Illinois Sports Psychology Degree Programs

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Updated on June 22, 2023
Alexis Bennett

Written by Alexis Bennett

M.S. in Sport Management – University of Florida

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Overview

Illinois will likely continue to be a top location for a wide range of sports-related jobs and companies as the sports sector develops and expands. The state is an excellent spot to acquire your degree and begin your career in sports, whether you’re thinking about a career in an emerging profession in the sports trade or in a field that has been thriving for as long as sports itself – Sports Psychology. The study of how psychological factors affect athletic performance, exercise, and physical activity is known as sports psychology. Sports psychologists look into how engaging in athletic activity might enhance one’s health and well-being. Athletes can use psychology to enhance both their physical and emotional well-being. In Illinois, there are several accredited colleges and universities that have a sports psychology curriculum. Some of these provide a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology while others provide Master’s degrees or higher and are higher-level programs.

Bachelor’s degrees in sports psychology are not very common. Those that do exist typically fall within a psychology degree’s specialization. Consider majoring in kinesiology, exercise science, sport science, or, even better, psychology if the program you want to attend doesn’t exist. Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sport Psychology, Psychology of Coaching, Research Design, and Probability and Statistics are typical courses in this curriculum.

Graduate degrees in sports psychology, on the other hand, can be classified as Master of Science or Master of Art programs. Additionally, there are Master of Education degrees designed specifically for counselors working in schools. Coursework on how psychology affects sports, athletic performance, kinesiology, and biomechanics may be offered in Master’s in sports psychology programs. The biological basis of behavior, performance enhancement, and ethics are all topics covered in classes.

Last but not least, doctoral degrees are highly customized to your interests but are normally organized to include coursework in the concentration, allied fields, research and statistics, and teaching methods. Numerous courses, such as psychopathology, counseling concepts, and research design, may be familiar to readers from earlier studies, but they are intended for more advanced students.

If you’re interested in a career in sport psychology, find out more about the various programs these accredited Illinois universities offer.

What Will I Learn in A Sports Psychology Program?

Degree Timelines

A bachelor’s degree typically requires four years of full-time study, whereas a Master’s degree only requires two years. While some MA sports psychology programs may require 30 to 48 courses, certain MS sports psychology programs require the completion of 60 credits. Credits and program lengths differ between colleges and may be affected by factors like whether or not students must complete an integrative capstone project, a thesis, or a practicum. Finally, between 39 and 60 credits are frequently needed for students to graduate from Ph.D. programs.

Curriculum and Example Courses

You’ll probably have similar basic courses no matter what level of degree you enroll in. Some examples of sports psychology courses you could take are listed below:

Sports Psychology Theory and Application
Classes on applied sports psychology and how it relates to athletic behavior are frequently offered to students. The main theories of applied sports psychology will be covered, along with how they can be used to examine motivation and the relationship between athletes and coaches. The psychological factors, such as anxiety, that impact athletes’ performance and suitable therapeutic approaches, are potential additional research areas.

Biomechanics
These classes concentrate on the kinetics, torque, and biomechanical stress that can be present during sporting exercise. Students will gain knowledge of how connective tissue, muscle, and bones affect biomechanics and human movement, in particular. Students could also learn about biomechanical problems that can limit an athlete’s capacity for top performance.

Role of Nutrition in Sports Psychology
Courses that focus on the function of nutrition in the field and the foods, drinks, and nutritional supplements that can be used to achieve optimal athletic performance are available to students. Students frequently study the effects of consuming the right foods and beverages on the body while engaging in physical exercise, with a focus on the relationship between energy intake and expenditure that helps athletes maintain a healthy balance. Nutritional periodization, body composition, macronutrient recommendations for different types of athletes, and evidence-based research in the field of nutrition are all possible subjects covered in nutrition courses.

What Are The Standard Entrance Requirements to Enroll?

A high school diploma or GED is usually required for admission to a bachelor’s degree program, along with a GPA of 2.0 or above. Before being formally accepted into the program, you might need to complete introductory psychology and statistics courses at the undergraduate level after being admitted to the institution. In contrast, a typical Master’s program might call for a bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology, or prerequisite coursework in the subject, as well as recommendation letters, at least one of which must come from an undergraduate professor, a minimum GRE score of around 300, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Lastly, you won’t necessarily need a Master’s degree to enroll in a Ph.D. program, but it’s very typical for a program to require one. Whatever the case, you must have a solid grounding in the discipline. You’ll likely be requested for academic references, GRE scores, and academic transcripts, just like with a Master’s. Programs frequently look for candidates with a 3.0 GPA, above-average GRE verbal and quantitative reasoning scores, and a 4 or above for analytical writing.

