The primary purpose of the doctoral concentration in psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity is to develop scholars who are competent in teaching, conducting research, and serving in leadership roles in physical education, sport, fitness, and educational organizations. Students at the doctoral level typically specialize in sport psychology or sport sociology.
- Sport psychology examines the influence of psychological variables on motor performance and the influence of sport and physical activity participation on psychological phenomena.
- Sport sociology examines social structures on sport and physical activity, as well as the social significance of sport and physical activity from different theoretical perspectives.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete all MSU and KIN requirements for the PhD degree, including area of concentration, breadth requirement, supporting area cognate, research cognate, research practicum, comprehensive exams, and dissertation. The exact program of study is specified in an individual program plan approved by the student’s guidance committee. Typical courses in the psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity concentration include:
- KIN 840 – Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Activity (3 credits)
- KIN 841 – Stress Management Techniques in Athletics (3 credits)
- KIN 845 – Sociocultural Practices in Sport (3 credits)
- KIN 858 – Student Athlete Development (3 credits)
- KIN 940 – Issues in Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Activity (1-9 credits)
- KIN 990 – Independent Study in Kinesiology (1-6 credits)
Students in this concentration often complete external cognates in areas of study such as psychology, counseling, women’s studies, sociology, communications, and measurement and quantitative methods. Consult Academic Programs and Description of Courses for a full listing of academic programs and courses
Expectations
The majority of KIN doctoral students prepare for careers in higher education; therefore, it is important that they acquire sufficient expertise and experience in research, teaching, and service to prepare for successful careers in the academy. Departmental expectations related to that goal are described in Expectations of Ph.D. Students, and related learning experiences are described in Professional Development Opportunities. These expectations are individualized for students during advising and guidance committee meetings
Admissions
| Graduate Studies Secretary 308 W. Circle Drive, Room 134 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1049 Phone: (517) 355-4736 Fax: (517) 355-1689 Email: kingrad@msu.edu |
Contact Information
Contact the following faculty member about the concentration in psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity.
Department of Kinesiology
308 W. Circle Drive, Room 204
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049
Phone: (517) 353-9163
Fax: (517) 353-5363
E-mail: kte@msu.edu
Deparment of Kinesiology
308 W. Circle Drive, Room 210
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 432-0175
Fax: (517) 353-5363
E-mail: drgould@msu.edu
Dr. Leps Malete
Department of Kinesiology
308 W. Circle Drive, Room 203
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 432-5385
Fax: (517) 353-5363
E-mail: maletele@msu.edu
Dr. Nicholas Myers
Department of Kinesiology
308 W. Circle Drive, Room 201
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
Phone: (517) 432-5380
Fax: (517) 353-5363
E-mail: myersni1@msu.edu
Dr. Alan Smith
Department of Kinesiology
308 W. Circle Drive, Room 130
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1049
Phone: (517) 355-4731
Fax: (517) 353-2944
E-mail: alsmith@msu.edu