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.
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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
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 Name | City | State | Program Level | Program Name | Program URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville University | Greenville | Illinois | Bachelor | Online B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Greenville University | Greenville | Illinois | Bachelor | Online B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Benedictine University | Lisle | Illinois | Master | Online Master of Science in Nutrition and Wellness | Click Here |
| Greenville University | Greenville | Illinois | Bachelor | Online B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Greenville University | Greenville | Illinois | Master's | Master of Arts in Education - Coaching | Click Here |
| Aurora University | Aurora | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Blackburn College | Carlinville | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Bradley University | Peoria | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelors of Communications with an concentration in Sports Communications | Click Here |
| Columbia College Chicago | Chicago | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sports Management | Click Here |
| Concordia University Chicago | River Forest | Illinois | Bachelor | Online B.A. Sports & Recreation Management | Click Here |
| Concordia University Chicago | River Forest | Illinois | Bachelor | B.A. Sports & Recreation Management | Click Here |
| DePaul University | Chicago | Illinois | Bachelor | Online B.S. in Management and a concentration in Sports Management | Click Here |
| DePaul University | Chicago | Illinois | Bachelor | B.S. in Management and a concentration in Sports Management | Click Here |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Elmhurst College | Elmhurst | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Judson University | Elgin | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Exercise Science with an concentration in Sport Administration | Click Here |
| Kendall College | Chicago | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelors in Hospitality Management with a concentration in Sports Management | Click Here |
| Lewis University | Romeoville | Illinois | Bachelor | B.A. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Lincoln College | Lincoln | Illinois | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Loyola University Chicago | Chicago | Illinois | Bachelor | B.B.A. with Sport Management major | Click Here |
| McKendree University | Lebanon | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelors in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Millikin University | Decatur | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| North Central College | Naperville | Illinois | Bachelor | B.A. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| North Park University Chicago | Chicago | Illinois | Bachelor | B.S. in Business and Economics with a concentration in Sports Management | Click Here |
| Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais | Illinois | Bachelor | B.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Quincy University | Quincy | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Southern Illinois University, Carbondale | Carbondale | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Sport Administration | Click Here |
| University of Illinois | Champaign | Illinois | Bachelor | Online Bachelor's in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Illinois | Champaign | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelors in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of St. Francis | Joliet | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor's in Recreation Administration | Click Here |
| Concordia University Chicago | River Forest | Illinois | Doctorate | Online Ed.D. and Ph.D. in Leadership w/specialization in Sports Leadership | Click Here |
| Concordia University Chicago | River Forest | Illinois | Master's | Online MA in Sports Management & Leadership | Click Here |
| Concordia University Chicago | River Forest | Illinois | Master's | Online MBA with a Sports Management Specialization | Click Here |
| Concordia University Chicago | River Forest | Illinois | Master's | MA in Sports Management & Leadership | Click Here |
| Concordia University Chicago | River Forest | Illinois | Doctorate | Ph.D. in Leadership w/specialization in Sports Leadership MA in Sports Management & Leadership | Click Here |
| DePaul University | Chicago | Illinois | Master's | Online M.S. in Sport, Fitness and Recreation Leadership | Click Here |
| DePaul University | Chicago | Illinois | Master's | M.S. in Sport, Fitness and Recreation Leadership | Click Here |
| Eastern Illinois University | Charleston | Illinois | Master's | Master's in Sports Administration | Click Here |
| Illinois State University | Normal | Illinois | Master's | M.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | Illinois | Master's | Online M.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Northern Illinois University | DeKalb | Illinois | Master's | M.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
| Southern Illinois University, Carbondale | Carbondale | Illinois | Master's | M.S. in Education - Sport Studies | Click Here |
| University of Illinois | Champaign | Illinois | Master's | Online M.S. in Recreation, Sport and Tourism with a specialization in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Illinois | Champaign | Illinois | Master's | Online Masters in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Illinois | Champaign | Illinois | Doctorate | Online PhD in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Illinois | Champaign | Illinois | Master's | Masters in Sport Management | Click Here |
| University of Illinois | Champaign | Illinois | Doctorate | PhD in Sport Management | Click Here |
| NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY | DeKalb | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology | Click Here |
| NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY | DeKalb | Illinois | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science in Sport Management | Click Here |
| NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY | DeKalb | Illinois | Master | M.S. in Kinesiology and Physical Education | Click Here |
| NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY | DeKalb | Illinois | Master | M.S. in Sport Management | Click Here |
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.
Illinois Bachelors Degrees in Sports Psychology
Here are the options one would have for Bachelors Degrees in Sports Psychology within Illinois.
Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
The Bachelor of Science in Sport Management program at Northern Illinois University offers a comprehensive and experiential approach to education in the sports industry. This program is designed for students passionate about working behind the scenes in sports, preparing them for various career opportunities in professional franchises, collegiate athletic departments, marketing and management firms, parks and recreation operations, and more. The curriculum includes courses like Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise, Introduction to Sport Management, Sport Sales and Sponsorship, Sport Event and Facility Management, and Legal and Ethical Aspects of Sport. Additionally, the program offers unique experiences like the Sports Sales Minor, in collaboration with NIU’s renowned Sales Program, and real sports sales experiences. Students are required to complete an internship, which is the culminating requirement of the program, providing practical skills and knowledge in a professional sports setting. Alumni of this program have found employment with major sports teams and organizations, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers in sports management.
Accreditation:
University of Illinois at Chicago
BS in Kinesiology
The BS in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois Chicago provides students with the foundational knowledge required to succeed in Sports Science quickly. The program focuses on studying human movement from the cellular level to the entire body. The courses covered in this program will dive deep into anatomy, physiology, exercise psychology, and biomechanics. Students looking for a career in Sports Psychology will benefit from this curriculum as it builds on strategic competencies that ensure they are prepared for their graduate and professional careers later on. The program offers hands-on practical experience throughout all four years to ensure that students receive the proper training and coaching. Whether it’s taking part in research, learning the scientific process through award-winning faculty, or studying the course work through their study abroad program.
Accreditation:
Online Bachelors Degree in Sports Psychology in Illinois
Mckendree University
BS in Psychology
For online bachelor’s options, Mckendree University offers a flexible online Psychology degree for the busy adult. The degree uncovers truths and dives deep into the current research that would understand, explain, predict, and change human behavior as the students themselves will undergo rigorous training from both a theoretical and practical standpoint to think critically about human behavior. This degree serves as a stepping stone for many careers in the Sports Psychology industry and is a requirement for students looking for further education and opportunities. The courses are delivered entirely online, with options for eight or sixteen-week sessions. The program’s flexibility and diverse course offerings make it ideal for the busy adult looking to make a significant impact in helping others through the study of psychology.
Accreditation:
Illinois Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology
A Masters Degree is necessary on the way to a PhD. Hone the skills you’ve learned from your undergrad with these options.
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.