<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-sports-psychology-online/">Sports Psychology</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Missouri, Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211	$9,478	71%
#2 University of Florida 341 Tigert Hall 300 SW 13th St, Gainesville, Florida 32611	$17,656	75%
#3 University of Denver 2199 S. University Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80208	$52,596	77%
#4 Drexel University 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104	$36,234	69%
#5 Rider University 2083 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648	$20,508	67%
#6 Capella University 225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402	$14,767	NA
#7 Ohio University 020 Chubb Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701	$9,444	65%
#8 A T Still University of Health Sciences 800 W Jefferson, Kirksville, Missouri 63501	$36,336	NA
#9 Concordia University 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, California 92612	$8,121	63%
#10 Vanguard University of Southern California 55 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, California 92626	$16,080	59%
#11 University of Western States, Portland 8000 NE Tillamook Street, Portland, Oregon 97213	$9,450	NA
#12 Lock Haven University 401 North Fairview Street, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania 17745	$9,288	54%
#13 California University of Pennsylvania 250 University Ave, California, Pennsylvania 15419	$9,288	50%
#14 American Military University 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414	$6,660	40%
#15 University of West Alabama Station One, Livingston, Alabama 35470	$6,678	35%
#16 Barry University 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, Florida 33161	$17,820	35%
#17 Medaille College 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, New York 14214	$21,621	38%
#18 Adams State University 208 Edgemont Blvd, Alamosa, Colorado 81101	$7,830	30%
#19 National University 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037	$15,480	29%
#20 University of Southwest 6610 North Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, New Mexico 88240	$22,500	26%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Sports Psychology Master’s programs largely rest on the three pillars of psychology, kinesiology and physiology. This program is predominantly meant for students who want to learn about the relationship between psychological, behavioral, and physiological factors that influence athletic participation and success. Students also investigate psychological and social factors that affect participation in sport and physical activity by studying human thinking, emotion, physical ability, and the actions and reactions in recreational and competitive sports.

Within the field of sports psychology, there are three types of psychology, which can be looked at as tracks:

1. Academic Sport Psychology: academic-oriented and involves teaching at schools, colleges, and universities and/or conducting research.
2. Clinical Sport Psychology: clinical oriented and blends psychotherapy with behavioral-training techniques to help people dealing with mental illnesses.
3. Applied Sport Psychology: field-oriented and involves developing strategies and teaching skills to enhance athletic performance.

Masters in Sports Psychology Online Degree Types

Depending on an individual’s personal and professional goals, they can choose a type of degree that serves them best. There are three ways of pursuing a Master’s in Sports Psychology online, each with its unique approach and catering to specific personal and professional needs.

Specializations in Masters in Sports Psychology Online Programs

Specializations allow students to add some extra weight to their Master’s in Sports Psychology online degree. They dive deeper into specific areas within Sports Psychology and present better career prospects while also addressing one’s professional goals. Some colleges also offer different tracks in Sports Psychology, such as Psychology, Fitness Consulting, and Counseling. Some examples of specializations and concentrations in Sports Psychology are:

• Applied Sport Psychology
• Applied Sport Science
• Exercise Psychology Master’s Programs
• Rehabilitation Science
• Sport and Performance Psychology
• Sports and Exercise Psychology Master’s Programs
• Sports & Performance Psychology as a Business
• Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention
• Advanced Performance Enhancement: Core Mind-Body Practices
• Advanced Performance Enhancement: Integrative Mind-Body Practices
• Advanced Performance Enhancement: The Psychology of Peak Experience
• Nutrition
• Rehabilitation in Sports & Performance
• Wellness and Fitness
• Wellness Coaching
• Advanced Psychomotor Development & Kinesiology
• Advanced Group Dynamics in Sports & Performance Settings
• Sport Law
• Professional Athlete Development
• Group Fitness Leadership

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Masters in Sports Psychology Online Programs

The curriculum of the Master’s program containing online Sports Psychology courses generally includes the learning of the fundamentals of Sports Psychology and clinical work, as well as subjects related to dealing with athletes and other forms of performers. The theories and principles of psychological and physical effects of playing sports are focused on, with a multi-disciplinary approach to quite some extent. Although curriculum varies by program and college, a Master’s in Sports Psychology online program can include the following courses:

