield College Assistant Professor of Exercise Science Kathleen Mellano works with students on the Blake Track

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. 

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

 
  1. Complete the FREE 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.
  2. 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 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Interview: Upon faculty request, an interview may be required.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, 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 staff in 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 Deadline: January 12

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: January 12

*All applications will be reviewed following the deadline.

Head Strength and Sport Psychology Coach Precision Nutrition

Adam Feit ’06, PhD’21

“It’s been great to see our classroom discussions go into practice with influential on-campus workshops. I really enjoy blending the research with immediate hands-on coaching experience.”

Adam Feit

Allison Grace, PhD’23

“I chose to pursue my doctorate at Springfield College because of the program’s holistic approach to the Sport and Exercise Psychology curriculum. It is grounded in physical education/exercise science and emphasizes how psychological factors, physiological factors, and social/contextual factors all impact behavior in sport/exercise settings. Further, this holistic approach underscores Springfield College’s mission of “educating the whole person, spirit, mind, and body.” 

Allison Grace - Springfield College

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