Overview
Sports psychology is now widely recognized as a crucial component of team, athlete, and overall success in today’s environment. Expertise in exercise and sports psychology and mental health concerns has become a highly sought-after skill set as a result of the rising awareness of mental health issues in the United States and around the world.
Although the fundamentals of exercise, psychology, and performance are covered in all graduate programs in sports psychology, not all of them place the same emphasis on these topics. You might search for schools that emphasize applied sport psychology if you hope to become a full-time sports psychology consultant. Alternatively, if you want to become a professor, look for a sports psychology school that promotes teaching and research opportunities. Of course, you should consider a PhD or PsyD degree if your goal is to offer individual therapy as a professional psychologist.
You want the sports psychology programs you apply to take your interests, whatever they may be, into consideration. If you’re interested in learning more about these exciting psychology programs, have a look at the courses offered at these accredited universities in California.
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Featured Sports Psychology Degree Programs
- 100% Online Courses
- Affordable Tuition
- Large Alumni Network
Grand Canyon University Online
M.S. in Psychology: Health Psychology
Explore the intersection of biological, social and psychological factors, and their effects on health, wellness and illness.
- Regionally Accredited
- Affordable Tuition
- Online Program
University of West Alabama
M.S. Experimental Psychology: Health & Sports Psychology
Prepare for clinical applications in health and sports psychology while developing skills needed for careers in these fields.
- Affordable Tuition
- Flexible Online Courses
- HLC Accredited
Grand Canyon University Online
B.S. in Performance and Sports Psychology
Earn you B.S. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance and Sports Psychology with Grand Canyon University Online.
- Complete in 1-Year
- 100% Online Program
- Affordable Degree
Aurora University
M.S. in Exercise Science
With courses focused in Sports Psychology you can gain the skills you need for success in health and sports careers.
What Will I Learn in A Sports Psychology Program?
Degree Timelines
Depending on your development and if you choose to pursue a master’s or PhD degree, a sports psychology curriculum can span anywhere between 6 and 14 years.
Curriculum and Example Courses
Along with instruction in sports and psychology theory, coursework for graduate degree programs in sports psychology frequently involves applied counseling training. Additionally, professional research, publishing, and psychoanalysis will be covered. Examples of classes you might find in a sports psychology program include the following:
- Exercise psychology
- Motor behavior
- Social psychology of sports
- Psychology of coaching
- Coaching disabled athletes
- Biomechanics
What Are The Standard Entrance Requirements to Enroll?
Each school has its own set of admission requirements. To apply to a master’s program, you must have a bachelor’s degree, and some programs may have a minimum grade point average (GPA) for undergraduate coursework. Furthermore, certain programs may have minimal test results, like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Admission to graduate programs in sports psychology may require a CV, a personal statement detailing your interest in the program and career goals, professional reference letters, and an online application with a non-refundable processing fee. It should be noted that some graduate programs may require both a departmental application and a general graduate school application.
ADVERTISEMENT
Featured Sports Psychology Degree Programs
- 100% Online Courses
- Affordable Tuition
- Large Alumni Network
Grand Canyon University Online
M.S. in Psychology: Health Psychology
Explore the intersection of biological, social and psychological factors, and their effects on health, wellness and illness.
- Regionally Accredited
- Affordable Tuition
- Online Program
University of West Alabama
M.S. Experimental Psychology: Health & Sports Psychology
Prepare for clinical applications in health and sports psychology while developing skills needed for careers in these fields.
- Affordable Tuition
- Flexible Online Courses
- HLC Accredited
Grand Canyon University Online
B.S. in Performance and Sports Psychology
Earn you B.S. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance and Sports Psychology with Grand Canyon University Online.
- Complete in 1-Year
- 100% Online Program
- Affordable Degree
Aurora University
M.S. in Exercise Science
With courses focused in Sports Psychology you can gain the skills you need for success in health and sports careers.
California Bachelors Degrees in Sports Psychology
If you’re looking for great bachelors degree programs in California, we’ve compiled a list of programs that you can either take online or offline.
California Baptist University
Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology
Through a multidisciplinary focus on research and application based around an empathic approach, this 49-unit degree is intended to enable students to solve the current performance mental health challenges – a competency that is highly sought after by potential performance employers. Any student who feels compelled to continue in athletics or the performance industry and wants to have a positive impact on others’ cognitive development should pursue this degree. With this degree, a student can work with performers in sports, the military, the performing arts, and business, among other fields. Examples of courses in this program include Sport and Performance Psychology Capstone, Ethics and Leadership in Performance Psychology, and Performance in the Social Environment. Official, sealed transcripts from your high school and college or university are required for admission.
