FAQs

Note: Questions preceded by an asterick (*) apply to the Sport Management Specialization only.

Who can apply?
Applicants must hold a four-year degree from an accredited college or university with adequate preparation in sport, physical education, wellness/health promotion, exercise science, recreation, or related fields. Deficiencies will be determined by the program faculty of the specialized area chosen by the student. In addition, an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher and a total score of 286 or above on the quantitative and verbal areas of the Graduate Record Examination are required.

How do I apply for admission?
The application requirements for admission are as follows: Online Graduate School application, Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion application, application fee, Test of English as a Foreign Language (if applicable), GRE scores, official transcripts, resume or curriculum vitae, statement of goals, and letters of recommendation. For more details, please visit application procedures.

What is the application fee?
The application fee is $65.00 for domestic applicants and $75.00 for international applicants. For domestic students, all application materials should be submitted online one full month prior to the beginning of the semester in which the students wants to enter. Please note that the application fee cannot be waived and the Graduate School application cannot be processed without submission of the application fee.

Where should I send my application?
All application materials should be submitted on-line.

When are the application deadlines?
Graduate application deadlines may vary by entering student status (i.e., new domestic, international, readmission, post-baccalaureate, and visiting). For more details, please visit application deadlines.

*Does the graduate sport leadership program require standardized tests?
Yes, a total score of 286 or above on the quantitative and verbal areas of the Graduate Record Examination is required. Further course requirement information can be found under requirements for admission.

How do I check my application status?
Applicants may check the status of their application online with The Graduate School.

How do I know if I have been admitted?
Initially, an admission decision will be emailed to the student. The KHP Department will follow up with a letter.

*What jobs are available to people who graduate with a degree in Sport Leadership?
Graduates work in areas such as sport administration (scholastic, collegiate, and professional), sport management, coaching, community and youth sports, and recreation (commercial and municipal).

What are my options for taking classes in the program?
Classes are offered in the evenings and students have the choice between the Thesis Option- Plan A (24 hours of approved course work and 6 hours thesis with an oral thesis defense) and a Course Work Option- Plan B (30 hours of approved course work, written final exams, and an oral exam). Please note that students may enroll in the program on a part-time basis. For course listings, please visit Courses and Syllabi.

What is a Thesis Option?
Students who choose the thesis option (Plan A) will work closely with a faculty committee and conduct original research on a topic related to sport leadership. Thesis students will complete the project by writing up and defending their original research.

Why should I do an independent study?
An independent study enables students to work under the supervision of a graduate faculty member to identify and pursue an area of study not covered by the established curriculum. An independent study project may be repeated to a maximum of six credits.

*Why should I do a practicum?
A practicum provides students with practical work experiences and opportunities to meet leaders in the sport industry. One supervisor will be assigned to the student by the worksite. A second supervisor will be a graduate faculty member on campus. A practicum can be repeated to a maximum of nine credits.

What is the written final examination?
For the Plan B option only, students who have completed or about to complete their 30 hours of required course work should meet with the KHP Director of Graduate Studies to discuss the date for which they intend to take the written final examination. The written final examination is designed to evaluate the student’s mastery of material contained in the core curriculum. Students will select three graduate faculty members who will be responsible for submitting at least one question for the written final exam. Ideally, students will work closely with each graduate faculty member to prepare question(s) and determine a reasonable completion date for the final exam. Possible outcomes for the written final examination are PASS or FAIL. Students will need a PASS from 2 of the 3 graduate faculty members on the written exam.

What is an oral final exam?
The oral final examination cannot be scheduled until the student has successfully completed the written final examination. The oral final exam typically focuses on the written final exam whereby students will be asked to expand, defend, or explain their written exam responses. Possible outcomes for the oral examination are PASS or FAIL.

Is financial assistance available?
The Federal Government provides assistance through the subsidized and unsubsidized direct loan program. Many graduate students in the program do take out some form of financial assistance. You may apply for financial aid on-line through the Federal Direct Student Loan Program at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Questions about financial aid may be directed to UK’s Office of Student Financial Aid.

