Admission Requirements - WVU Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP)

PhD in Kinesiology - Sport and Exercise Psychology Major

Admission Requirements and Applications Forms

Students can seek admission to the doctoral program with either a baccalaureate degree or master’s degree.

Admission Criteria

1. Minimum undergraduate GPA (on 4-point scale) of 3.0

2. Minimum master’s degree GPA (on 4-point scale) of 3.5 (master’s applicants)

*3. Minimum GRE of 1050 (verbal/quantitative) and 4.5 analytical writing

*4. Minimum TOEFL of 213 (international applicants)

*These are preferred minimum test scores. Test scores must be completed within three years of submitted application. Files with scores below the minimum preferred values will still be reviewed.

5. Three letters of reference with attached recommendation form (download and print the form here)

6. Professional Goal Statement (1-2 written pages on professional background, goals, and reasons for seeking admission to doctoral program in sport and exercise psychology and concurrent admission to master’s degree program in counseling.)

7. Personal interview

8. A current resume or curriculum vitae

Admission Deadline: December 15th of each year. Important - the applicant is responsible for checking with the graduate admissions coordinator (Carol Straight) to ensure all application materials are complete by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Therefore, it is recommended that students send in their applications several weeks in advance of this deadline. International applicants are encouraged to submit their university application and transcripts by November 1st to allow for extra processing time.

Application Review Process

In mid January, a five-member admissions committee will meet to evaluate the credentials of each applicant for concurrent admission to the doctoral program in sport psychology and the master’s degree program in counseling. Students must meet the admissions requirements of both degree programs. The admission committee will consist of at least three faculty members from the sport psychology doctoral program, a faculty member representing the master’s degree program in counseling, and a student representative from the doctoral program.

Based upon the preliminary review, a limited number of applicants will be invited to the WVU campus during “Interview Weekend” for a personal interview with the admissions committee and doctoral students currently enrolled in the program. While it is not a requirement that applicants participate in this formal interview process, it is strongly encouraged. Applicants who are unable to attend will be asked to participate in a phone interview.

Each year, Interview Weekend will be scheduled for the first weekend in February. Those applicants who are invited to campus are expected to make travel arrangements so as to arrive in Morgantown on Thursday afternoon. A reception will start around 5pm in the WVU Coliseum. Graduate students currently in the program will make every effort to provide housing for applicants, if the applicants so desire. In addition to a formal set of interviews with faculty members and graduate students, tours of the campus will be conducted, and there will be a social program planned for Friday and Saturday evenings.

At the conclusion of Interview Weekend, the admissions committee will reconvene, and a final decision will be made with respect to the status of each remaining applicant. Generally, 2-4 applicants are admitted into the program each academic year.

Admission Procedures

Students seeking admission to the doctoral program in Sport and Exercise Psychology must apply and submit all credentials by December 15th of each calendar year. International applicants should submit their credentials by November 1st. Students need to complete the general university application for graduate study (Sport and Exercise Psychology as the degree) and an application fee, payable to West Virginia University, in the amount of $50. Applications to the master's program in counseling should not be submitted at this time.

This application can be completed online here or the application can be downloaded and mailed with all supporting materials (official transcripts and GRE scores) to:

Office of Admission and Records
West Virginia University
P. O. Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506-6009

All remaining materials, including unofficial copies of test scores or transcripts (if official copies are pending delivery), professional goal statement and resume/vita, and three letters of reference should be mailed to:

Carol Straight, Admissions Coordinator
Sport and Exercise Psychology Doctoral Program
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
West Virginia University
P. O. Box 6116
Morgantown, WV 26506-6116

For questions about the sport psychology doctoral program admission criteria, contact Dr. Damien Clement (or scroll down to find answers to commonly asked questions about admission procedures). For general questions about the WVU admissions process, EMAIL Carol Straight, Student Records Assistant and Admissions Coordinator.

Commonly Asked Questions About the Admission Process

Can I apply to the Doctoral Program with either a Baccalaureate Degree or Master’s Degree?

Yes.

Should my previous degrees be in kinesiology or psychology?

