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College of Applied Human Sciences: School of Sport Sciences

Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, PhD

The PhD program in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology at WVU is recognized as one of the premier training programs in the world.

It provides students with a comprehensive curriculum delivered by highly qualified faculty. The program combines academic rigor, extensive research experiences and applied consulting opportunities to train highly competent, well-rounded future sport, exercise and performance psychology professionals.

Students initiate their own line of research, work with faculty to produce publishable manuscripts, and complete three research benchmarks in addition to their dissertation. Furthermore, students take part in supervised applied experiences working within a range of different sport, exercise and performance settings, including Division I, II and III athletic programs.

This PhD program, which includes a concurrent master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, allows individuals to sit for counseling licensure upon graduation. With this combination of research and applied aspects of sport, exercise and performance psychology, the program prepares students for careers as sport psychology consultants, researchers and future faculty members. Students may also apply for a science track with more emphasis on research, which does not include the master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Many students work 20 hours a week during the semester as a graduate assistant, either teaching, providing service or conducting research. In return for these contributions, graduate assistants receive a tuition waiver and stipend.

This program is delivered in-person and requires full-time residency in Morgantown for the majority of the 3-4 year program.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Meet Your Community Admission Requirements Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

The PhD program in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology combines academic rigor, extensive research experiences and applied consulting opportunities to train highly competent, well-rounded sport, exercise and performance psychology professionals.

The program combines academic rigor, extensive research experiences and applied consulting opportunities to train highly competent, well-rounded future sport, exercise and performance psychology professionals. The comprehensive curriculum represents the science-practice model of psychology.

Foundational Courses
Students complete 65-75 credit hours that cover traditional SEP coursework, professional practice courses and research methods. They will have individual plan of studies meetings to finalize their doctoral curriculum with all courses needed to complete the requirements for the SEP doctoral degree.

Dissertation
Throughout the program students select a line of research that coincides with their area of interest. The SEP doctoral degree program culminates with a dissertation research project, exploring an important topic in the field of sport, exercise and performance psychology. The dissertation will be in the form of two or three publishable papers researching the chosen topic, which will be presented in a public forum. The dissertation committee must approve of the dissertation to be fully accepted.

Earn a Dual Degree in Counseling
Once admitted into this program, students can opt to dual enroll in the master's degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Courses for these two programs are completed simultaneously. Upon completion students are eligible to sit for licensure as a licensed professional counselor in most states.

Register now for a webinar this fall

Learn more about the unique features of the program, core faculty and their research interests, and the application process in these 60-minute virtual sessions.

Register now.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • 100% of program graduates are employed in the area of their choice.
  • Students teach undergraduate classes in sport, exercise and performance psychology.
  • Students are expected to produce publishable manuscripts.
  • Graduates will be license-eligible and may pursue a counseling or consulting career with full-time applied work.
  • Students consult with NCAA Division I, II and III athletic programs, high school and youth sport teams, exercise/health settings and other performance domains.
  • Admitted students can dual enroll in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and complete both simultaneously.
  • The WVU School of Sport Sciences was recently recognized as one of the best in the country by Newsweek.

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Applied Experiences
Students have the opportunity to gain applied experience working with a range of performers, including student-athletes of Division I, II and III athletic programs. As a result, most students accrue more than 400 hours of supervised service provision allowing them to meet the requirements for AASP certification (CMPC). In addition, the dual enrollment in a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling allows individuals to sit for counseling licensure upon graduation.

Research
The program boasts seven faculty members trained in sport, exercise and performance psychology. These faculty members have different training backgrounds and research specialties (see faculty profiles) allowing them to supervise students with various research interests. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with those faculty members and are expected to produce publishable manuscripts. In their research, students are encouraged to identify topics that align with their own interests and will help them reach their professional goals.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

  • Basic Instruction Program (BIP)

Graduate Service Assistantships

  • WVU Student Recreation Center
  • WVU Athletics

Graduate Service/Teaching Assistantships

  • University Advising Center

Attending college will prepare you for many things. The Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology major will give you the following skills:

  • Analytical skills
  • Research skills
Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Education Administrators, Postsecondary

Plan, direct or coordinate research, instructional, student administration and services and other educational activities at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges and junior and community colleges.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $102,610

Possible job titles include: Academic Dean, Dean, Provost, Registrar.

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Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $96,100

Possible job titles include: Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist, Applied Behavior Science Specialist, Child Psychologist, Clinical Therapist, Counseling Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, Psychotherapist, Pediatric Psychologist.

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Mental Health Counselors

Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $53,710

Possible job titles include: Clinician, Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Therapist.

