PhD in Kinesiology (Sport Management and Policy)
Students in the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy are passionate about investigating a variety of managerial, business, and societal topics in the context of sport. The program is a full-time on-campus program which focuses on research and prepares students for a career as a professor at leading colleges and universities across the globe.
The program typically takes four years to complete and students focus on developing their research skills over the entirety of their stay in the program. During the first two years, students take coursework in research methodology, statistics, sport management, and their research specialization area. The degree program structure allows students the ability to design a unique curriculum that fits their specific area of research interest. At the end of the second year, students are required to complete a written and oral comprehensive exam. In the final two years of the program, students focus on writing a dissertation. Students complete a written and oral defense of the dissertation to finalize the program.
Curriculum
Students in the program work directly with a faculty member to develop their research skills in a specific area of interest.
Areas of Research Specialization:
- Sport Law
- Sport Marketing
- Sport Consumer Behavior
- Sport Policy and Governance
- Sport Organizational Theory and Behavior
- Sport Economics
- Sport Finance
- Sport Analytics
- Sport Leadership
It is recommended that prospective students contact individual University of Georgia Sport Management and Policy faculty members via email to assess whether admissions availability exists with a given faculty member.
Faculty in the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy program maintain a strong focus on research. Ph.D. students are expected to work with their faculty mentor to develop research projects which are publishable in top peer-reviewed sport management journals or in high quality parent-discipline journals in the specific area of research interest.
Our faculty have expertise in a range of subjects, with faculty members who serve as advisors to students in the sport management emphasis:
- Dr. Thomas Baker
Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab - Dr. Rose Chepyator-Thomson
Director, Cultural Studies in Physical Activity Lab - Dr. Clay Collins
Assistant Professor - Dr. Becca Leopkey
Associate Professor - Dr. Steven Salaga
Co-Director, Sport, Economics, and Law Lab - Dr. James Zhang
Director, International Center for Sport Management
How to Apply
Admission to the Ph.D. program in Sport Management and Policy is highly competitive. Preferred applicants will have achieved an exemplary level of success in their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Preferred applicants are highly-motivated and are high-achievers with strong university GPAs and standardized test scores. Satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants, along with a statement of purpose, a current CV, and contact information for three references. Prospective students must apply through the University of Georgia Graduate School who handles all admissions paperwork. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Prospective Graduate Student Application Checklist
The following should be uploaded to the Graduate School’s application:
- Unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
- Statement of Purpose
- Statement of Purpose should summarize your career goals and how the degree program would help you attain those identified goals.
- If applying to a MS-thesis or Ph.D. program, ensure you describe your research interests and how your interests fit with a specific faculty member within the Department of Kinesiology.
- A CV or resume
- Contact information for three references
- Official GRE scores (M.S. thesis and Ph.D. applicants only)
- Scores can be sent to UGA’s Graduate School as a designated score recipient using code 5813.
Deadline To Apply
January 10
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
Because we have graduate students from around the world who apply to our program, you will be a part of a diverse group of learners and thinkers whose ideas and perspectives will enhance your own experience.
Doctoral students also have opportunities to attend and present at national conferences, and to join national-level student organizations. Our department organizes networking sessions, top-level speakers and opportunities for scholarly exchange throughout the academic year.
You will take courses in the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities, the country’s largest on-campus recreational facility.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.