• Sport and Society
• Sports Psychology
• Exercise Physiology
• Sport Management
• Applied Sport Psychology
• Leadership in Sport Administration
• Sports Science and Coaching
• Applied Mental Skills Training
• Leadership and Ethics
• Social Psychology
• Principles of Adherence and Motivation
• Military Psychology
• Fitness Testing
• Psychology of Performance Excellence
• Sports Performance Enhancement
• Advanced Exercise Physiology
• Critical Thinking in the Sports and Health Industries
• Assessment in Sport Psychology
• Psychology of Human Performance
• Exercise and Mental Health
• Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention
• Introduction to Mental Skills Training
• Wellness Coaching
• Diversity and Equity in Sport
• Psychological Aspects of Health and Fitness Programming
• Essentials of Human Performance and Exercise Science
• Introduction to Applied Sport and Performance Psychology
• Ethics and Professional Identity
• Ethics and Diversity in Athletic Coaching
• Student-Athlete Development and Leadership
• Goal Setting
• Stress Management for the Physically Active
• Psychology of Coaching
• Psychological Preparation and Mental Skills Training
• Rehabilitation Science
• Sport and Exercise Psychology for Performance Enhancement
• Social-Psychology of the Body, Health and Performance
• Psychology and Sociology of Human Performance
• Recruiting & Budgeting in Sport
• Psychology of Athletic Performance
• Motivational Processes
• Stress in Sport and Exercise
• Mental Strength and Conditioning
• Psychology of Coaching
• Coaching Theory
• Clinical Sport Psychology
• Performance and Conditioning for Athletic Coaches
• Psych of Athletic Injury/Recovery
• Ethics and Sport
• Psychopharmacology
• Advanced Cognitive Psychology
• Sociocultural Aspects of Sport Coaching
• Advanced Kinesiology
• Psychology of Athletic Injury
• Sports in American Culture
• Business and Entrepreneurship in the Fitness Industry
• Industrial, Clinical, and Corporate Wellness
• Advanced Topics in SAQ and Endurance Training
• Exercise Physiology: Assessment and Exercise Prescription

Graduates of a Master’s in Sports Psychology amass a wide skill set, and by the end of their programs, Sports Psychologists will typically be able to help athletes:

• set goals and improve their performance;
• overcome mental and emotional barriers;
• recover faster from sports injuries;
• devise strategies for endurance;
• build resilience, strength, and stamina for enhanced performance;
• analyze and interpret testing results;
• learn and use various assessment devices and methods;
• develop and implement customized and specialized plans that enhance performance.

Apart from these, Sports Psychologists will also be able to:

• identify psychological theories that explain why people participate in and do well in sports and physical activities;
• explain sport as a social phenomenon involving community dynamics, coaching, and the efficacy of leadership;
• assess athletes’ psychological needs and develop effective approaches to improve the performance, personal development, and experience of physical activity of sportspersons.

Accreditation for Masters in Sports Psychology Online Programs

Accreditation is a crucial aspect of any Master’s Degree. An accredited Master’s in Sports Psychology online is required for licensure and practice, which is why students should ensure that a recognized body endorses the college they are applying to or the program. The Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) is one such organization that accredits Sports Psychology programs. Regional Accreditation from agencies such as Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CSS), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Accrediting Commission for Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), etc., are also of immense value and importance. The Accreditation Guide throws ample light on how and why Accreditation is necessary and why students must always opt for accredited programs or universities that offer Sports Psychology.

Timeline for graduation from Masters in Sports Psychology Online Programs

In almost all cases, an online Master’s in Sports Psychology online program is of a duration of 1 year if taken up full-time. Part-timers can complete their program from anywhere between 18 months and 48 months, depending on the courses taken, any practicum involved, and the number of credits.

Masters in Sports Psychology Online Programs Admission Requirements

A graduate program such as the Master’s in Sports Psychology online usually requires a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in psychology, or at least a Bachelor’s Degree with a certain amount of credits in psychology coursework and/or kinesiology or other sports-related courses. Other Sports Psychologist education requirements may include:

• An Application Form with its requisite Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• A Personal Statement and/or Professional Resume, citing experience in athletics, coaching, psychology research, or other related environments
• At least 2 to 3 References

A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (failing which a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score may be required)

Note: Each college may have its independent and specific admission requirements. Therefore, it is always wise to check with the college’s admissions office or read the program guide for more and exact requirements.

No-GRE Sports Psychology Master’s programs are becoming increasingly common, especially among students who want to finish their studies and start working sooner. Fortunately, most Master’s in Sports Psychology programs do not entail submitting a Standardized Test Score such as the GRE or GMAT. However, if a student’s cumulative undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) is less than 3.0, colleges are likely to request a GRE ranking.

