Best Master’s in Sports Psychology Degree Programs

Curious about what it takes to help athletes make the mental leaps that allow them to succeed? Earning a master’s degree in sports psychology can help you understand both the science behind sports, exercise physiology, and the mind-body connection. After earning your master’s in sports psychology, you’ll have the experience necessary to start your career in sports psychology and apply for jobs in a variety of settings, including working with professional sports organizations, university athletic programs, athletic training groups, rehabilitation centers, and more.

Here, we’ll take a look at what you can expect to learn as you make your way through an online sports psychology master’s degree program, how long it will likely take you to complete your program, and what you’ll need to keep in mind as you begin the application process.

2024 - Best Master's Degree in Sports Psychology Programs

CounselingPsychology.org's rankings for Master's Degree in Sports Psychology are based on a comprehensive methodology that takes into account a range of factors, including completion rates, affordability, school competitiveness, diversity of program offerings, and faculty experience. Our rankings are a valuable tool for prospective students to compare programs and make the best decision for their educational and career goals. Our methodology takes into account a wide variety of factors, including the cost of living, the competitiveness of the institution, the diversity of programs offered, and the years of faculty experience. We strive to provide an accurate and up-to-date comparison of programs to help students make an informed decision. For more information about our rankings methodology, please click here.

1.

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Green Bay, WI

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers a cutting-edge Master's program in Sports Psychology from their renowned Human Development Department. With a focus on the integration of theory and practice, students gain hands-on experience through internships and research opportunities. Located on a picturesque lakefront campus, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and faculty who are leaders in the field of sports psychology.

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2.

University of Denver

Denver, CO

The University of Denver, located in Colorado, is a private university and one of the largest independent universities in the U.S. with a student population of over 11,000. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, including a Master's Degree in Sports Psychology. With its small class sizes, top-notch faculty and modern facilities, DU is the perfect place to pursue your academic goals.

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3.

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University-Mankato is located in Mankato, Minnesota. It is a public university that offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Master's Degree in Sports Psychology. With more than 15,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in the state. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as clubs, sports, and intramural activities, to ensure an enriching college experience.

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

Your online sports psychology program may be specific to the psychology of a single sport, or you may take on an issue that affects a variety of sports, such as recovery after an injury or sport sociology. Most sports psychology master’s degree programs take about two years to complete. If you decide to participate in an internship program or a practicum experience, it may take you longer to complete your degree.

As you go through your sports psychology master’s program, you’ll cover many topics, including:

• Injury rehabilitation psychology: Getting hurt can be a major mental setback for athletes. In your sports psychology master’s degree program, you’ll learn how you can support athletes after they’re injured, working with them to help them get their heads back in the game as they recover.

• Sport psychology: In your core courses, you’ll learn how to help athletes use visualization, motivation, and the connection between their mind and body to help them maximize their abilities. You’ll explore how different mental focus techniques affect athlete performance and work to develop plans to help athletes change their mindsets and mental game plans to boost performance.

• Psychology of exercise and health: When you’re working with athletes, you’re not only helping them perform well on game day–you’ll also work to help them give the right amount of effort when they’re working out off the court or the field. Having a full understanding of the psychology of exercise and health allows you to understand the challenges your athletes face, and can help you support them in developing a game plan that can take their athleticism to the next level.

You may also need to complete a creative project or research project as a part of your master’s degree in sports psychology. This can be an exciting chance for you to delve into an area of your own interest and can allow you to connect with others who are working to research the area of sports psychology in which you’d like to make a career.

Admissions Requirements for a Master’s in Sports Psychology

The admissions requirements for online sports psychology master’s programs differ from school to school, so it’s smart to check the school’s website or reach out to the admissions office to learn more about what you can do to maximize your chances of an admission offer. Most master’s in sports psychology programs require a competitive GPA (typically 2.75 or higher), letters of recommendation from your employer or professors, and a statement of purpose. You may also need to meet with faculty members for an in-person or video interview to gain admission to a sports psychology program.

List of Sports Psychology Master’s Degree Programs

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

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Joel Gill

Joel Gill is a writer with a background in psychology. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and has a deep interest in the human mind and behavior. Joel's writing often explores themes related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys cycling, meditation, and spending time with his family.

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