Best Bachelor’s in Sports Psychology Degree Programs

2026 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Psychology Programs
What Will I Learn in an Online Sports Psychology Degree Program?
Admissions Requirements for a Bachelor’s in Sports Psychology
2026 Affordable Bachelor's in Sports Psychology Program Options
2026 Shortest Sports Psychology Bachelor's Program Options
List of Sports Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Online Sports Psychology Bachelor's Degree

Joel Gill | Updated/Verified: May 21, 2025

Sports psychology is a rapidly growing field that combines the principles of psychology and sports to help athletes improve their performance, overcome mental barriers, and maintain the discipline necessary for success. Sports psychologists don’t themselves step onto the field or court, but they’re an important support person behind some of the best athletes that do.

Earning a bachelor’s in sports psychology can help you enter this exciting field. A bachelor’s degree will introduce you to psychology and have a particular emphasis on using psychological grounding to improve athletic performance.

Upon graduating, you’ll have career opportunities as a sports psychologist, sports counselor, strength and conditioning coach, or assistant coach if you previously played at a high level. You’ll work directly with players and coaches, either as a member of the coaching staff or a member of the administrative staff.

In some cases, sports psychology graduates pivot from athletics to the corporate world. Many of the same motivational principles apply to performance in each arena. Even if the corporate world isn’t your intention, it’s good to know you have options.

Sports psychologists are employed by collegiate and professional sports teams, leagues, camps and specialty seminars. With an online sports psychology bachelor’s degree, you could be one of the psychologists collaborating with these athletic organizations. To find out how to earn one, see the information below.

2026 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Psychology Programs

Counseling Psychology Organization presents its comprehensive guide to the best online Bachelor's in Sports Psychology programs, recognizing the growing importance of distance learning in modern education. Our expert team has carefully evaluated programs that provide students with flexible, high-quality academic experiences in this dynamic field. Online sports psychology degrees offer aspiring professionals the opportunity to study human performance, athlete mental health, and psychological strategies from anywhere with internet access. These virtual programs enable students to balance academic pursuits with personal and professional commitments, making advanced education more accessible than ever. Our rankings consider factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student support, and career preparation potential. Read our comprehensive rankings methodology.

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA - Private 4-year - calbaptist.edu

Bachelor's - Sport and Performance Psychology, BS

Online Learning - Visit Website

California Baptist University's fully online Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology provides a dynamic pathway for aspiring professionals in mental performance and athletic development. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that integrates psychological principles with performance optimization strategies. The 100% online program spans 49 total units and can be completed in approximately 16 months, offering exceptional flexibility for working professionals and athletes. With a transfer-friendly approach and classes starting every 8 weeks, students explore cognitive psychology, exercise physiology, and ethical practices. The program's faith-integrated curriculum prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in athletic coaching, mental health, and performance consulting. Standard undergraduate entrance exams like SAT or ACT are likely required for admission.

100% Online Degree
49 Total Program Units
16 Months to Complete
$520 Per Unit Cost
Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
Three Semesters Annually
Transfer-Friendly Program
WSCUC Accredited Degree
Multiple Career Pathways
Faith-Integrated Curriculum

Kent State University

Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Kent State University's online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology offers a comprehensive digital learning experience tailored for future athletic performance professionals. Students explore psychological dynamics impacting athletic excellence through a 120-credit hour curriculum focusing on motivation, mental training, and performance enhancement techniques. The fully online program provides flexible learning opportunities with an emphasis on practical skills development and ethical practice principles. Designed for aspiring athletes, coaches, and performance specialists, the degree prepares graduates for diverse career pathways in sports psychology. Standard undergraduate admission requirements likely include SAT or ACT scores, with a competitive tuition of approximately $52,200 for Ohio residents.

100% online degree program
120 total credit hours
Graduate in 4 years
Focuses on performance psychology
Tuition ~$52,200 for Ohio residents
Multiple career pathway options
Psychological performance focus
Practical skills development
Ethical practice principles
Research and intervention training

National University

San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's fully online Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology offers a comprehensive exploration of athletic performance psychology through a dynamic four-week course format. Students benefit from year-round enrollment and a multidisciplinary curriculum covering mental skills training, performance enhancement techniques, and cultural influences in sports. The program requires 180 total quarter units and includes 13 major requirement courses, strategically designed to prepare students for advanced graduate studies. Military-friendly and adaptable, this program equips aspiring professionals with research design skills and practical insights into the psychological dimensions of athletic achievement. Standard undergraduate entrance exams like SAT/ACT are likely required for admission.

Four-week course format
Year-round enrollment available
Online and in-person options
13 major requirement courses
180 total quarter units needed
Upper division electives offered
Focuses on performance psychology
Prepares for graduate studies
Multidisciplinary curriculum
Research design component included

*Institutional data extracted from: IPEDS 2023, NCES.

What Will I Learn in an Online Sports Psychology Degree Program?

A bachelor’s degree in sports medicine is a four-year program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field of athletic healthcare. An online program requires 120-130 credit hours of coursework, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of sports medicine. Most programs include both classes, and a practicum or internship.

