PhD in Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation - Coaching Studies and Sport Psychology in Edmonton Canada | University of Alberta

Experts in this field examine athletic performance and involvement at various competitive tiers (from amateur to collegiate to professional), employing psychological, managerial, and sociocultural approaches. Our research encompasses coaches, players, families, and sports organizations. Founded in 1945 as part of the Education Faculty, the Physical Education Department launched under Professor Maury Van Vliet's leadership, initially concentrating on intercollegiate sports and mandatory physical education courses for first- and second-year students.

In 1954, the department evolved into the School of Physical Education, achieving Faculty status by 1964 - becoming the first such institution in the British Commonwealth.

Over the decades, the Faculty has produced numerous coaches, athletes, scholars, educators, and movement specialists. Organized sports and physical training have been integral to university life since its founding in 1908, with the Varsity Ice Hockey men's team marking the campus's inaugural elite squad. The "Golden Bears" name originated in 1935, followed by "Pandas" in 1945, establishing the University of Alberta's athletics program as one of Canada's most extensive, diverse, enduring, and triumphant university sports initiatives.