Sports, for many people, is a form of recreation and a fun way to stay active and fit. Then, some others indulge in group sports with friends and family to bring in a touch of competitiveness and seriousness. But the ultimate use of sport is in making it a profession, to make a living out of it, and unleash the full potential one may have in competitive sport.
A Master’s in Sports Psychology online program involves studying individual mechanisms that influence motivation, efficacy, and anxiety or stress, along with social factors such as team participation, coaching, and effectiveness in leadership. Sports Psychology Master’s programs also investigate how playing sports affects people mentally and emotionally, what makes some people push themselves to their limits and beyond, and why others want to play competitive sports rather than recreational sports.
In a nutshell, Sports Psychology is a field of psychology that studies how people are influenced by playing sports and how to change a person’s mentality to succeed and excel at sports through a deeper understanding of how the mind and body must be healthy to do so. Sports Psychologists typically help athletes with psychological treatments to reduce anxiety before performances.
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:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-sports-psychology-online/">Sports Psychology</a>
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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:
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.
The Master of Arts or MA in Sports Psychology blends subjects from multiple disciplines such as psychology, sociology, wellness, and humanities, and applies them in sport, to understand how they affect performance and influence athletes and society as a whole.
The Master of Science or MS in Sports Psychology relies more on scientific methodology and approaches in understanding the psychology of a sportsperson on and off the field. This program also explores performance enhancement and intervention methods and the study of injury, rehabilitation, and recovery from a technical viewpoint.
The Master of Psychology or M.Psych. Degree (sometimes also abbreviated as Psy.M.) is a Master’s degree in pure Psychology. This program covers the fundamentals of Psychology and better prepare students for a Ph.D. or specializations. To major in sports, students will have to opt for electives or courses that cover Sports Psychology.
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:
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:
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:
Apart from these, Sports Psychologists will also be able to:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Paying for Tuition is increasingly a challenge. ‘U.S. News reports that the average Tuition and Fees at private National Universities have jumped 144%, showing no signs of receding in the foreseeable future. Add to that, living expenses for Students have also steadily been on the rise. 69% of College Students who took out Student Loans graduated in 2023 with an average debt of $29,900, necessitating a closer look and wiser decision when picking a College for MFA Programs.
To ease the burden of paying for Tuition, these are some of the ways one could consider while budgeting for an MFA Program:
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Read the best Financial Guide to know about how to finance advanced education.
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:
The 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 30th, 2023.
The 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 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.
The 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.
There is a wide selection of schools that offer Sports Psychology Master’s programs across the length and breadth of the United States. Some of the best ones are listed out in this article.
Sports Psychology is best studied at schools that offer well-trained, qualified, and experienced faculty. Additionally, and more so in the case of off-line programs, good sporting infrastructure goes a long way in imparting hands-on education and developing field skills to learn and understand how the practical side of Sports Psychology works. This article highlights the best Sports Psychology programs in the country.
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:
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:
Other careers for graduates with a Master’s in Sports Psychology to consider are:
*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.
Depending on the region and field of practice, Sports Psychologists may be required to be certified. Although board certification is not expected of all psychologists, having a Sports Psychology certification online does reflect a high degree of clinical competence. Certification is almost always required for licensure, which is why it is recommended to become certified. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) offers specialty psychology credentials to practitioners in 13 fields of psychology, including clinical health psychology, couple and family psychology, and behavioral and cognitive psychology. Similarly, organizations like the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), and the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) grant other specialist certifications. The Council on Specialties in Professional Psychology (CSPP) has a list of specialties and recognized certification boards.
Here are a few more certifications for Sports Psychology graduates:
As for licensure, each state has its independent and specific licensing requirements, which may or may not include additional qualifications, training, or examinations. For example, in most states, graduates of an online Master’s in Sports Psychology are required to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
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:
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