Although free online Sports Psychology courses do not culminate in the award of a Master’s Degree, they help students explore the field of Sports Psychology and further their knowledge on specific topics. At best, such free courses are only tools – far from a full-fledged Master’s program. Here are a few places online that offer some free courses:

1. OpenLearn
   Produced by The Open University, OpenLearn is an open and distance learning portal that offers at least 21 free courses at different levels on health, sports, and Psychology.
2. The United States Sports Academy
   The United States Sports Academy offers free sample courses to help individuals increase their knowledge and skill in sport, as well as for entertainment and enrichment. Sample courses include Introduction to Coaching, Sports-Related Concussions, and Maternity Wellness.
3. Class Central
   Class Central has courses from the Wageningen University, Duke University, University of Michigan, University of California, and other top universities and instructors around the world, on a wide range of topics, such as The Science of Training Young Athletes, Sports and Society, Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, and more.
4. Alison
   Alison provides free online courses in Sports Psychology and related subjects like health, motivation, coaching, fitness, etc.

A Master’s in Sports Psychology online can lead to opportunities such as coaching, supporting licensed psychologists, or working in the administration of recreational sports and athletics. Jobs are available in education, healthcare, wellness, and of course, sports as well. Some of the typical careers graduates of a Master’s in Sports Psychology take up are:

1. Applied Sports Psychologist
   Applied Sports Psychologists work with athletes to help them enhance their performance through mental exercises.
2. Clinical Sports Psychologist
   Clinical Sports Psychologists work with athletes to help them resolve mental health problems such as performance anxiety, depression, and eating disorders that may arise due to stress.
3. Sports Rehabilitation Therapist
   Unlike Physical Therapists who work on rehabilitating injured muscles, Sports Rehabilitation Therapists focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of healing, such as assisting athletes in overcoming depression and frustration and preparing them mentally to return to their sport.
4. Sports Research Specialist
   Sports Research Specialists typically perform tests in an athletic setting to learn more about stamina, motivation, and human behavior. They often work in a research laboratory, either privately or as part of a research team at an academic institution.
5. University Team Coach
   University Team Coaches typically work as head or assistant coaches at the university sports level. Apart from coaching, they can take up administrative roles or direct Sports Psychology-related roles as well.
6. Professional Team Coach
   Professional Team Coaches work directly in professional sports such as the NFL or NBA as Head Coaches. However, there are other roles such coaches can take up, like team therapist, motivational therapist, or assistant coach.
7. Sports Psychology Professor
   Sports Psychology Professors teach the basics of Sports Psychology to college students. They work in a classroom environment as professors but could also double up as assistant coaches at universities.
8. Guidance Counselor
   Guidance Counselors work at the university, high school, or elementary levels, promoting positive self-esteem while providing exercise, fitness, and health advice.
9. Social Worker
   Social Workers with a background in Sports Psychology serve as social educators for the general public, encouraging health and wellness through community outreach services or assisting with youth fitness and sports programs.

Other careers for graduates with a Master’s in Sports Psychology to consider are:

• Private Practice Clinical Sport Psychologist*
• Clinical Sport Psychologist*
• Sport Psychologist for a Performing Arts Group*
• Sport Psychologist for a Club, College, Olympic, or Professional Team*
• Sports Rehabilitation Specialist
• Health Program Coordinator
• Performance Coach
• Athletic Coach
• Academic Researcher*
• Professor or Lecturer*
• High school teacher

*may require a doctoral degree.

According to Projections Central, jobs in the field of Psychology (including clinical, counseling, sports, and other categories) are said to grow by 11.5% between 2018 and 2028. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that Psychologists (under the non-clinical ‘all other’ category) earn a mean annual wage of $100,130, with the top-paid 90% of earners taking home $133,470. Overall, the job market for Sports Psychology is promising and lucrative.

The sporting world is a vast and competitive one. Any physical, emotional, or psychological aspect can improve or hamper performance and outcomes. To offer the best services to athletes and sports enthusiasts, graduates of a Master’s in Sports Psychology online program should keep up with the latest in the worlds of sports, psychology, and performance by connecting with peers and networking. Tapping into resources such as those offered by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and others will empower students and working professionals to advance their studies and careers. Here are a few such resources to consider:

1. APA Division 47
   APA 47 is a division of the American Psychological Association (APA) that promotes and offers exercise and sport psychology practitioners services. The site has a host of resources, from books and journals to articles and training webinars.
2. Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
   The Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) provides information on careers in Sports Psychology, podcasts, webinars, publications, and more.
3. Premier Sport Psychology
   Premier Sport Psychology is a trove of information for parents of youth athletes, professionals working with athletes, and students interested in Sport Psychology. The site offers videos, books, articles, and podcasts.
4. International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP)
   The International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP) publishes the latest in the world of Sports Psychology and is a great place for up-to-date information. The site hosts events and publications and offers fellowships and awards as well.