Doctor of Philosophy in Kinesiology- Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity

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.

All Official Transcripts. TOEFL PBT - 550. TOEFL IBT - 80. IELTS - 6.5.
KIN faculty members use the following criteria when judging applicants for admission and when determining which prospective doctoral students to nominate for fellowships. Sources of information include transcripts, GRE test report, professional goals statement, resume, letters of recommendation, and writing/research sample. Students may submit additional materials if desired. Prospective students should make certain that all of these criteria are addressed in their admissions portfolios.

Academic excellence GPA, GRE scores and percentile ranks, reputation of department or program of study pursued, letters of recommendation
Goals and their match to the department/program statement of purpose, breadth and depth of professional/research experience, fit with faculty interests or department strengths, potential to benefit from and contribute to KIN.
Leadership potential academic/professional/community activities or employment, evidence of leadership potential, capacity to make a distinctive professional or scholarly contribution
Contribution to a diverse educational community consider personal history and experience, professional goals, and/or the promotion of understanding among persons of different backgrounds and idea.
Record of overcoming obstacles social, economic, personal
To be considered for regular admission, applicants must demonstrate:

A two-page professional goals statement in which you describe your interest and aptitude in one or more of the concentrations offered in the doctoral program, state your research interests, and specify the faculty member(s) that you prefer as your mentor(s). Your response to the personal statement field (Item #22) on the Application for Graduate Study is not sufficient. The Department of Kinesiology requires a separate two-page statement.
Completion of a master's degree. Although a completed master's degree is typically required, in cases of exceptional scholarly promise, a student may enter the doctoral program following the completion of an undergraduate degree. KIN does consider applicants who do not have undergraduate or master's degrees in kinesiology.
A competitive cumulative grade point average. The department prefers GPAs of 3.3 or higher.
Competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The department prefers a minimum score of 150 points on the verbal test, a combined score of 300 points or higher on the verbal and math tests, and a score of 4.0 points or higher on the analytical writing test.
A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score that meets the MSU Graduate School requirements.
Research experience such as a master's thesis, master's project, or collaborative work with a faculty member.
Strong letters of recommendation.