PhD in Sports Studies (PhD)

Tuition is Tuition and fees information is available through the Paying for Your Education section., while applications for the Sep 2026 intake close on Jan 8, 2027.

This programme prepares students for careers as scholars and practitioners in sport and exercise psychology. It focuses on research and applied work in psychological, sociological, physiological, and motor behavioral aspects of human performance. Students engage in collaborative research and evidence-based practice within a structured cohort of four. The programme supports certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

Focus areas include Sport and Exercise Psychology, Research Methods, Psychological Factors in Performance, Physiological Aspects of Behavior, Sociological Influences on Sport, Motor Behavioral Studies.

The programme requires 78 credits and includes coursework, dissertation research, and a sequence of courses in the Preparing Future Faculty Series. All courses are delivered on campus in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Graduates typically pursue academic careers teaching sport and exercise psychology at colleges and universities.

Applicants must hold a master's degree and complete prerequisites in Physiology of Exercise and research competency. Required materials include a statement of purpose, resume, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample, official GRE scores, and transcripts. International applicants must also submit proof of English proficiency and a credential evaluation if needed.

The programme totals about 78 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, with a typical duration of 4 years starting in 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.