Sports Psychology Degrees and Careers
(found programs from 41 schools)

Online Degrees in Sports Psychology

Sports psychology programs are new at most universities. They can be of great benefit to those who want to improve their careers as coaches, physical education teachers and researchers. Because in most states sports psychology programs do not lead to licensure as a mental health professional, many schools have waived the need for an on-site practicum. As a result, it may be easier to find promising online programs in sports psychology.

Most master's-level programs require candidates to have a bachelor's degree with transcripts that show grades at or above 3.0. While in the program, students may be expected to keep their grades at a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Most online sports psychology programs offer courses in topics such as applied sports psychology, current issues in sports and sports psychology, and training on how to motivate or coach effectively. Because many people come to these programs without a psychology background, most offer core psychology subjects such as psychotherapy theories, ethics and social psychology as well.

Online Sports Psychology Programs to Consider

California Southern University: This university offers an online Master of Science in psychology with a certificate in sports psychology. The course takes about two years to complete and is available completely online; there are no requirements for residencies or practicums. Students who have trouble taking standardized exams might want to note that California Southern University does not require a GRE for admission to this program.

University of the Rockies: The University of the Rockies offers an online Doctor of Psychology with an emphasis on sports and performance psychology. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher while they are in the program, and doctoral students must complete a dissertation. Additionally, students are required to come to campus for in-residence weekends and to go to a sports setting for a practicum. This program does not lead to licensure as a mental health professional.

Capella University: Capella University offers an online Master of Science degree in sports psychology. According to the university's website, students may choose this program to learn how to improve athletic performance. Some people also enroll for career advancement as a coach or mentor. Again, this program is not considered a clinical track and will not lead directly to licensure as a mental health professional.

Introduction to Sports Psychology Careers

Can you imagine missing the potentially game-winning shot in a basketball game, or standing in the skates of a hockey goalie who has just handed the opposing team the win? The pressures and pitfalls that come with being a professional athlete are difficult to deal with, which is why sports psychologists are necessary. From college basketball stars to Superbowl winners, many athletes turn to sports psychologists to improve performance mentally and deal with the emotional difficulties that come with being a professional athlete.

Useful Resources

• Association for Applied Sport Psychology
• American Board of Sport Psychology
• North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity

Sports Psychology Job Description

Sports psychologists have multiple roles. They may help athletes enhance performance or improve team work with psychological training. They may also help athletes overcome personal fears, aiding in recovery after an injury. In addition, sports psychologists deal with other issues such as facilitating better team work among a group of athletes or helping a team regain confidence after a big loss.

Most sports psychologists work independently, offering their services to both individual athletes and teams. In some cases, especially for major events like the Olympics, a sports psychologist may actually travel with a team to offer mental and emotional guidance. In these cases, sports psychologists become part of the team's traveling health team, joining the entourage of physiotherapists, nutritionists and other sports doctors as the team's go-to mental health professional.

Sports Psychology Requirements

While it is possible to work in the sports psychology with a master's degree, in most cases working as an independent sports psychologist requires a doctorate degree in psychology. There are a limited number of graduate programs with actual sports psychology concentrations so your best bet is to simply get a general psychology degree. After completing a Psy.D, psychologists must participate in an internship and/or residency before they can become fully certified and licensed to practice independently.

Sports psychologists are not required to have any special license but certification from organizations like the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sports Psychology (AAASP) can help career prospects. Joining such organizations can also help sports psychologists network and make contacts with potential clients.

Sports Psychology Career Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an expected growth of 12 percent in the psychology field as a whole from 2008 to 2018. Demand for industrial-organizational psychologists, a category which includes sports psychologists, will be especially great. These psychologists are well compensated, with a median annual salary of $83,260. It's likely that sports psychologists working with pro athletes earn even more, with salaries ranging into the six figures.

Sports Psychology Trends

There are currently a limited number of sports psychology specialty programs however a growing number of institutions are adding sports psychology to their curricula. As educational opportunities in the field of sports psychology grow, the job market is expected to become increasingly competitive. Individuals with more advanced degrees and training are likely to have the best career prospects.

Sports Psychology Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Sports Psychology programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 41 schools across the country.

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