The curriculum includes a mix of general education courses, theoretical psychology courses, and applied psychology classes specifically related to sports. Some of the courses that students may take during the program include:

Introduction to Sports Psychology

Physiology of Exercise and Sport

Psychological Aspects of Injury and Rehabilitation

Sport and Exercise Motivation

Psychological Skills Training for Athletes

Group Dynamics in Sports Teams

Ethics in Sports Psychology

Admissions Requirements for a Bachelor’s in Sports Psychology

Admission to online sports psychology programs can be a competitive process. Requirements sometimes vary by institution, but here are common elements that most schools require:

High school diploma or GED

Transcripts meeting the school’s GPA and other requirements (usually 2.5-3.0)

Standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT

Letters of recommendation from teachers or other professionals

Essay or personal outlining your goals and interests in the field

In-person or virtual interview with the admissions committee (in some cases)

Many schools now use the Common Application, but some colleges (e.g. Faulkner University) still use their own application.

2026 Affordable Bachelor's in Sports Psychology Program Options

Finding an affordable bachelor's degree in sports psychology can be a game-changer for students pursuing careers in athletic performance and mental training. With rising education costs, identifying low-cost programs across the United States becomes crucial for aspiring professionals. Students can explore options in major regions like California, Texas, and the Northeast, where several institutions offer competitive tuition rates for this specialized degree. By carefully comparing program highlights and financial considerations, learners can discover quality education that doesn't break the bank. Understanding the value of accessible academic pathways helps students invest in their future without accumulating overwhelming student debt, making their educational journey more manageable and strategic.

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Kent State University Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology	100% online degree program 120 total credit hours Graduate in 4 years Focuses on performance psychology Tuition ~$52,200 for Ohio residents Multiple career pathway options Psychological performance focus Practical skills development	$9,400 - $14,100 (Undergrad In-State) $16,700 - $25,100 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Kent State University at Trumbull Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology	100% online degree program 120 total credit hours Graduate in 4 years Ohio residents: $52,200 total tuition Non-Ohio residents: $53,400 total tuition Focuses on psychological performance Prepares for diverse sport careers Mental skills performance enhancement	$5,900 - $8,900 (Undergrad In-State) $13,200 - $19,800 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Kent State University at Ashtabula Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology	100% online degree program 120 total credit hours Graduate in 4 years Focuses on psychological performance Multiple career pathways available Ohio resident tuition ~$52,200 Non-resident tuition ~$53,400 Multiple admission pathways	$5,900 - $8,900 (Undergrad In-State) $13,200 - $19,800 (Undergrad Non-Resident)

*Analysis based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 survey data.

2026 Shortest Sports Psychology Bachelor's Program Options

Students seeking quick entry into sports psychology now have compelling options across the United States. With an increasing demand for professionals who understand athlete performance and mental wellness, these accelerated bachelor's programs offer efficient pathways to careers in sports psychology. Learners can now complete their degrees faster, with some programs significantly reducing traditional timelines. Designed for motivated students in regions like California, Texas, and the Northeast, these shortest degree tracks provide comprehensive training while minimizing time and financial investment. The following table highlights institutions offering streamlined approaches to sports psychology education, showcasing programs with impressive graduation and retention rates that support students' academic and professional goals.

School Name	Highlights	Retention & Grad Rates
University of South Carolina Bachelor of Science in Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling	Unique state-only sports psychology degree Accelerated advanced degree pathway Expert faculty collaboration Interdisciplinary course approach National leader in program offering Potential careers in sports psychology Multiple workplace settings available	Graduation Rate: 78% Retention Rate: 91% Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Kent State University Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology	100% online degree program 120 total credit hours Graduate in 4 years Focuses on performance psychology Tuition ~$52,200 for Ohio residents Multiple career pathway options Psychological performance focus Practical skills development	Graduation Rate: 65% Retention Rate: 79% Student to Faculty Ratio: 21:1
West Virginia University Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology BS	Unique undergraduate sports psychology program Accelerated bachelor's to master's option 120 total credit hours Admission requires 2.0 GPA Capstone experiential learning required Prepares for multiple career paths Only program in West Virginia Covers sport, exercise, performance domains	Graduation Rate: 61% Retention Rate: 81% Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1

*Data source: NCES, IPEDS 2023 institutional survey.

List of Sports Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based bachelor’s program in sports psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to City:

Alabama

Montgomery, AL

Faulkner University

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Sports Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Online Bachelor of Science offered
- Tuition $325 per semester hour
- Small class sizes (15 students)
- Faith-based curriculum
- Flexible online format
- Career paths in athletic support
- High school graduate requirement
- ACT/SAT score requirements

Arizona

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University

Bachelor's - Counseling and Applied Psychological Science
Concentration: Sport and Performance Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- Online Bachelor of Science program
- 120 total credit hours
- 40 total classes
- 7.5 weeks per class
- Next start date: 03/17/2025
- Concentration in Sport Performance
- Internship in sport/mental health
- No direct sport psychologist path