Best Master’s in Sports Psychology Degree Programs

UNC Greensboro's online Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology represents an innovative two-year program tailored for professionals seeking advanced psychological insights into physical activity. Spanning 30 credit hours, this coursework-only track delivers asynchronous learning with exceptional flexibility. Uniquely positioned for graduates from Kinesiology or Psychology backgrounds, students explore comprehensive psychological dimensions of sports performance. The program prepares participants for dynamic careers in coaching, mental skills consulting, athletic training, and health promotion. With expert faculty mentorship and an integrative research approach, students develop sophisticated understanding of sport psychology principles. Military-friendly and designed for working professionals, the program allows students to complete six credits per semester while maintaining professional commitments.

• Fully online program
• 30 credit hours total
• Two years to complete
• Six credits per semester
• Asynchronous online courses
• Flexible learning experience
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Prepares for diverse careers
• Integrates theory and research
• School of Health Sciences

National University's fully online Master of Science in Sport Psychology transforms aspiring mental performance professionals through a comprehensive 36-credit program. Designed to meet certification standards, this 18-21 month degree prepares students for diverse athletic environments, from youth to professional sports. Students develop advanced psychological techniques and research methods to enhance athletic performance and mental wellness. The flexible online format offers weekly course starts, making it ideal for working professionals seeking career advancement in sports psychology. With a focus on performance enhancement and a FastForward PhD pathway, graduates are equipped to support athletes across multiple industries.

• 100% Online Master's Program
• 36 Total Credit Hours
• 12 Total Courses
• 18-21 Months Completion Time
• Weekly Course Starts
• CMPC Certification Aligned
• FastForward PhD Pathway
• Focuses on Performance Enhancement
• Career Opportunities in Multiple Industries

Offering a specialized Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology with an Applied Mental Performance concentration, this online program provides comprehensive training for future mental performance consultants. Completed in 14-22 months without GRE requirements, students gain over 200 direct client contact hours. Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) certified, the program emphasizes practical skills in performance enhancement, counseling, and psychological assessment. Designed for flexibility, students learn advanced techniques for supporting athletes and performers while developing multicultural competence and ethical practice skills across diverse professional settings.

• Online Master's degree program
• 14-22 months completion time
• No GRE required for admission
• AASP certification pathway
• 200+ direct client contact hours
• Two specialization tracks available
• Comprehensive mentored training
• Performance psychology focus
• Ethical practice emphasis
• Multicultural competence training

National University's Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, focused on Theoretical Mental Performance, delivers an innovative online learning experience for professionals. This 14-22 month program prepares students in performance consulting through a flexible, GRE-waived curriculum aligned with AASP certification standards. Students engage in mentored practicums, developing sophisticated skills in performance psychology, counseling techniques, and multicultural approaches. With comprehensive written examinations and 200 direct client contact hours, graduates are prepared to excel in mental performance roles across various professional environments, emphasizing theoretical foundations and practical application.

• Online Master's Degree
• No GRE Required
• 14-22 month completion
• AASP certification track
• Mentored practicum experience
• 200 direct client contact hours
• Specializations in Applied/Theoretical Mental Performance
• $0 application fee
• Comprehensive Written Exam required
• Quarterly unit-based program

Southern Connecticut State University offers an innovative online Sport Psychology Master's concentration designed for professionals seeking advanced mental performance expertise. The hybrid program spans 33-34 graduate credits, meticulously preparing students for Association of Applied Sport Psychology certification. Learners explore comprehensive performance enhancement strategies through interdisciplinary coursework across Health and Movement Sciences, Counseling, and Psychology departments. The program uniquely equips graduates to work with athletes, sports teams, and organizations, focusing on intervention techniques and mental performance consulting. Military-friendly and strategically structured, students can join fall cohorts with application preferences before May 1st, positioning themselves at the forefront of sports psychological practice.

• Sport Psychology concentration available
• 33-34 graduate credits
• CMPC certification preparation
• Interdisciplinary curriculum
• Prepares for mental performance consulting
• Multiple department involvement
• Performance enhancement focus
• Work with athletes and teams
• Fall cohort start
• Application preference before May 1

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers a dynamic 100% online Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology designed for aspiring mental performance professionals. This flexible program enables students to complete their degree within one to two years, accommodating both full and part-time learners. Uniquely positioned without a GRE requirement, the curriculum emphasizes practical skills and cutting-edge research in athlete psychological development. Students benefit from a comprehensive approach aligned with AASP certification standards, preparing them for roles in coaching, performance consulting, and athlete support across diverse settings. The program's military-friendly status and multiple start terms enhance accessibility for working professionals seeking advanced training in sports psychology.

• 100% Online Asynchronous Delivery
• Full/Part-Time Options Available
• No GRE Required
• Complete in 1-2 Years
• CMPC Certification Pathway
• 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
• Multiple Start Terms
• Transferable Up to 6 Credits

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's online Master's in Kinesiology with Exercise and Sport Psychology concentration offers a transformative educational experience for aspiring sports psychology professionals. The hybrid program uniquely prepares students to explore psychological dimensions of athletic performance through flexible, asynchronous coursework completed in 12-22 months. Students receive comprehensive training in mental training techniques, performance enhancement strategies, and psychological interventions. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills development, including CMPC certification preparation and professional development. With evening class options and career-focused mentorship, graduates are equipped to excel in diverse settings including sports organizations, fitness centers, and behavioral medicine environments.