Are graduate assistantships available?
Most graduate teaching assistantships are awarded for the year, beginning with the fall semester. If you want to be considered for a teaching assistantship, your application should be completed by February 15th. Review of applicants will begin on that date and will continue until all assistantships have been accepted. We will continue to accept applications for teaching assistantships after February 15th, but cannot guarantee that your application will be reviewed. Most, if not all, assistantships require a phone or in-person interview.

As an international student, what English proficiency is required and what visa will I need?
Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score must be submitted by all applicants whose native language is not English. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Applicants should not apply unless they have achieved the stated minimum scores. Most international students enter the United States on an F-1 student visa.

When should I apply to the program?

Deadlines for consideration to be admitted into the Ed.D. doctoral program are February 15 for Fall semester and August 15 for Spring semester.

How and when should I identify a faculty mentor?

Students will be assigned a faculty mentor/advisor by the KHP DGS, his/her designee, or by the Health Promotion or Physical Education faculty upon admission to the graduate program. The faculty mentor/advisor’s role is to guide the student regarding coursework and potential research direction. In planning for the dissertation, the student, in consultation with the faculty mentor/advisor will select a dissertation committee chairperson.

Can I change my faculty mentor at any time?

Even though it is not recommended to make changes to the advisory committee, if the student wishes to change advisers, s/he should first determine that the intended new adviser is willing to serve, and then request that change with the KHP DGS. The DGS will then require the student to discuss the change with his/her current adviser for his/her approval.

When should I seek advising about my coursework?

Before registering each term, students must obtain approval of their proposed schedule from their advisor.

How many credit hours should I take per term?

Students must take 9 credits during a single term to be considered full-time during that term. It is recommended that you take no more than 12 credits in any one semester. Teaching assistants may not take more than 10 credits in a single term without approval of the Graduate School Dean and the KHP DGS. It is suggested that students employed full-time in any setting may not take more than 6 credits in a single term.

What is an advisory committee, and how is it formed?

An advisory committee guides the student’s educational program. Students should form an advisory committee with the advice of their adviser/major professor. The student’s advisory committee is formally appointed by the Dean of The Graduate School upon recommendation of the KHP DGS. This normally occurs before 18 hours of course work are completed, and at least one year prior to taking the qualifying exam. Students will provide the committee with personal career goals, educational background, work experiences, and planned degree program. The advisory committee, led by the chair, will examine the student’s degree plan and suggest changes (if necessary). The doctoral committee consists of four members, three of whom must be from the KHP Department.

When should I start preparing the dissertation proposal?

The dissertation proposal is generally prepared following completion of all course work and passing the Qualifying Examination. However, the student may begin planning the dissertation proposal earlier. The student should obtain an online copy of the “Instructions for the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations” from The Graduate School to assure that the style and form of the dissertation conforms to the requirements (i.e., APA style).

What is the Qualifying Examination?

The qualifying exam consists of both written and oral components and its purpose is to verify that students have sufficient understanding of and competence in their field of study to become candidates for the degree. The examination is typically given after four semesters of graduate work. A majority vote of the core of the advisory committee is required for passing. Doctoral students have two chances to pass each component of their Qualifying Examination. The committee must establish certain conditions that must be met prior to re-taking either component. The repeat exam must be taken at least four months after the initial exam but within one year after the first examination. A third exam will not be permitted.

What is the residency requirement for the program?

Students are required to enroll in KHP 767, Dissertation Residency Credit, for 2 hours after successfully completing the qualifying examination. Students must remain continuously enrolled in this course every fall and spring semester until they have completed and defended the dissertation. Enrollment in KHP 767 (2) constitutes full-time enrollment. Students are required to complete two semesters of 767 before they can graduate.

What are the academic requirements for remaining in the program?

To obtain an advanced degree, each student must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 (B) for all graduate work attempted. If, upon or after completion of 12 semester hours of graduate course work, the GGPA falls below a 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation by The Graduate School. The student then must attain a GGPA of 3.0 or higher during the next 9 hours of coursework.

Can I repeat a course?

Yes, a student can repeat a course and count only the second grade as part of his/her grade point average. The student must complete an online repeat option form. A student may use the repeat option only one time in a particular degree program.