Accreditation
California State University, Long Beach
B.S. in Kinesiology, Option in Psychology and Leadership
The 120-unit Sport Psychology and Leadership option offers thorough instruction and exposure to the psychological components of movement and sport. One concentration is in Sport Psychology, while the other is in Leadership. With the exception of the activity courses and elective courses, the course requirements for both concentrations are the same. Students who are interested in employment in sport psychology and coaching outside of the public school system (K–12), such as coaching professional athletes, coaching youth-sport athletes, and coaching at sport academies, should consider this choice. Graduates of California high schools and other California residents with a 2.5 GPA or more in college preparation subjects are considered for admission.
Online Bachelors Degree in Sports Psychology in California
Cal Baptist University
Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology from Cal Baptist University is an online program that emphasizes psychological training, personal skills, and strategic thinking to create the next generation of human performance professionals. The core coursework for this program includes Exercise Physiology, Behavioral Aspects of Sport Psychology, and Cognitive Psychology. Upon graduation, students are expected to be able to identify the core concepts of sport and performance psychology, apply and evaluate research methods in this field, and integrate morality and ethics in practical application. Classes for this program start every eight weeks with accelerated, asynchronous courses offered 100% online. Three semesters offered year-round allow students the ability to graduate faster, and the capability to learn online flexibly has created a viable option for students looking for a program that can accommodate different schedules.
Accreditation:
National University
Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology from the National University offers students a comprehensive introduction to the Sports Psychology industry. The program aims to develop professionals capable of exploring the reasons and factors that influence people to participate in physical activity and understand how a person’s emotions and mental state can affect athletic performance. Core coursework for this program includes the Social Psychology of Sport, The History of Sport and Sports Psych, Exercise Psychology, Exercise Physiology, and Counseling Techniques. The coursework was developed with the expectation that students and faculty would be able to discuss current trends in psychological research in both individual and team contexts, analyze the psychological factors that influence sports performance, and discuss the influences of external factors on athletic performance, including but not limited to, diversity and multiculturalism. A key advantage of National University is the flexibility in their schooling options; students are capable of taking four-week courses both on-site and online to complete their degree with year-round enrollment. This flexible scheduling allows students to complete their degree without having to sacrifice other aspects of their lives.
Accreditation:
California Masters Degree in Sports Psychology
Pursuing a master’s degrees in Sports Psychology is an excellent choice for individuals looking to expand their knowledge, skills, and interests in the field of sports psychology. This is also a requirement for those looking to pursue a doctoral degree later on. Here’s a list of options.
California Southern University
Master of Science in Psychology, Sport Psychology Concentration
This 42-credit degree program includes a variety of academic and professional psychology courses. This degree is best suited to those seeking a solid theoretical and research foundation in psychology that can be applied to sport psychology. Transcripts, a government-issued ID, and a personal statement are required for admission to this online program.
Accreditation
San Diego University for Integrative Studies
Master of Arts in Sport Counseling
This program is intended to provide students with the theoretical and practical training required to assist athletes in becoming more effective in both sports and in their personal lives. The program is designed to prepare professionals to consult with individual athletes, teams, and athletic organizations, as well as to develop and teach programs tailored to this specific population. The degree requires the completion of 90 quarter units at the graduate level. Students will complete the required Sport Counseling requirements as well as the core Psychology requirements (55 units) (30 units). Students must complete 50 hours of personal counseling and write a Master’s Thesis (5 units). It is also necessary to pass the MA Comprehensive Exam. Admission requires a statement of educational intent, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts from previously attended schools.
Accreditation
Fresno State University
Master of Arts in Kinesiology, Sport Psychology Option
The degree requires 30 units of advanced coursework, with a 6-unit common core. Depending on the option, 9-18 units from specified courses are chosen, along with 3-12 units of electives and a culminating experience. Graduates of this program have excelled in both professional careers and doctoral programs at prestigious universities. Among the required courses are Psychology of Sport: Mental Training, Psychology of Coaching: Talent Development, Psychobiology of Sport and Exercise, and Psychology of Injury in Sport and Physical Activity. A 3.0 GPA from your last 60 units, transcripts, GRE (150V or higher, 141Q or higher), or MAT (399 or higher), and three letters of recommendation are required for admission.