Either previous degree focus is acceptable. A balance of training across these two areas is ideal.

How important are standardized test scores in the application review process?

Low standardized test scores do not automatically exclude a candidate from admission to the doctoral program. However, admission to the program is highly competitive. Low test scores will require that a candidate provide evidence of exceptional performance with respect to the other admission criteria.

Will you accept standardized test scores completed previously?

Yes, but only if they have been completed within the last three years.

Will you evaluate my credentials if they are incomplete?

No. Completed credentials (including letters of reference) must be submitted by December 15th.

Who should I contact to determine if my admissions portfolio is complete?

EMAIL Carol Straight, Student Records Assistant.

When will a decision be reached by the Admission Committee with respect to my application?

Decisions regarding interview weekend are typically made by mid January. Final decisions are usually made within 10 days after interview weekend.

Can I be admitted to the Doctoral Program in Sport Psychology and not be admitted into the master’s degree program in counseling?

No.

Can I be admitted into the master’s degree program in Sport Psychology?

No. We no longer offer a separate master’s degree program in sport psychology. Students who enter the doctoral program with a bachelor's degree will earn both the master’s degree in counseling and the master’s degree with an emphasis in sport and exercise psychology

Doctoral SEP Links:

SEP Ph.D. in Kinesiology - Sport and Exercise Psychology Major Main Page

Check out some upcoming events by visiting the SEP Calendar

Vision and Mission Statements for the Ph.D. Program

Program Degree Requirements

Financial Assistance

Program Faculty

Doctoral Student Profiles

Graduate Student Club

Life Off-Campus

Sport and Exercise Psychology Main Page

Sport and Exercise Psychology Undergraduate (B.S.) Degree

Doctoral Program in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Program Faculty

Facilities

Minoring in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Back to Areas of Study

