About the Sport Studies Graduate Program

The University of Tennessee’s graduate program in Sport Studies derives its primary intellectual identity from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, and management. The program draws upon perspectives from motor learning and control, feminist theory, ethics, global studies and other specialized forms of inquiry in critically examining all levels of competitive sport and other organized movement activities.  Students in the Sport Management program learn a combination of skills related to the planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating of any organization or department for which the primary product or service is sport related.

We teach students to forge connections between theoretical considerations and potential solutions to a wide variety of real-world challenges. We are committed to the principles of diversity and social justice and to the provision of positive sport and movement experiences for all people. We strive for excellence in research, teaching, practice, and service. Our goal is to provide superior and innovative programs of study that will enable our students to become effective and imaginative professionals, scholars, and citizens.

The PhD with a major in Exercise and Sport Sciences offers a concentration in Sport Studies with areas of specialization in Sport Sociology, Sport Psychology, Motor Behavior, and Sport Management. The program stresses an interdisciplinary approach to course work and research and expects its students to become proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students are expected to obtain a significant grounding in the allied and parent disciplines.   The Sport Studies Ph.D. Program prepares students to teach in higher education and/or to conduct work within applied educational and sport settings. The Sport Psychology specialization may also include mental training opportunities with local athletes and teams.

The major of Sport Studies at the masters level offers concentrations in Sport Psychology, Sport Sociology & Sport Management.   The programs’ curricula are flexible to allow students to take courses that best suit their individual professional goals and interests and to gain professional experience as they prepare for careers in the sports industry.  Application to the masters program requires the completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.

The Sport Psychology Program

The Sport Sociology Program

The Motor Behavior Program

The Sport Management Program

Faculty Info

Faculty Contacts/Program Coordinators:  For further information about each doctoral specialization, please contact the following individuals.

Sport Sociology: Dr. Joy T. DeSensi desensi@utk.edu

Sport Psychology: Dr. Craig Wrisberg caw@utk.edu

Motor Behavior: Dr. Jeffrey Fairbrother jfairbr1@utk.edu

Sport Management: Dr. Rob Hardin robh@utk.edu

 

Admissions Coordinator
Margy Wirtz-Henry

Phone: 865-974-7154
mwirtz@utk.edu

Contact the Department of Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Studies

1914 Andy Holt Ave.
322 HPER Bldg.
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-2700

Phone: 865-974-3340
Fax: 865-974-8981