PhD in Kinesiology - Sport and Exercise Psychology

The Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Sport and Exercise Psychology Program at UNCG prepares individuals as academic researchers and faculty members in the areas of sport and exercise psychology (SEP).

SEP integrates theory, research, and practice, and includes the study of cognitive, emotional, psychophysiological, and social factors that influence sport and exercise behaviors as well as the effects of physical activity on psychological factors. Students in SEP typically come from Kinesiology or Psychology master’s programs and learn how to enhance human development and functioning by acquiring cutting edge knowledge in the area of SEP.

Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Sport and Exercise Psychology Program Distinctions

The Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Sport and Exercise Psychology Program at UNCG is one of four concentrations in the doctoral Kinesiology program. SEP faculty have received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, among others.

The Kinesiology Ph.D. program at UNCG is nationally recognized for its excellence:

• UNCG has one of only three Kinesiology doctoral programs in North Carolina.
• The National Academy of Kinesiology ranked UNCG #21 in the nation in 2023 for kinesiology doctoral programs.
• College Factual ranked UNCG’s Kinesiology doctoral program #4 in the country in 2025.

The Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Sport and Exercise Psychology Student Experience

Students in the Ph.D.-Sport and Exercise Psychology Program work closely with a faculty mentor whose interests align with their own. Serious candidates are encouraged to reach out to prospective faculty mentors to determine if they are accepting Ph.D. students for the upcoming cycle. The potential students should ask about faculty’s current research projects, and determine if they would be a good overall fit.

Faculty and students will have ongoing collaborations with other sub-disciplines in Kinesiology, such as Exercise Physiology and Applied Research Neuormechanics. They also work with other departments, such as Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology.

There will be opportunities to engage with UNCG programs, such as the Center for Athlete Well-being and the Center for Women’s Health and Wellness.

The SEP Labs are available to graduate students. They consists of several smaller spaces dedicated to a faculty member’s specific research agenda. These spaces complement the department’s larger laboratory spaces, which are available for SEP research and for collaborative, interdisciplinary projects.

After Graduating with a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Graduates usually pursue careers as university faculty or research staff in areas including:

• Kinesiology
• Cognitive psychology
• Biomedical research

Apply to the Ph.D. SEP Program

To apply to the Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology Program, an application must be submitted to the UNCG Graduate School. For additional application information, see details here: Process and Requirements.