How long can I take to finish my degree?

Students are required to take the qualifying examination within five years of entry into the program. Extensions up to an additional three years may be requested. Extensions up to twelve months may be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School upon receipt of a request from the DGS. Requests for extensions longer than twelve months must be considered by Graduate Council and will require the positive recommendation of the KHP DGS, the chair of the student’s doctoral advisory committee, and a majority vote of Graduate Faculty in the program. If the qualifying examination has not been passed at the end of five years, or at the end of all approved time extensions, the student will be dismissed from the program.All degree requirements for the doctorate must be completed within five years following the semester or summer session in which the candidate successfully completes the qualifying examination, but extensions up to an additional 5 years may be requested for a total of 10 years. Extensions up to 1 year may be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. Requests for extensions longer than 1 year must be considered by Graduate Council. If approved, extensions longer than one year will require a retake of the qualifying examination.

When do I apply for graduation?

Students must file an online application with the Graduate School within 30 days after the beginning of the semester (15 days in the Summer Session) in which they expect to complete their work. The Application for Degree form must be filed and current for the semester in which the student expects to graduate. The form no longer carries over into succeeding semesters. Deadline dates are posted in the Schedule of Classes for each term.

Can I transfer credits from another institution to UK?

A total of 9 hours (or 25% of the credit hours needed to fulfill the pre‐qualifying residency requirement) may be transferred into a doctoral degree program upon request of the DGS and after advisor and advisory committee approval. These hours include all post‐baccalaureate work, graduate work taken at another regionally‐accredited university or as a student in another graduate program at the University of Kentucky. The following rules apply to credit transfer:

• Course credits applied toward a previously awarded graduate degree cannot be transferred.
• Transfer of independent work, research, thesis or dissertation credit is not permitted.
• Short courses lasting fewer weeks than the number of credits may not be transferred.
• A student must have been in graduate status at the time the courses were taken in order for the courses to be transferable.
• A student must be in good academic standing at the time of transfer.
• Only courses assigned a B grade or better can be transferred.

What is the joint doctoral program?

Joint study programs are available for students who elect to complete approximately 18 hours (one academic year) of approved course work at Eastern Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, Morehead State University, or Murray State University and complete the remainder of their required course work at UK. Admission to this program requires students to apply to the graduate school at their respective university and to also apply to the University of Kentucky Graduate School. Students interested in the joint doctoral program should contact the KHP DGS for instructions prior to applying to either institution. In the joint doctoral program, students are guided by an advisory committee representing both institutions. The student will select three advisory committee members holding full graduate faculty status from the University of Kentucky and two approved faculty members from the regional University who will be appointed by The UK Graduate School to the student’s advisory committee.

When should I apply to the program?

Deadlines for consideration to be admitted into the the PhD program is on a rolling basis but should be at least one month prior to classes starting.

How and when should I identify a faculty mentor?

Students will be assigned a faculty mentor/advisor by the KHP DGS, his/her designee, or by the Health Promotion faculty upon admission to the graduate program. The faculty mentor/advisor’s role is to guide the student regarding coursework and potential research direction. In planning for the dissertation, the student, in consultation with the faculty mentor/advisor will select a dissertation committee chairperson.

Can I change my faculty mentor at any time?

Even though it is not recommended to make changes to the advisory committee, if the student wishes to change advisers, s/he should first determine that the intended new adviser is willing to serve, and then request that change with the KHP DGS. The DGS will then require the student to discuss the change with his/her current adviser for his/her approval.

When should I seek advising about my coursework?

Before registering each term, students must obtain approval of their proposed schedule from their advisor.

How many credit hours should I take per term?

Students must take 9 credits during a single term to be considered full-time during that term. It is recommended that you take no more than 12 credits in any one semester. Teaching assistants may not take more than 10 credits in a single term without approval of the Graduate School Dean and the KHP DGS. It is suggested that students employed full-time in any setting may not take more than 6 credits in a single term.

What is an advisory committee, and how is it formed?

