Coaching and Teaching Studies, PhD
Our doctoral programs provide a high-quality and meaningful educational experience that enables each learner to succeed in achieving their chosen academic and career goals. Furthermore, the related experiences promote the development of learners as analytical thinkers who are confident in the application of the scientific method and who can excel professionally as educators and researchers.
The PhD is a research doctorate, the purpose of which is to prepare program graduates for careers as researchers in university, government, not-for-profit and industry settings. As its primary learning outcome, program graduates develop the competencies needed to lead innovation in the field through their contributions as independent researchers. Our PhD students also acquire complementary experiences and skill sets that enhance their professional readiness in teaching, service, administration, and clinical practice.
The EdD is a professional doctorate, the purpose of which is to prepare program graduates for careers as organizational leaders across a range of school, university, and community-based settings. As its primary learning outcome, program graduates develop the competencies needed to facilitate organizational change using data-based approaches to problem solving and decision-making. Our EdD students also acquire complementary skill sets that enhance their professional readiness in teaching, service, administration, and clinical practice.
Your Degree Plan
Our curriculum is designed to prepare researchers, teachers and professional leaders to address critical issues in the field by developing research skills, engaging in reflective teaching, and expanding knowledge.
Qualifying Exam
During the first semester of coursework, all doctoral students will be required to take and pass an oral qualifying exam based on assigned reading lists.
Comprehensive Exam
Prior to proposing their dissertation to their committee, students must take and pass a Comprehensive Exam to assess their ability to synthesize and critically reflect on the literature related to their research area of interest related to physical education, physical activity, or athletic coaching education. The faculty members on the students’ committees from the CATS faculty will adjudicate the quality of a presentation, the written document and the student’s ability to respond to questioning.
Benchmarks
Students enrolled in the PhD in Coaching and Teaching Studies program submit two research papers as part of their doctoral benchmarking processes. Both PhD and EdD students submit their final dissertation/thesis manuscript for publication.
Dissertation Proposal and Defense
The dissertation is the culmination of the research efforts of the student. The program coordinator will work with students during their first year of study to designate an appropriate adviser to oversee and mentor their research. The adviser will chair the dissertation committee and work with the student to select a committee based on expertise specific to the related line of inquiry. Once the committee is in place, they will convene to discuss and approve the student’s plan of study and designate each member’s role in mentoring the student in designing and carrying out their dissertation research. Once proposed to and approved by the committee, the student may complete their research study and prepare to defend the findings to the committee. The final dissertation must be defended in a public forum and approved by the committee.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart from its competitors?
PhD and EdD degree pathways are customizable based on academic and career goals.
- Research, teaching, and service assistantships are available and include a stipend and full graduate tuition waiver.
Students develop focused lines of research, while also gaining valuable experience in teaching and supervision.
- Faculty are international and national experts in the fields of physical education, coaching education, and kinesiology.
- Graduates serve as leaders in K-12 schools, higher education, nonprofits, and specialized areas of the sport industry.
100% job placement rate in diverse fields throughout the nation and beyond.
- 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.
In addition to a student’s own dissertation research, opportunities are provided for graduate students to engage with faculty on various projects, for experiences in data collection, writing empirical or practitioner-focused research papers or being part of program assessment and/or evaluation.
Students complete research in the following areas:
Adapted Physical Education/Activity
This area of focus addresses teaching and scholarship advancing the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in school-and community-based physical education/activity contexts. Our faculty and graduate students are members of a multi-institutional Adapted Physical Education Mentoring Consortium funded by a doctoral training grant from the U.S. Department of Education. As members, our doctoral scholars have opportunities to collaborate on high-quality research projects, multi-institutional seminars, and summer training with APE faculty at 9 leading institutions of higher education across the nation. Our faculty are engaged in several multidisciplinary research and service projects related to adapted physical education/activity, teacher education, health disparities, motor development, and motor skill interventions.
