Human Performance, Leisure and Sport Management Concentration, Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Performance with a concentration in Leisure and Sport Management prepares doctoral students to plan and conduct research, design and deliver educational experiences, and serve their profession as well as the larger society. The doctorate is a research-oriented degree that prepares students to pursue faculty positions in higher education or to provide research and educational services to private industry, public, and non-profit organizations.

Program Description

Under the guidance of expert faculty members, doctoral students in Leisure and Sport Management may explore topics related to leisure, sport, outdoor recreation, tourism, hospitality, and event planning and management. During the program of study, doctoral students complete coursework, take preliminary examinations, and compose a dissertation in a chosen area of specialization.

Careers

The Human Performance, Leisure and Sport Management Concentration, Ph.D. is offered for the purpose of developing doctoral-level expertise in research (both applied and theoretical) and as preparation for teaching at the collegiate level. Some positions currently held by alumni from the doctoral program include:

• University professor
• University athletics head coach
• Compliance officer for federal agency Institutions that employ our alumni include:
  • Louisiana State University
  • Oklahoma State University
  • East Tennessee State University
  • Colorado Christian University
  • University of St. Francis
  • Trevecca Nazarene University
  • State of Indiana
  • U.S. Department of the Interior

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Performance with a concentration in Leisure and Sport Management requires:

1. An earned bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited university or college with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken. Successful applicants typically have a grade point average (GPA) on the last 60 hours of academic work of 3.00 or above on a 4.00 scale.
2. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with acceptable scores. Successful applicants to the Ph.D. program have scores that exceed 297. The Analytical Writing Assessment score is also considered.
3. Research skills. Successful applicants typically have statistical and research methodology skills as evidenced by coursework in both areas, and have completed a thesis or scholarly project that can be reviewed by the graduate director.
4. Coursework in a related field. Applicants with a bachelor's degree are expected to have completed at least 18 hours of coursework in a related field. Applicants with a master's degree are expected to have completed at least 20 graduate hours in a related field.
5. Three letters of recommendation from university faculty/professors who can address one's ability for potential success in graduate study and academic qualifications to complete graduate-level work: thinking, writing, and speaking.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. Applications for admission must be complete by March 1 for Summer admission, by June 1 for Fall admission, and by October 1 for Spring admission. Late applicants who meet the admission criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must submit:

1. Application with the appropriate application fee.
2. Official scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
3. Official transcripts of all previous college work.
4. Three letters of recommendation from persons who can address their academic qualifications and potential for success in doctoral study and teaching ability.
5. A 400-500 word statement of purpose giving their reasons for applying to the Ph.D. program, academic interests, professional goals, and area of concentration.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. in Human Performance with a concentration in Leisure and Sport Management requires completion of 60-72 semester hours. Candidates must:

1. Complete 60 credit hours past the master's degree. A maximum of 12 hours from the master's degree may be transferred in from an accredited program. Two-thirds (40 semester hours) of the program must be at the 7000-level. Applicants holding only a bachelor's degree will complete the requirements for an M.S. (thesis option) in addition to the Ph.D. requirements.
2. Complete a thesis or scholarly equivalent prior to admission to candidacy.
3. Successfully complete preliminary examinations to advance to candidacy.
4. Be enrolled in full-time study (9 semester hours) for at least one semester to fulfill residency requirements.
5. Complete a dissertation and successfully defend it in the final oral examination.

Curriculum

The following illustrates the coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 24 hours of dissertation research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.

Human Performance Core Requirements (15 hours)

• HHP 7060 - Research Practicum in Human Performance (3 credit hours required)
• HHP 7080 - Professional Preparation in Human Performance
• HHP 7600 - Teaching Practicum in Human Performance
• HHP 7700 - Advanced Data Analysis and Organization for Human Performance
• Select 3 hours from the following:
  • FOED 7570 - Issues in Higher Education
  • FOED 7580 - The College Student
  • SPSE 7551 - Instructional Development in Higher Education

Research Tools (9 hours)

Choose three courses from statistics, research design, and data analysis in consultation with advisor.

Concentration (24 hours)

Selected in consultation with advisor from the following:

• HHP 7620 - Foundations of Qualitative Inquiry in Health and Human Performance
• HLTH 7200 - Principles of Environmental Health
• HLTH 7750 - Applied Survey Methodology for Public Health
• HLTH 7890 - Social Epidemiology and Population Health
• LSM 6710 - The Sport Industry
• LSM 7500 - Legal Issues and Risk Management in Sport and Leisure Services
• LSM 7530 - History and Philosophy of Leisure and Sport
• LSM 7570 - Issues, Trends, and Research in Leisure and Sport
• LSM 6730 - Socio-Cultural and Ethical Issues in Leisure and Sport OR
• LSM 7730 - Socio-Cultural and Ethical Issues in Leisure and Sport

Dissertation (12-24 hours)

• HHP 7640 - Dissertation Research (12 credit hours minimum)

Program Notes

• Pre-dissertation Advising: Upon admission to the Ph.D. program, the candidate will be assigned an advisor who (in cooperation with the graduate coordinator) will advise the student on an appropriate program of study and of any deficiencies to correct.
• Preliminary Examinations: Upon completion of coursework, the candidate will be eligible to take preliminary exams. The written exams will be structured to test the student on the three content areas (research methodology and data analysis, Ph.D. concentration area, and area of research interest). All exams are to be taken within one calendar year.
• Advancement to Candidacy: No more than six credit hours of C grade will count toward the Ph.D. degree requirements. D and F grades will not count toward degree requirements but will be computed in the GPA. The student must have a GPA of 3.25 for the program of studies to advance to candidacy.
• Dissertation Committee: Upon advancement to candidacy, students will formally construct their dissertation committees. The committee should include at a minimum three faculty members; two must be from the department, and one must be from outside the department. All members of the committee must have graduate faculty status.
• Time Limit: There is a ten-year limit for completing all Ph.D. degree requirements, i.e., all doctoral coursework taken at MTSU, as well as the dissertation, must be completed within ten years of the first semester of enrollment.

Faculty

• Dr. Rudy Dunlap, Professor
• Colby B. Jubenville, PhD, Professor
• Dr. Danielle Lauber, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Yi Liu, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Hwayong Son, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Karen P.S. Tan, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Elizabeth A. Whalen, Associate Professor

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.