School NameCityStateProgram LevelProgram NameProgram URL
Greenville UniversityGreenvilleIllinoisBachelorOnline B.S. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Greenville UniversityGreenvilleIllinoisBachelorOnline B.S. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Benedictine UniversityLisleIllinoisMasterOnline Master of Science in Nutrition and WellnessClick Here
Greenville UniversityGreenvilleIllinoisBachelorOnline B.S. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Greenville UniversityGreenvilleIllinoisMaster'sMaster of Arts in Education - CoachingClick Here
Aurora UniversityAuroraIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Sport ManagementClick Here
Blackburn CollegeCarlinvilleIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Sport ManagementClick Here
Bradley UniversityPeoriaIllinoisBachelorBachelors of Communications with an concentration in Sports CommunicationsClick Here
Columbia College ChicagoChicagoIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Sports ManagementClick Here
Concordia University ChicagoRiver ForestIllinoisBachelorOnline B.A. Sports & Recreation ManagementClick Here
Concordia University ChicagoRiver ForestIllinoisBachelorB.A. Sports & Recreation ManagementClick Here
DePaul UniversityChicagoIllinoisBachelorOnline B.S. in Management and a concentration in Sports ManagementClick Here
DePaul UniversityChicagoIllinoisBachelorB.S. in Management and a concentration in Sports ManagementClick Here
Eastern Illinois UniversityCharlestonIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Sport ManagementClick Here
Elmhurst CollegeElmhurstIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Sport ManagementClick Here
Judson UniversityElginIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Exercise Science with an concentration in Sport AdministrationClick Here
Kendall CollegeChicagoIllinoisBachelorBachelors in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Sports ManagementClick Here
Lewis UniversityRomeovilleIllinoisBachelorB.A. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Lincoln CollegeLincolnIllinoisBachelorB.S. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Loyola University ChicagoChicagoIllinoisBachelorB.B.A. with Sport Management majorClick Here
McKendree UniversityLebanonIllinoisBachelorBachelors in Sport ManagementClick Here
Millikin UniversityDecaturIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Sport ManagementClick Here
North Central CollegeNapervilleIllinoisBachelorB.A. in Sport ManagementClick Here
North Park University ChicagoChicagoIllinoisBachelorB.S. in Business and Economics with a concentration in Sports ManagementClick Here
Olivet Nazarene UniversityBourbonnaisIllinoisBachelorB.S. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Quincy UniversityQuincyIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Sport ManagementClick Here
Southern Illinois University, CarbondaleCarbondaleIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Sport AdministrationClick Here
University of Illinois
Champaign		IllinoisBachelorOnline Bachelor's in Sport ManagementClick Here
University of Illinois
Champaign		IllinoisBachelorBachelors in Sport ManagementClick Here
University of St. FrancisJolietIllinoisBachelorBachelor's in Recreation AdministrationClick Here
Concordia University ChicagoRiver ForestIllinoisDoctorateOnline Ed.D. and Ph.D. in Leadership w/specialization in Sports LeadershipClick Here
Concordia University ChicagoRiver ForestIllinoisMaster'sOnline MA in Sports Management & LeadershipClick Here
Concordia University ChicagoRiver ForestIllinoisMaster'sOnline MBA with a Sports Management SpecializationClick Here
Concordia University ChicagoRiver ForestIllinoisMaster'sMA in Sports Management & LeadershipClick Here
Concordia University ChicagoRiver ForestIllinoisDoctoratePh.D. in Leadership w/specialization in Sports Leadership MA in Sports Management & LeadershipClick Here
DePaul UniversityChicagoIllinoisMaster'sOnline M.S. in Sport, Fitness and Recreation LeadershipClick Here
DePaul UniversityChicagoIllinoisMaster'sM.S. in Sport, Fitness and Recreation LeadershipClick Here
Eastern Illinois UniversityCharlestonIllinoisMaster'sMaster's in Sports AdministrationClick Here
Illinois State UniversityNormalIllinoisMaster'sM.S. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Northern Illinois UniversityDeKalbIllinoisMaster'sOnline M.S. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Northern Illinois UniversityDeKalbIllinoisMaster'sM.S. in Sport ManagementClick Here
Southern Illinois University, CarbondaleCarbondaleIllinoisMaster'sM.S. in Education - Sport StudiesClick Here
University of Illinois
Champaign		IllinoisMaster'sOnline M.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism with a specialization in Sport ManagementClick Here
University of Illinois
Champaign		IllinoisMaster'sOnline Masters in Sport ManagementClick Here
University of Illinois
Champaign		IllinoisDoctorateOnline PhD in Sport ManagementClick Here
University of Illinois
Champaign		IllinoisMaster'sMasters in Sport ManagementClick Here
University of Illinois
Champaign		IllinoisDoctoratePhD in Sport ManagementClick Here
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITYDeKalbIllinoisBachelorBachelor of Science in KinesiologyClick Here
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITYDeKalbIllinoisBachelorBachelor of Science in Sport ManagementClick Here
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITYDeKalbIllinoisMasterM.S. in Kinesiology and Physical EducationClick Here
NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITYDeKalbIllinoisMasterM.S. in Sport ManagementClick Here