Applied Sport Science
Our doctoral students studying applied sport sciences conduct research focused on long-term athlete monitoring and performance assessment. This research better informs coaches as to how their athletes are responding to the training and recovery cycle. As a doctoral student in this area, you will engage in a variety of hands-on learning opportunities with our many campus partners, including the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Human Performance Innovation Center, an applied sport science laboratory. You will have access to the innovative technologies and professionals who are working on the cutting-edge of applied sport science.
Coaching Leadership
This area of focus addresses research on the foundational scientific and sport-specific knowledge structures that underlie effective coaching practice. Additional areas of study include the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills needed for organizational leadership in sport settings. As an emerging research concentration, coach development, and education affords doctoral students multiple pathways to pursue a focused and impactful line of research. Our faculty engage in a wide range of international and national service opportunities in coach development that many doctoral students contribute to as well.
Physical Education Teacher Education
Physical education teacher education enjoys a long-standing tradition with doctoral students completing research studies in educational policy development, comprehensive school physical activity programming, curriculum and instruction, instructional technology use, teacher preparation, and many other areas. Collectively, our research in this area targets the improvement of learners in K-12 settings with an overarching goal of facilitating the development of physically active lifestyles. Our faculty are engaged with several large-scale, multidisciplinary research projects involving healthy food and physical activity access in rural communities, state-wide surveillance of cardiovascular risk in school-aged children, and policy and accountability systems in school physical education.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
- Basic Instruction Program (BIP)
- Physical Education Teacher Education Program
- Coaching Education Program
- Adapted Physical Education Clinic
Graduate Research Assistantships
- Center for ActiveWV (grant funded)
- WV CARDIAC Project (grant funded)
- CDC High Obesity Program (grant funded)
- Monongalia County Strength and Conditioning
- USDE Adapted Physical Education (grant funded)
Graduate Service Assistantships
- WVU Athletics
- WVU Student Recreation Center
- Graduate Service/Teaching Assistantship
- University Advising Center
- Analytical Skills: develop skills that help identify and solve complex problems, such as critical thinking, creative thinking, data analysis, organization, and communication.
- Research Skills: find and consume research, formulate research questions, data collection, statistical skills, writing, publishing
- Communication Skills: share and understand information presented, respect others’ points of view, listen to others
- Leadership Skills: lead with confidence, display a positive and optimistic attitude, open to new and different experiences with a global mindset
- Strategic Vision: identify outcomes and long-term goals, and strategize how to prioritize and accomplish them accordingly
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $104,070
Possible Job Titles: Elementary Principal, Middle School Principal, Principal, Superintendent
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $103,960
Possible Job Titles: Academic Affairs Vice President (Academic Affairs VP), Academic Dean, Dean, Registrar
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $61,340
Possible Job Titles: Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, Fitness and Wellness Director, Fitness Coordinator, Fitness Director
Community Health Workers
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $51,030
Possible Job Titles: Community Health Outreach Worker, Community Health Program Coordinator, Community Health Promoter, Community Nutrition Educator
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $72,090
Possible Job Titles: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Education Professor, Professor
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Median Salary: $75,890
Possible Job Titles: Health and Physical Education Professor (HPE Professor), Instructor, Physical Education Professor (PE Professor), Professor
Instructional Coordinators
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $74,720
Possible Job Titles: Curriculum and Instruction Director, Curriculum Coordinator, Instructional Designer, Instructional Technologist
Where our PhD grads are working
- Adam Katchmarchi, Executive Director at National Drowning Prevention Alliance, Assistant Professor, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, PA
- Brooke Towner, Assistant Professor, Appalachian State University, NC
- Kiel Illig, Superintendent, Attica Central School District, Attica, NY
- Renee Brown, Assissant Women’s Basketball Coach and International Services Director, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA
- Tyler Goad, Assistant Professor, Emporia State University, KS
- Hannah Kipfer, Assistant Professor, Emporia State University, KS
- Adam Keath, Assistant Professor, Winthrop University, SC
- Cory Breithoff Moskovich, Secondary Physical Education Teacher, MD
- Junhyung Baek, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
- Lindsay Hammond, California University of Pennsylvania, PA
- Meghan Phillips, Business Owner, Kinematics, Morgantown WV
Meet Your Community
The Coaching and Teaching Studies family will inspire you.