• 100% Online Program
• 12-22 Months Completion
• Evening/Asynchronous Courses
• CMPC Certification Preparation
• Career-Focused Curriculum
• Mentorship from Faculty
• Multiple Career Pathways
• Research Opportunities
• Professional Development Focus
• Personalized Career Advising

Troy University's online Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Sports Psychology concentration provides a robust educational pathway for professionals seeking advanced understanding of athlete mental performance. The hybrid program uniquely bridges psychological theory with practical application, preparing students to address complex mental health challenges in athletic environments. Designed for flexibility, the curriculum emphasizes interdepartmental collaboration between Kinesiology and Psychology departments. Military-friendly and adaptable, the program equips graduates with comprehensive skills to support athletes across diverse sports settings, from high school to professional levels. Coursework integrates sports nutrition, performance psychology, and research methodologies to develop holistic sports psychology practitioners.

• Graduate-level Sports Psychology program
• Interdepartmental collaboration
• Research and practical experiences
• Growing career field
• Online program availability
• Partnership between Kinesiology and Psychology departments
• Courses in sports nutrition, performance
• Supports diverse sports settings

Northern Michigan University's online Master's in Applied Sport Psychology offers a dynamic, flexible program tailored for mental performance professionals. Students can pursue certification as a Mental Performance Consultant through an asynchronous curriculum designed for working professionals. The interdisciplinary degree prepares graduates for diverse career paths in sports consulting, coaching, and performance enhancement. With specialized certification tracks and a focus on emerging job market demands, students gain comprehensive skills in mental performance strategies. The program uniquely accommodates busy professionals seeking advanced training, providing opportunities to develop expertise in sports psychology without disrupting current career commitments.

• Online asynchronous master's degree
• Two certification track options
• Designed for busy professionals
• Growing job market demand
• Mental performance consultant focus
• Limited psychologist licensure option
• Interdisciplinary program approach

Northern Michigan University's online Master's in Applied Sport Psychology provides a comprehensive pathway to licensure as a Limited Psychologist. This innovative program combines clinical psychology principles with sports performance techniques, offering students an interdisciplinary approach to mental health and athletic excellence. The asynchronous curriculum supports working professionals seeking advanced training in sports psychology. Graduates can explore diverse career opportunities in clinical settings, coaching environments, and performance consulting. With projected job market growth and specialized tracks, students gain strategic skills to address psychological aspects of athletic performance and mental wellness, positioning themselves at the forefront of this dynamic professional field.

• Online asynchronous master's degree
• Two certification track options
• Mental performance consultant track
• Limited psychologist licensure track
• Developed by Health/Human Performance
• Designed for working professionals
• Expected field demand increase
• 10% job market growth projection

Springfield College offers a robust online Master of Education in Sport and Exercise Psychology that provides comprehensive training for professionals seeking advanced insights into psychological performance enhancement. Tailored for working professionals, this 36-credit program features fully asynchronous coursework with flexible full or part-time study options. Students complete a meaningful 135-hour applied internship, gaining practical skills to support athletes' mental performance across diverse settings. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary training, preparing graduates to excel in sport psychology, coaching, and performance optimization. Military-friendly and welcoming to diverse student backgrounds, the program can be completed in just 18 months with convenient 7 or 15-week course formats.

• 36-credit MEd program
• 100% online asynchronous
• Start in September
• Full or part-time options
• Complete in 18 months
• 7 or 15 week courses
• 135-hour applied internship
• Diverse student backgrounds welcome

The University of the Southwest offers a comprehensive online Master of Science in Sports Psychology that equips professionals with advanced psychological techniques for enhancing athletic performance. This program strategically prepares students to understand and improve team dynamics, athlete mental resilience, and competitive psychological strategies. Tailored for coaches, educators, and sports professionals, the curriculum explores innovative mental interventions that support both individual and team success. As a military-friendly institution, the program provides flexible online learning that accommodates diverse professional backgrounds. Students develop critical skills in performance psychology, mental training techniques, and psychological assessment methods crucial for supporting athletes across various competitive environments.

• Master of Science in Sports Psychology
• Prepares for diverse professional outcomes
• Focuses on psychological performance techniques
• Supports team and individual athletic success
• Addresses psychological aspects of competition

Texas A&M University-Kingsville's online and hybrid M.S. in Kinesiology with Performance Psychology concentration offers a comprehensive approach to sports psychology training. Students can select from diverse academic pathways including course-only, research project, and thesis tracks. The 30-36 credit hour program prepares graduates for professional certification as Mental Performance Consultants, emphasizing advanced psychological techniques in athletic performance enhancement. While specific entrance exam requirements are not detailed, the program focuses on developing specialized skills in mental training and sports psychology research. Unique features include CMPC exam preparation and multiple flexible degree plan options, making it an attractive choice for aspiring sports psychology professionals seeking advanced academic credentials.

• Performance Psychology Concentration
• 36 or 30 credit hours
• Traditional face-to-face format
• Research project option available
• Thesis track offered
• CMPC exam preparation
• Multiple degree plan options