West Virginia University
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MISSION STATEMENT
The WVU doctoral programs strives to guide future professionals in becoming knowledgeable and skillful leaders, educators, and researchers who will be prepared to assume roles within the fields of physical education teacher education, physical activity, and coaching in universities, associated agencies and organizations, and in other related settings. Our programs provide a high-quality and meaningful education that will allow each student to succeed in their chosen educational goals, and will further promote their abilities in becoming analytical thinkers who are confident in application of the scientific method and who can excel professionally as educators and researchers.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Doctoral degree in Coaching and Teaching Studies is designed to prepare researchers, teachers and professional leaders to address critical issues in physical education teacher education and sport pedagogy by developing research skills, engaging in reflective teaching, and expanding knowledge. Doctoral programs at West Virginia University include a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctorate of Education (EdD), both in Coaching and Teaching Studies.
The PhD program of study focuses on developing future professionals who will address critical issues in physical education, physical activity, and coaching, and develop focused lines of research. Students will work collaboratively with faculty mentors to enhance their critical thinking, knowledge, and skills to succeed as productive researchers within university settings, national sports organizations, and other settings.
The EdD program of study prepares future professionals for a productive career as educators in the field of physical education teacher education or sport education (EdD), teaching and research positions in universities, as well as leadership positions in professional associations/agencies. The EdD students are encouraged to select an applied research specialization designed to enhance success as an academic and professional leader.
The PhD program of study focuses on developing future professionals who will address critical issues in physical education, physical activity, and coaching, and develop focused lines of research. Students will work collaboratively with faculty mentors to enhance their critical thinking, knowledge, and skills to succeed as productive researchers within university settings, national sports organizations, and other settings.
The EdD program of study prepares future professionals for a productive career as educators in the field of physical education teacher education or sport education (EdD), teaching and research positions in universities, as well as leadership positions in professional associations/agencies. The EdD students are encouraged to select an applied research specialization designed to enhance success as an academic and professional leader.
Unique Aspects of our Program:
WVU is the only institution in the state of West Virginia to offer a Doctorate degree (Ph.D. and an Ed.D.) majoring in Coaching and Teaching Studies.
Students are immersed in core domains related to empirically-based foundations of physical education teacher education, and coaching education, discipline-specific research, external funding sources, higher education curriculum and evaluation, statistics and research methods, and other content specialization areas. Students will initiate a line of research through engagement in the planning, implementation, and dissemination of a series of publishable manuscripts. Program graduates become leaders in specialized areas of the industry. Interactive courses and seminars support learning communities focused on development and understanding of professional literature.
Faculty are international and national experts in the fields of physical education teacher education (including technology integration, Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming, physical activity promotion, and Curriculum models) and athletic coaching (coach behavior, positive youth development, professional ethics).
Students can gain valuable experience by teaching undergraduate classes and assisting on research projects through applying for and receiving a Graduate Assistantship. They receive 9-month tuition waivers and stipends for this service.
On completion of the doctoral program, graduates gain employment at a range of academic institutions and settings within and outside of the USA.
Students are immersed in core domains related to empirically-based foundations of physical education teacher education, and coaching education, discipline-specific research, external funding sources, higher education curriculum and evaluation, statistics and research methods, and other content specialization areas. Students will initiate a line of research through engagement in the planning, implementation, and dissemination of a series of publishable manuscripts. Program graduates become leaders in specialized areas of the industry. Interactive courses and seminars support learning communities focused on development and understanding of professional literature.
Faculty are international and national experts in the fields of physical education teacher education (including technology integration, Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming, physical activity promotion, and Curriculum models) and athletic coaching (coach behavior, positive youth development, professional ethics).
Students can gain valuable experience by teaching undergraduate classes and assisting on research projects through applying for and receiving a Graduate Assistantship. They receive 9-month tuition waivers and stipends for this service.
On completion of the doctoral program, graduates gain employment at a range of academic institutions and settings within and outside of the USA.
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
Teaching:
Graduate students who are offered assistantships will gain experiences teaching in the undergraduate programs in physical education teacher education or athletic coaching. Note that graduate teaching assistants are required to maintain a full-time course load (9 credits). While not necessarily a part of their plan of study, students could meet this requirement through enrollment in elective courses.