Sean Bulger
Professional Highlights
- Received the 2016 Ray O. Duncan Award from the state HPERD association for outstanding service and leadership.
- Co-authored more than 70 books, chapters, and journal articles on physical activity promotion and best teaching practices.
- Collaborated on over $6 million in external funding to support physical activity in school, community, and family settings.
- Delivered over 130 presentations at state, regional, and national conferences/conventions.
Kristen Dieffenbach
Professional Highlights
- Past President (founding), United States Center for Coaching Excellence
- Fellow, Association of Applied Sport Psychology
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Association for Applied Sport Psychology
- Professional cycling and endurance sport coach for 25+ years
- Sport Steering Committee, National Physical Activity Plan
Eloise Elliott
Professional Highlights
- Ware Distinguished Professor in the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences since 2009
- Co-Author of the book, Teaching Children and Adolescents Physical Education (Graham, Elliott, Palmer, 2016)
- Recent Honors: Research Fellow, Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America (2017), Outstanding WVU CPASS Grantsperson Award (2019), Chair, U.S. President’s Council for Fitness, Sport, and Nutrition Science Board (2017)
Guy Hornsby
Professional Highlights
- Head Coach of West Virginia Weightlifting and Volunteer (throws) Coach for WVU Track and Field
- Coaching Science Coordinator at WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Human Performance Innovation Center
- West Virginia State Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association
Peter McGahey
Professional Highlights
- Former NCAA Division I and II Women’s Head Coach
- United States Soccer Federation A Licensed Coach
- United States Center for Coaching Excellence (USCCE) – Nominating Committee
David Rice
Professional Highlights
- Over 10 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.
- Taught courses in a variety of topics, including exercise and sports physiology, epidemiology, sports nutrition, exercise and sport psychology, cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology, and research methods in exercise science.
- Served as an academic adviser to over 400 undergraduate students in the past 10 years.
- Supported undergraduate research by mentoring undergraduate research projects and securing nearly $10,000 in undergraduate student grant funding.
Michael J. Ryan
Professional Highlights
- Program Coordinator for Athletic Coaching Education
- 10 years of undergraduate and graduate teaching experience in Exercise Science and Kinesiology
- National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) State and Mid-East Sectional Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year
- 20 years of coaching experience at the Division 1 and high school levels
- Coached 7 WVSSAC State Championship Teams in cross country and track
Emi Tsuda
Professional Highlights
- Research emphasis on teachers' content knowledge, motor skills and physical activity engagement, and policy in physical education.
- Teaches classes in introductory of pedagogy and elementary and early childhood physical education methods.
- Has conducted 35 international and national presentations.
Valerie Wayda
Professional Highlights
- North American Society (NAS) of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport, and Dance Professionals Fellow
- National Association for Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education - Vice President, 2012
- National Association for Sport and Physical Education Board of Directors, 2003-2006
James Wyant
Professional Highlights
- WVU Teacher of the Year Award, and CPASS award for excellence in teaching for the 2018-2019 academic year.
- WV Department of Education Teacher Credentials: Physical Education PreK-Adult, Health Education grades 5-12.
- Coordinator of the physical education teacher education student teaching capstone experience.
Xioxioa Zhang
Professional Highlights
- Certified Adapted Physical Activity Educator
- Research emphasis on promoting physical activity and reducing health disparities for individuals with disabilities
- 2023 Recipient of SHAPE America Thomas L. McKenzie Research Award
During my last 3 years of teaching high school physical education and health in Northern Virginia, I was pursuing a master's degree through WVU's online physical education program. The courses that I took ignited my passion for this profession, its purpose, and its future. While I loved teaching and coaching at the high school, an offer to further my education through WVU's doctorate program was an offer I couldn't refuse. I have aspirations to eventually work in higher education, with pre-service physical education teachers in a Physical Education Teacher Education program. I am very grateful for my experiences at WVU thus far, and to my advisers and my professors for giving me this opportunity to learn from them.
