Masters in Sports Psychology Online

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The best Master’s in Sports Psychology online programs must cover a broader spectrum of courses that will enable students to tap into various career options, apart from the default world of performance sports. Treating or counseling people in high-stress, high-competitive professions, such as business people, performers, and politicians, fall under alternatives to careers oriented around professional athletes. Other factors such as the experience and quality of faculty, sports infrastructure, the efficacy of instruction delivery, and cost should form the basis for a program to qualify as the best.

Keeping in line with all of these factors and more, here are some of the best Sports Psychology programs that have made it to our list:

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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.

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.

1 year Sports Psychology Master’s programs are ideal for students who want to complete their studies as quickly as possible and jump right into a career. Most Master’s in Sports Psychology programs are for one year that requires full-time attendance and summer studies.

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.

Whether one considers a Master’s program in Clinical, Counseling, Forensic, Educational, Organizational, Industrial-Organizational, Business, or Child Psychology, or even a Master’s in Sports Psychology online program, the cost to pursue one is bound to be high. With every passing year, the cost of a Master’s program is revised upwards, making it harder for students to pay for their tuition entirely from their own pockets. Fortunately, there are external funding options to assist with tuition fees and other educational expenses, such as:

Scholarships

Usually merit-based, scholarships offer financial assistance to eligible students and do not require repayment. Most Universities offer in-house scholarships, but private agencies, individuals, alumni, research organizations, and foundations offer them based on academic achievement, community service, cultural heritage, religious affiliation, and other such criteria. Some scholarships are purpose-specific, such as  Disability Scholarships, African American Scholarships, and Scholarships for Women. (Note: Learn who not to get entangled in online Scholarship Scams.)

Grants

Grants are funds provided by the federal, state, or private sectors and can be used to cover the tuition fee and/or other associated student expenses, such as study materials, transport, equipment, etc. Grants are usually awarded based on financial needs rather than academic achievement.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships allow a student to assist the college or program with teaching or non-teaching work while studying simultaneously. Graduate Assistants are paid for services rendered, which can in turn fund some educational expenses.

Working on Campus

There is a possibility of being employed by the University one is studying in. A part-time job at the university is often on campus, and students can earn a reasonable salary.

Student Loans

Those who do not mind paying interest on money borrowed, loans from the federal government, banks, or private organizations, can help pay for education. However, there is a danger of increased student debt if repayments are irregular, delayed or defaulted, due to compounded interest.

FAFSA

Students can check if they are eligible for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, which is essentially a simple and straightforward application form. A complete guide to FAFSA is available here.

Read the best Financial Guide to know about how to finance advanced education.

Scholarships for Masters in Sports Psychology Online Students

Scholarships for an online Master’s in Sports Psychology are available at several Universities. Many individuals and private entities also provide scholarships based on merit, community, culture, faith, and ethnicity, among other factors. Here are a few Sports Psychology scholarships for students to explore and apply to:

APF Graduate Student ScholarshipsThe American Psychological Foundation (APF) awards 21 scholarships of $2,000 to $5,000 every year for graduate students in Psychology. These scholarships are sponsored by several Individuals associated with APF. Application Deadline: June 30^th, 2023.

Association for Applied Sport Psychology GrantsThe Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) provides support to early-career professionals, and students for their research endeavors, through grants of up to $17,500. Eligible students can apply for Research, Collaborative Research, or Community Research Grants, as well as the Oglesby-Snyder Grant for Equity and Cultural Diversity, among others. Application Deadlines: Vary.

Scholarships for WomenScholarships for Women is a website that lists out the various scholarships available for women studying Psychology. Details of the sponsor, eligibility criteria, award amounts, deadlines, and direct links are provided. Application Deadlines: Vary.

Psi ChiThe International Honor Society in Psychology offers graduate students of Psychology programs several awards, grants, scholarships, and fellowships ranging from $400 to $3,000, totaling to about $400,000 every year. A direct link to each offer is provided that lists out specific details. Application Deadlines: Vary.

All states require practicing Sport Psychologists to be qualified, which includes a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) or Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Psychology. Clinical practice is not the only career path for Sport Psychology; several jobs in the field can be obtained with a Master’s Degree. To become a qualified Sports Psychologist and practice, these are the steps aspirants will need to take:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or a related field.
2. Earn a Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology (optional).
3. Get certified as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) by the AASP and begin practicing as a consultant (optional).
4. Earn an accredited Psy.D. or Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Sports Psychology (to become licensed and/or take up research).
5. Undergo supervised clinical experience requirements stipulated by the state of residence/practice.
6. Undertake and pass the required exams for the particular state, including the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
7. Apply for and receive a State’s Board of Psychology license to start practicing as a Sports Psychologist.

Note: To ensure licensure validity, practitioners will have to continue with educational and other requirements that the state’s licensing authority may necessitate from time to time.

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.