An advisory committee guides the student’s educational program. Students should form an advisory committee with the advice of their adviser/major professor. The student’s advisory committee is formally appointed by the Dean of The Graduate School upon recommendation of the KHP DGS. This normally occurs before 18 hours of course work are completed, and at least one year prior to taking the qualifying exam. Students will provide the committee with personal career goals, educational background, work experiences, and planned degree program. The advisory committee, led by the chair, will examine the student’s degree plan and suggest changes (if necessary). The doctoral committee consists of four members, three of whom must be from the KHP Department.

When should I start preparing the dissertation proposal?

The dissertation proposal is generally prepared following completion of all course work and passing the Qualifying Examination. However, the student may begin planning the dissertation proposal earlier. The student should obtain an online copy of the “Instructions for the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations” from The Graduate School to assure that the style and form of the dissertation conforms to the requirements (i.e., APA style).

What is the Qualifying Examination?

The qualifying exam consists of both written and oral components and its purpose is to verify that students have sufficient understanding of and competence in their field of study to become candidates for the degree. The examination is typically given after four semesters of graduate work. A majority vote of the core of the advisory committee is required for passing. Doctoral students have two chances to pass each component of their Qualifying Examination. The committee must establish certain conditions that must be met prior to re-taking either component. The repeat exam must be taken at least four months after the initial exam but within one year after the first examination. A third exam will not be permitted.

What is the residency requirement for the program?

Students are required to enroll in KHP 767, Dissertation Residency Credit, for 2 hours after successfully completing the qualifying examination. Students must remain continuously enrolled in this course every fall and spring semester until they have completed and defended the dissertation. Enrollment in KHP 767 (2) constitutes full-time enrollment. Students are required to complete two semesters of 767 before they can graduate.

What are the academic requirements for remaining in the program?

To obtain an advanced degree, each student must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 (B) for all graduate work attempted. If, upon or after completion of 12 semester hours of graduate course work, the GGPA falls below a 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation by The Graduate School. The student then must attain a GGPA of 3.0 or higher during the next 9 hours of coursework.

Can I repeat a course?

Yes, a student can repeat a course and count only the second grade as part of his/her grade point average. The student must complete an online repeat option form. A student may use the repeat option only one time in a particular degree program.

How long can I take to finish my degree?

Students are required to take the qualifying examination within five years of entry into the program. Extensions up to an additional three years may be requested. Extensions up to twelve months may be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School upon receipt of a request from the DGS. Requests for extensions longer than twelve months must be considered by Graduate Council and will require the positive recommendation of the KHP DGS, the chair of the student’s doctoral advisory committee, and a majority vote of Graduate Faculty in the program. If the qualifying examination has not been passed at the end of five years, or at the end of all approved time extensions, the student will be dismissed from the program.All degree requirements for the doctorate must be completed within five years following the semester or summer session in which the candidate successfully completes the qualifying examination, but extensions up to an additional 5 years may be requested for a total of 10 years. Extensions up to 1 year may be approved by the Dean of the Graduate School. Requests for extensions longer than 1 year must be considered by Graduate Council. If approved, extensions longer than one year will require a retake of the qualifying examination.

When do I apply for graduation?

Students must file an online application with the Graduate School within 30 days after the beginning of the semester (15 days in the Summer Session) in which they expect to complete their work. The Application for Degree form must be filed and current for the semester in which the student expects to graduate. The form no longer carries over into succeeding semesters. Deadline dates are posted in the Schedule of Classes for each term.

Can I transfer credits from another institution to UK?

A total of 9 hours (or 25% of the credit hours needed to fulfill the pre‐qualifying residency requirement) may be transferred into a doctoral degree program upon request of the DGS and after advisor and advisory committee approval. These hours include all post‐baccalaureate work, graduate work taken at another regionally‐accredited university or as a student in another graduate program at the University of Kentucky. The following rules apply to credit transfer:

• Course credits applied toward a previously awarded graduate degree cannot be transferred.
• Transfer of independent work, research, thesis or dissertation credit is not permitted.
• Short courses lasting fewer weeks than the number of credits may not be transferred.
• A student must have been in graduate status at the time the courses were taken in order for the courses to be transferable.
• A student must be in good academic standing at the time of transfer.
• Only courses assigned a B grade or better can be transferred.