College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Home Page

West Virginia University Home Page

Updated 10/21/08 sb

Text-Only Navigation	Home > Areas of Study > Sport and Exercise Psychology > Ph.D. in Kinesiology > Admission Requirements	Printable Version
	PhD in Kinesiology - Sport and Exercise Psychology Major Admission Requirements and Applications Forms Students can seek admission to the doctoral program with either a baccalaureate degree or master’s degree. Admission Criteria 1. Minimum undergraduate GPA (on 4-point scale) of 3.0 2. Minimum master’s degree GPA (on 4-point scale) of 3.5 (master’s applicants) 3. Minimum GRE of 1050 (verbal/quantitative) and 4.5 analytical writing 4. Minimum TOEFL of 213 (international applicants) These are preferred minimum test scores. Test scores must be completed within three years of submitted application. Files with scores below the minimum preferred values will still be reviewed. 5. Three letters of reference with attached recommendation form (download and print the form here) 6. Professional Goal Statement (1-2 written pages on professional background, goals, and reasons for seeking admission to doctoral program in sport and exercise psychology and concurrent admission to master’s degree program in counseling.) 7. Personal interview 8. A current resume or curriculum vitae Admission Deadline:* December 15th of each year. Important - the applicant is responsible for checking with the graduate admissions coordinator (Carol Straight) to ensure all application materials are complete by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Therefore, it is recommended that students send in their applications several weeks in advance of this deadline. International applicants are encouraged to submit their university application and transcripts by November 1st to allow for extra processing time. Application Review Process In mid January, a five-member admissions committee will meet to evaluate the credentials of each applicant for concurrent admission to the doctoral program in sport psychology and the master’s degree program in counseling. Students must meet the admissions requirements of both degree programs. The admission committee will consist of at least three faculty members from the sport psychology doctoral program, a faculty member representing the master’s degree program in counseling, and a student representative from the doctoral program. Based upon the preliminary review, a limited number of applicants will be invited to the WVU campus during “Interview Weekend” for a personal interview with the admissions committee and doctoral students currently enrolled in the program. While it is not a requirement that applicants participate in this formal interview process, it is strongly encouraged. Applicants who are unable to attend will be asked to participate in a phone interview. Each year, Interview Weekend will be scheduled for the first weekend in February. Those applicants who are invited to campus are expected to make travel arrangements so as to arrive in Morgantown on Thursday afternoon. A reception will start around 5pm in the WVU Coliseum. Graduate students currently in the program will make every effort to provide housing for applicants, if the applicants so desire. In addition to a formal set of interviews with faculty members and graduate students, tours of the campus will be conducted, and there will be a social program planned for Friday and Saturday evenings. At the conclusion of Interview Weekend, the admissions committee will reconvene, and a final decision will be made with respect to the status of each remaining applicant. Generally, 2-4 applicants are admitted into the program each academic year. Admission Procedures Students seeking admission to the doctoral program in Sport and Exercise Psychology must apply and submit all credentials by December 15th of each calendar year. International applicants should submit their credentials by November 1st. Students need to complete the general university application for graduate study (Sport and Exercise Psychology as the degree) and an application fee, payable to West Virginia University, in the amount of $50. Applications to the master's program in counseling should not be submitted at this time. This application can be completed online here or the application can be downloaded and mailed with all supporting materials (official transcripts and GRE scores) to: Office of Admission and Records West Virginia University P. O. Box 6009 Morgantown, WV 26506-6009 All remaining materials, including unofficial copies of test scores or transcripts (if official copies are pending delivery), professional goal statement and resume/vita, and three letters of reference should be mailed to: Carol Straight, Admissions Coordinator Sport and Exercise Psychology Doctoral Program College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences West Virginia University P. O. Box 6116 Morgantown, WV 26506-6116 For questions about the sport psychology doctoral program admission criteria, contact Dr. Damien Clement (or scroll down to find answers to commonly asked questions about admission procedures). For general questions about the WVU admissions process, EMAIL Carol Straight, Student Records Assistant and Admissions Coordinator. Commonly Asked Questions About the Admission Process *Can I apply to the Doctoral Program with either a Baccalaureate Degree or Master’s Degree?* Yes. *Should my previous degrees be in kinesiology or psychology?* Either previous degree focus is acceptable. A balance of training across these two areas is ideal. *How important are standardized test scores in the application review process?* Low standardized test scores do not automatically exclude a candidate from admission to the doctoral program. However, admission to the program is highly competitive. Low test scores will require that a candidate provide evidence of exceptional performance with respect to the other admission criteria. Will you accept standardized test scores completed previously? Yes, but only if they have been completed within the last three years. *Will you evaluate my credentials if they are incomplete?* No. Completed credentials (including letters of reference) must be submitted by December 15th. *Who should I contact to determine if my admissions portfolio is complete?* EMAIL Carol Straight, Student Records Assistant. *When will a decision be reached by the Admission Committee with respect to my application?* Decisions regarding interview weekend are typically made by mid January. Final decisions are usually made within 10 days after interview weekend. *Can I be admitted to the Doctoral Program in Sport Psychology* *and not be admitted into the master’s degree program in counseling?* No. *Can I be admitted into the master’s degree program in Sport Psychology?* No. We no longer offer a separate master’s degree program in sport psychology. Students who enter the doctoral program with a bachelor's degree will earn both the master’s degree in counseling and the master’s degree with an emphasis in sport and exercise psychology Doctoral SEP Links: SEP Ph.D. in Kinesiology - Sport and Exercise Psychology Major Main Page Check out some upcoming events by visiting the SEP Calendar Vision and Mission Statements for the Ph.D. Program Program Degree Requirements Financial Assistance Program Faculty Doctoral Student Profiles Graduate Student Club Life Off-Campus Sport and Exercise Psychology Main Page Sport and Exercise Psychology Undergraduate (B.S.) Degree Doctoral Program in Sport and Exercise Psychology Program Faculty Dr. Dana Brooks, Dean Dr. Damien Clement Dr. Vanessa Shannon Dr. Ed Etzel Dr. Jack Watson Dr. Sam Zizzi Facilities Minoring in Sport and Exercise Psychology Back to Areas of Study College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Home Page West Virginia University Home Page Updated 10/21/08 sb