PhD Physical Education at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Prepare for a career as a leader and researcher to help future teachers ensure children and adolescents find meaning and enrichment through a physically active lifestyle. Graduates of the physical education doctoral program often secure faculty appointments at higher education institutions while others enter careers in the private sector as educators and researchers. Concentrations are offered in physical education teaching and motor behavior with opportunities to specialize further.

Faculty: College of Education | Department: Educational and Developmental Science | Duration: 15-18 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Courses cover historical and philosophical perspectives of physical education, research on teaching in physical education, motor learning, motor development, motor control, growth and development, curriculum, teacher education and sport psychology. Research methods include quantitative and qualitative methodologies and specialized techniques. A dissertation is required.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Faculty Member, Researcher, Educator, Leader, Trainer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): In addition to submitting all documents required for admission to the Graduate School, individuals applying for the doctoral program in physical education will participate in an interview with departmental faculty and must submit the following information: a sample of expository writing to include future goals and specific research interests a current curriculum vitae two letters of recommendation

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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