PhD in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching (PhD)

For PhD Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, tuition is Tuition and fees information is available through the Paying for Your Education section., while admissions are rolling.

Graduates are qualified for faculty and athletic leadership roles in higher education. The programme offers tracks in Physical Education Teacher Education, Athletic Administration, and General Studies. Students complete a dissertation in a self-identified research area and engage in a Preparing Future Faculty series. The programme integrates with the college's bachelor's and master's programmes, allowing doctoral students to mentor and teach student teachers.

Focus areas include Physical Education Teacher Education, Athletic Administration, General Studies, Adapted Physical Education, Ethical and Legal Dimensions, Psychosocial Aspects.

The programme requires 64 credits, distributed across coursework, dissertation research, and the Preparing Future Faculty series. Students complete a cognate in a selected focus area within physical education.

Graduates secure positions as faculty and administrators in higher education institutions across the United States and internationally.

Applicants must hold a master's degree or be completing one by the end of their first year. Required materials include an essay, resume, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and an interview. International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores and a credential evaluation if transcripts are not in English.

The programme totals about 64 credit hours. On-campus, full-time or part-time, with a typical duration of up to 5 years. Start date is September. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 70% of applicants.

Springfield College has carried a Humanics philosophy for 135 years, connecting education with leadership and service to others. That outlook shapes a college community where learning extends beyond course requirements. Students may combine traditional coursework with internships, service-learning programs, research, or fieldwork, often beginning in their first year. The college’s academic offer spans undergraduate and graduate study, with experiential learning as a central part of the student experience. Students work alongside community members, experts, and scholars, building practical skills and expanding their knowledge while applying ideas from class. Springfield’s School of Health Sciences is part of the college’s academic structure, alongside programs and experiences in sport management, physical education, athletic leadership, elementary education, psychology, and sport psychology.

For international students, the early and often approach means that field experience can begin during the first semester, with placements and internships connected to a student’s area of study. Options include academic enrichment, work in labs and classrooms, field experiences, and global experiences. Some internships develop into full-time positions upon graduation. Springfield, Massachusetts, provides the setting for community-based placements, while the campus community also hosts events and traditions connected with leadership, sports, and service. The college’s history includes alumni whose work has extended into coaching, sport psychology, education, and professional sports. Students choosing Springfield College should expect a program that asks them to connect theory with practice and take an active role in their learning through research, service, fieldwork, or leadership opportunities.