Scholarship:
Students focused on the PhD in Coaching and Teaching Studies submit two research papers as part of their doctoral benchmarking processes. Both PhD and EdD students submit their final dissertation/thesis manuscript for publication. 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.
Service:
Students are expected to engage in the local, regional and national community through teaching, service and scholarship in various ways. These include on-campus teaching, attending accreditation meetings, conducting professional development with teachers and/or coaches, attending/presenting at conferences, engaging in faculty-led school and/or community interventions, etc.
CORE COURSES
Four doctoral-level seminars are required of all doctoral students. The four seminars are completed in sequence during the first four semesters of the plan of study. The elective courses in research methods and statistics, cognate courses, and coaching and teaching studies electives (EdD only) should be selected in cooperation with the dissertation committee.
- PET 735: Reading Research (3 credits)
- PET 741: Research in Kinesiology (3 credits)
- PET 745: Curriculum Development/Evaluation (3 credits)
- PET 765: Dissertation/Thesis Seminar (3 credits)
- Statistics and Research Methods (15 or 18)
- Cognate Specialization Courses (12 credits)
- Dissertation/Thesis Research Credits (12-18 credits)
- Coaching and Teaching Studies Electives - EdD ONLY
ADMISSIONS
Interested students must first submit the WVU Graduate Admission Application online. You can begin your application at our Graduate Admissions website. Applicants must submit official copies of transcripts and GRE test scores directly to the WVU Office of Admissions, PO Box 6009, Morgantown, WV 26506.
In addition to the general application, applicants must also submit the following:
In addition to the general application, applicants must also submit the following:
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Professional Goals and Research Interests: The Statement of Professional Goals and Research Interests should be 2-3 pages in length, double-spaced. Describe your academic and professional background, professional goals, possible areas of research, any completed research projects, and how and why you are a good fit for the program. It should be tailored to WVU and your specific program of interest.
- Letters of Recommendations: 3 required; two letters of recommendation should speak directly to the candidate academic skills and professional potential and abilities.
- GRE Test Scores: Requirements include GRE (taken within 5 years of application) Preferred scores of 149 Verbal; 152 Quantitative Reasoning; 3.0 Analytical Writing or higher. Provisional admission decisions can be made based upon faculty discretion
- TOEFL Scores (International applicants): minimum score of 550 paper, 79 internet-based
FINANCIAL AIDE AND EMPLOYMENT
Information about financial aid can be located at WVU financial aid: http://financialaid.wvu.edu/
Graduate teaching assistantships are available. Responsibilities include teaching 6 credit hours a semester in at least one of three areas with the Department of Coaching & Teaching Studies (CATS) - Athletic Coaching Education (ACE), Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) and/or the Basic Instruction Program (PE). GTAs are required to prepare syllabi, lesson plans, and assess students' learning across the different learning domains. For more information and an application form, interested students can visit: http://cpass.wvu.edu/academics/doctorate/cats-phd/doctoral-graduate-assistantship
Graduate teaching assistantships are available. Responsibilities include teaching 6 credit hours a semester in at least one of three areas with the Department of Coaching & Teaching Studies (CATS) - Athletic Coaching Education (ACE), Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) and/or the Basic Instruction Program (PE). GTAs are required to prepare syllabi, lesson plans, and assess students' learning across the different learning domains. For more information and an application form, interested students can visit: http://cpass.wvu.edu/academics/doctorate/cats-phd/doctoral-graduate-assistantship
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, a resume and references to:
Dr. Valerie Wayda
Health & Education Bldg - PAS 216
PO Box 6116, 375 Birch Street Morgantown, WV 26506
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 304-293-0830
Dr. Valerie Wayda
Health & Education Bldg - PAS 216
PO Box 6116, 375 Birch Street Morgantown, WV 26506
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 304-293-0830
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Stephen Harvey, Associate Professor
West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Department of Coaching and Teaching Studies Room 252, WVU Health and Education Building 375 Birch Street, Morgantown, WV, 26505-6116 Tel: 304-293-0849; Fax: 304.293.4641 |
Dr. Eloise Elliott, Professor
West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Department of Coaching and Teaching Studies Room , WVU Health and Education Building 375 Birch Street, Morgantown, WV, 26505-6116 Tel: 304-293-0869; Fax: 304.293.4641 |