Northern Illinois University

Master of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education, Specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 30 Credit Hours

The theory, research, and application of sport and exercise psychology will be the main topics of this specialization. Students can examine a range of factors that predict and affect engagement in sport and exercise through the course content. Application of knowledge based on theory and research is prioritized. Specifically, a theory-to-practice approach to addressing the psychological requirements of its participants in a performance situation will be experienced by teachers, coaches, and fitness professionals. The student decides whether to pursue a thesis or a non-thesis option after consulting with an advisor. Examples of required courses include Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Applied Sport Psychology, and Sport in Society. For admission, you’ll need a CV, two letters of recommendation, and your transcripts.

Accreditation

Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville

Master of Science in Kinesiology with A Specialization in Exercise and Sport Psychology
Delivery Method: On-Campus, Online
Credits Required: 30 Credit Hours

The program combines theory, research, and practice, with a focus on the cognitive, emotional, psychological, and social factors that influence sport and exercise behaviors, as well as the effects of physical activity on psychological factors. Students may enroll in elective courses throughout the university in addition to coursework in sport psychology, exercise psychology, rehabilitation and health psychology, sport sociology, coaching psychology, and physical activity promotion to tailor their educational experience to their career goals. To be considered for admission into the program, all postsecondary academic transcripts must be submitted, and you must have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 (A=4.0).

Accreditation

Illinois State University

Master of Science in Kinesiology and Recreation, Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity Sequence
Delivery Method: On-Campus
Credits Required: 33 Credit Hours

The Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity program prepares students to make a positive difference in their field’s professional practices and policies. Students investigate psychological traits and their impact on sport and physical activity participation. Statistics in Applied Science and Technology, Introduction to Research Methodology, Applied Motor Learning, Advanced Sport Psychology, and Motivation in Sport and Exercise are all required courses. A student applying to this program must have a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university, as well as unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State where graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. A 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a Master’s program.

Accreditation

Career & Salary Opportunities in Sports Psychology in Illinois

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage in the Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations is nearly $59,000. Chicago is home to a team from each of the major sports leagues (NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS). Illinois is also home to some of America’s largest and most successful corporations. Walgreens, Boeing, Kraft Heinz, and Allstate are among them. Whether you want to work with them or not, they contribute to the local sports economy through sponsorships, events, and contracts with other businesses. For a variety of reasons, Illinois’ thriving economy is beneficial to the sports industry, and it could be a good place to start looking if you want to work in the sports industry.

Sports psychology careers include the following:

  • Sports Psychology Professor
  • Sports Psychologist
  • Exercise Physiologist
  • University Sports Coach
  • Health program coordinator
  • Private practice clinical sport psychologist
  • Sport psychologist for a club, college, Olympic, or professional team
  • Sport rehabilitation specialist

It is also good to know that sports psychologists have a variety of career paths. An educational sports psychologist can instruct players on how to enhance their performance through psychological strategies. A clinical sports psychologist provides this service if you’re interested in working with athletes who are suffering from mental illnesses. Being an exercise psychologist might be a fantastic career choice for you if you prefer working with those that just enjoy staying healthy and active over elite athletes with competitive needs.

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