Accreditations
California Online Masters in Sports Psychology Programs
California Baptist University
California Online Masters in Sports Psychology Programs
The 43-unit course prepares students to use psychological techniques to assist clients in enhancing their physical control and performance. Through a variety of psychological and kinesiological courses with a biblical foundation, students are academically prepared while also obtaining practical experience through practicum placement and mentorship. Advanced Sport and Performance Psychology, MFT Counseling Techniques, and Sports Nutrition are a few examples of courses. For unconditional admission, a bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university, official transcripts, and a 3.0 GPA are needed.
Accreditation
California State University, Long Beach
M.S. in Kinesiology, Option in Sport and Exercise Psychology
The program is intended to prepare students for careers in sport and exercise psychology, specifically as athletic performance enhancement specialists and/or as academic researchers and teachers. The Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology program consists of 36 units. Students must take core classes and elective courses and may complete a thesis or comprehensive exam/capstone. Courses are designed to assist those seeking AASP certification, and applied opportunities for students to accumulate mentored experience hours are available. To apply, students must submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a resume/CV.
Accreditation
National University
Master of Science in Sports Psychology
The National University Master of Science in Sports Psychology is focused on pushing the envelope for practicing professionals to learn the technical and personal skills required to practice and advance further in the field of sports psychology effectively. The program covers a broad range of theoretical and practical knowledge to help practicing professionals work in a variety of settings, from youth sports to professional organizations and private practices. The 12-course program takes an estimated 18-21 months to complete, requiring 36 credits for graduation in courses such as professional ethics in sports psychology, applied sport psychology, psychopathology in sport, and the psychology of athletic injury. Students are expected to be well versed in applying psychological principles and researching and solving personal, social, and organizational issues at any level.
Accreditation
California Doctoral Programs in Sports Psychology
Completing a doctoral degree is a necessary step in becoming a psychologist. Students can pursue either a PhD or a PsyD. A PsyD has a stronger focus on clinical training, whereas a PhD puts more emphasis on research and education. San Diego University offers a great Psychology program specializing in sports psychology.
San Diego University
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. Specialization in Sport Psychology
The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a specialization in Sport Psychology at San Diego University is a unique program designed to give students a blended learning approach in the field of sport psychology. The program is tailored for professionals who wish to delve deeper into the world of athletics on both a professional and personal level, by equipping them with relevant and current approaches and techniques for consulting with both athletes and their organizations. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to develop professionals capable of improve athletic performance by relieving stress or removing mental blocks. The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires the completion of 85 quarter units at the graduate level. Core coursework for this program will include the Introduction to Psychological Research, Developmental Psychology, Cross-Cultural Counseling, and Psychopathology. For those pursuing a psychology license, an additional 20 units are required to cover additional coursework on legal and ethical issues in counseling, human sexuality and gender issues, and theories and issues on chemical dependency. The course is designed to be traditionally taught in lecture style alongside research projects and experiential components to give students both the theoretical and hands-on knowledge required to succeed in this field.
Accreditation:
Career & Salary Opportunities in Sports Psychology in California
In the California entertainment and recreation market, sports are a hugely popular subset. Competitive sports and games are taken seriously in both professional and amateur settings.
You might be able to obtain employment as a sports psychologist in health facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and research organizations. If you put in a lot of effort, you might even be able to help a national or school squad.
The potential income of a sports psychologist is significantly influenced by their level of expertise and the volume of cases they have handled. In California, the average yearly pay for sports psychologists is $75,428 as of July 2022.
In addition to national teams, there are many active school, college, and university sports teams, which is excellent for the job prospects of sports psychologists. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that from 2020 to 2030 there will be 13,500 additional new positions created in the field of psychology overall.
Here are some examples of careers related to Sport Psychology:
Academic Positions
- Instructor of sport and exercise psychology at a university
- Sport psychologist for a university athletic department
- Psychologist at a counseling center and sport psychology consultant for the athletic department
Sport psychologist in private practice
- Mental training consultant or sport psychologist for a professional sport agent
- Mental training consultant or sport psychologist for an Olympic training center
- Mental training consultant at a sport academy
Athlete Development
- Academic coach
- Athletic counselor
- Athlete career and education advisor
- Performance lifestyle coordinator for a national governing body
- Life services coordinator
- Professional sport welfare officer