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Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $82,140

Possible job titles include: Instructor, Professor, Psychology Instructor, Psychology Professor.

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Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy and veterinary medicine.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $105,650

Possible job titles include: Assistant Professor, Clinical Professor, Physical Therapy Professor, Professor.

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Where our grads are working

Graduates leave the program with advanced skills in the areas of research, practice and teaching. WVU boasts one of the largest SEP alumni networks in the nation with former students working in most areas of the sport, exercise and performance psychology profession. Alumni take a genuine interest in current students and their future success. Graduates work in a variety of roles which include sport psychology consultants, researchers and faculty members.

Common career areas:

  • Research based faculty positions in sport sciences
  • Teaching based faculty positions in sport sciences
  • Private practice consulting
  • Military consulting
  • Public Health

Example employers and job titles of graduates:

  • Ian Connole, private practitioner, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Peak Performance, Dartmouth College
  • Paul Downey, Associate Athletic Director for Academics, University of Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletics
  • Adrian Ferrera, practitioner with special forces soldiers, Fort Bragg
  • Aaron Goodson, Assistant Director of Counseling and Sport Psychology, Mississippi State University
  • Brandon Harris, Associate Professor, Georgia Southern University
  • Jesse Michel, Head Mental Skills Coordinator, Houston Astros
  • Raymond Prior, private practitioner, Chicago, Illinois
  • Rebecca Zakrajsek, Associate Professor, University of Tennessee

Meet Your Community

The Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology family will inspire and support you.

  • Portrait of Damien Clement

    Damien Clement

    Professional highlights:

    • Fellow, Association for Applied Sport Psychology, 2020-Present
    • WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching, 2015
    • Dorothy V. Harris Award, Association for Applied Sport Psychology, 2014
    • Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, 2013
    • Acting Dean, WVU Honors College, August 2019–June 2020

  • Ashley Coker-Cranney

    Professional highlights:

    • Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
    • Licensed Professional Counselor, West Virginia Board of Examiners for Counseling
  • A smiling man with glasses with fitness equipment in the background. He is wearing a light-colored shirt and dark tie.

    Peter Giacobbi Jr.

    Professional highlights:

    • Research focus on chronic disease risk reduction using digital and other delivery technologies
    • Expert in the use of guided imagery in sport and exercise settings, overall well-being and managing health behavior
    • Current Google Scholar H-index of 33, Scopus H-index of 23
  • Smiling woman standing in Stewart Hall. She has long dark hair and wears a black suit jacket.

    Dana Voelker

    Professional highlights:

    • Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
    • Steelcase Education Active Learning Center Grant, 2019
    • WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teachers, 2018
    • Association for Applied Sport Psychology Dorothy V. Harris Memorial Award, 2018
  • Photo of smiling man wearing glasses, a light shirt and patterned tie.

    Sam Zizzi

    Professional highlights:

    • Twice recognized as Most Outstanding Teacher at WVU CPASS, and has mentored over 30 PhD students through degree completion
    • Serves as the Dr. Pat Fehl Endowed Professor to focus efforts on the health and wellness of WV citizens
    • Published one of the first books on self-awareness in sport, Being Mindful in Sport and Exercise Psychology (2017), with friend and colleague Mark Andersen
    • Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)

  • The SEP faculty helped me develop holistically as a scholar and person, with high expectations and a strong desire to achieve.

    Lindsey Bloom
     EdD, Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2005
    “The SEP faculty helped me develop holistically as a scholar and person, with high expectations and a strong desire to achieve. Dr. Jack Watson provided mentorship with autonomy and independence, and support through challenges. While at WVU, I was offered a strong classroom education, mentored practicum, research training and teaching experience.”

  • My success is a direct result of the training and guidance I received while a student in the SEP program.

    Professional portrait of John Lubker.
    John Lubker
     EdD, Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2006
    “WVU provided me with the opportunity to develop both as a professional and as an academic. My success is a direct result of the training and guidance I received while a student in the SEP program.”
  • Portrait of Amanda V.
    Amanda V.
     PhD, Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2006
    “The education and training I was fortunate to receive in my doctoral sport and exercise psychology program was exceptional. Moreover, the mentorship provided to me by the faculty then, and even now, remains unmatched.”

    • Admission Requirements

    To be eligible for admission into a graduate program at WVU an applicant must submit official, bachelor's degree transcripts from a regionally accredited institution and hold a GPA of at least 2.75. WVU operates decentralized admissions. Decentralized admissions allows each graduate program to set its own application requirements in addition to the University requirements.

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