Olivia Mackey
Most programs focus only on teacher education, or only on coaching, but WVU’s program combines both of those and making it multidisciplinary is what makes it so effective.
Rachel Swartz
Working with Dr. Dieffenbach, an international leader in the field of coach education and development, has allowed me the opportunity to help improve support, efficacy, and effectiveness of coach developers and sport coaches across systems.
Christina Villalon
"I really wanted to make sure my research interests could reach those in sport coaching in a very applied and practical way. This was the main reason for why I opted to come to WVU initially was because I really wanted to be able to impact change in the most relevant ways possible. My intention has been to help coaches make changes in the spaces they could reach to improve the system for many people that it impacts."
Marla Gladstone
"I am grateful for the hands-on experiences mentoring and supporting PETE undergraduates in student-teaching individuals with disabilities in community-based settings. These opportunities have provided me with invaluable skills I will use as a professor of adapted physical activity."
A. Chloe Simpson
"This program has the perfect blend of relevant, in-depth curriculum to expose you to the content areas you need with the extensive amounts of immersive practical experiences. For a PhD program like mine that was concentrated on developing applied practitioners capable of excelling in sport environments — you must have that blend."
Jason Stone
Places and Spaces
Learn about all of the places and spaces you’ll learn in.
Student Recreation Center
Steelcase Active Learning Center
Applied Human Sciences Building
Center for Active WV
Virtual Tour
It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.
Student Life
You will have it all here — epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
Visit
Experience WVU in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!
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.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Applicants can seek admission to the doctoral program in Coaching and Teaching Studies with either a baccalaureate degree or master’s degree. To be considered for admission, applicants must upload the following documentation within the graduate application:
- Résumé or curriculum vitae
- Transcripts from all previous institutions
- Official GRE scores
- Personal statement (1-2 written pages on professional background, goals, and reasons for pursuing doctoral degree at WVU, and rationale for potential faculty adviser)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
You will not be able to submit your application until the above documents are uploaded. Once the application is submitted and (unofficial/official) transcripts are received, your application will be reviewed for an admission decision. International applicants will not be reviewed with unofficial transcripts.
Please contact the Office of Student Success at 304-293-4800 for more information about the application process.
Additional Application Considerations
Apply by December 1 for priority consideration. Applications that are incomplete or are submitted after the deadline may be reviewed if openings remain. Admission is limited to fall start only.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their application with unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Submitting unofficial transcripts speeds up the application review process as most graduate programs make admission decisions using unofficial transcripts.
If you are offered acceptance, you are required to submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions to be fully admitted into your intended graduate program. You will not be able to register for classes until the official transcripts are received. The preferred method to submit your official transcripts is through a secure online service, such as eScript, The National Clearing House, or Parchment, to graduateadmissions@mail.wvu.edu.
Alternatively, if you are unable to submit an electronic version of your official transcript, the physical, sealed, untampered with documents can be mailed to:
WVU Graduate Admissions, PO Box 6510, Morgantown, WV 26501
OR
WVU Graduate Admissions, 1 Waterfront Place, 2nd Floor, Morgantown, WV 26505
- Applications that are incomplete or are submitted after the deadline may be reviewed if openings remain.
- International applicants must also submit required materials for international applicants.
Review Process
Following the priority deadline, program faculty will evaluate applicant credentials based on the materials submitted. After that initial review, a limited number of applicants will be invited to a personal online and/or on-campus interview with the program faculty prior to a final admission decision.
Program Contact
If you have any questions about this graduate program, please contact Dr. Kristen Dieffenbach at kristen.dieffenbach@mail.wvu.edu.
Request Information
Interested in this program? Stay updated on informational webinars, program highlights, and faculty research by signing up for updates. Sign up here.
Application Deadlines
Each graduate program sets their own terms for admission and application deadlines. Applicants can only apply for admission for the terms displayed below. Any questions regarding the application deadline should be directed to the graduate program representative.
- Fall: December 1
Request Info
Want to know more about Coaching and Teaching Studies at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
Visit
Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.
Apply
Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.