Master’s in Sports Psychology Program Guide
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- Overview
- What You Can Do
- Program Cost
- Admission Requirements
- Program Length
- Accreditation
- Curriculum
- Is a Master's in Sports Psychology Worth It?
- FAQ
Key Takeaways
- A master’s degree in sports psychology can lead to multiple careers in the sports and fitness industries and beyond, providing a foundation for doctoral studies and clinical licensure.
- Admission to a master’s in sports psychology generally requires a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, although some programs accept applicants with other majors.
- Many schools offer online master’s programs using fully remote or hybrid course delivery formats.
What Is a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology?
Sports psychology master’s programs draw from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, counseling, and kinesiology. Earning this degree opens the door to many career opportunities where you can provide support and guidance to both athletes and sports teams. You may also work in private practice, schools, or rehabilitation facilities.
Sports psychology programs train you to use psychological assessments, cognitive and behavioral techniques, and non-clinical approaches that promote confidence-building, motivation, and overall wellness. Some programs offer business courses to help graduates become fitness trainers or franchise owners.
A master’s in sports psychology typically takes two years to complete, although some schools offer accelerated online sports psychology degrees that require less time. Master’s degree-holders often advance their careers and build their networks in the field by earning credentials, such as the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). The master’s also prepares you to pursue doctoral studies in psychology. Most states require a doctorate in psychology to practice as a licensed sports psychologist.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology?
A master’s degree in sports psychology is best for positions as coaches, personal trainers, athletic directors, and counselors. Master’s degree-holders may boost their career options by acquiring specialized certifications or earning a doctoral degree to qualify for state licensure as clinical or counseling psychologists.
Coach
A coach teaches amateur, student, and professional athletes and teams the skills and strategies they need for success in their sport. Coaches use sports psychology training to help athletes overcome barriers that weaken their performance and develop strategies and techniques to achieve personal and team success.
Salary:$45,910
Fitness Trainer
Fitness trainers provide exercise programs and structured physical training to individuals and groups. They develop and lead personalized and group exercise routines that include cardiovascular workouts, strength training activities, and flexibility techniques.
Salary:$46,480
Sports Psychology Consultant
This professional provides skill training to athletes, teams, and coaches to overcome psychological obstacles, build motivation, and achieve peak performance. Many employers require at least a master’s degree for this position. Salaries vary considerably by work setting, type of client, and years of experience.
Average Salary:$74,960
Exercise Physiologist
An exercise physiologist uses knowledge of sports psychology, kinesiology, nutrition, and other fields to design and implement training programs that improve athletic performance and reduce psychological barriers to success. Many employers require performance enhancement specialization certification in sports performance training and exercise science.
Median Salary:$54,860
Athletic Director
An athletic director manages sports programs, teams, and staff at schools, clubs, and amateur and professional sports organizations. Duties include scheduling events; planning budgets; communicating with media and vendors; and hiring, evaluating, and firing coaches and other employees.
Average Salary:$69,380
Clinical Sports Psychologist
A clinical sports psychologist works directly with athletes, coaches, and other sports professionals to treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and improve motivation and performance. These psychologists must hold state licensure to engage in direct practice with clients.
Median Salary:$92,740
Sources: BLS, ZipRecruiter, Payscale
Continuing Your Education in Sports Psychology
While a master’s degree in sports psychology opens the door to an array of rewarding careers, you need a doctoral degree to practice as a state-licensed sports psychologist. Master’s degree-holders who do not want to pursue licensure can earn certifications from professional organizations, such as the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP) and the American Board of Sports Psychology (ABSP).
Specialized certifications in sports psychology demonstrate your expertise in the field, make you more competitive in the job market, and may increase your earnings.
How Much Does a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology Cost?
Several factors influence the cost of a master’s degree in sports psychology. As this table shows, private universities generally charge higher tuition and fees than public universities. An in-state student at a public school typically pays less tuition than someone from out-of-state. If you qualify, scholarships, grants, and assistantships can lower your costs.
Graduate students should also budget for other expenses, including books, lodging, transportation, and the overall cost of living where your program is located. An online sports psychology degree may save you money on housing and commuter costs.
Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology
Enrollment requirements for a master’s in sports psychology vary depending on the program. However, most schools base their admission decisions on the following criteria:
Bachelor’s Degree and Prerequisites
Most programs require a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Applicants with undergraduate majors in other disciplines may be required to complete general psychology, statistics, and research methods prerequisites.
Minimum GPA
Graduate programs generally look for a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, with some of the more selective programs requiring a 3.5 GPA.
GRE Scores
Although GRE scores are not required for all master’s programs, submitting GRE scores may boost your chances of admission
Letters of Recommendation
Most programs require two letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors, academic advisors, and work supervisors. You should ask for letters from those who can speak specifically about your preparedness for graduate work.
Personal Statement/Interviews
Personal statements offer the opportunity to promote yourself by describing why you are interested in sports psychology, your career aspirations, and work or volunteer experiences. Some programs may require an in-person or virtual interview with an admissions representative or faculty member.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology?
A master’s degree in sports psychology generally takes two years if you attend full time. The time it takes to complete all degree requirements varies depending on your personal needs and learning style. You may be able to finish more quickly by enrolling in summer classes or by taking a heavier course load each semester. If you choose an online sports psychology degree that features accelerated course schedules, you may finish in less than two years.
Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology Accreditation
Regional accreditation by independent agencies authorized by the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation determines how well a college or university prepares students by examining criteria, such as curriculum, graduation rates, and financial stability. Attending an accredited program is important because it helps you qualify for federal financial aid, find employment, transfer credits, and earn state licenses.
Programmatic accreditation focuses on a specific program within an institution. The Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council accredits master’s programs in psychology and counseling in regionally accredited colleges and universities. The AASP accredits sports psychology programs.
Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology Curriculum
Specializations
According to the American Psychological Association, graduate students in sports psychology can typically specialize in the following areas:
- Applied sports psychology: This specialization focuses on teaching skills and techniques to individual athletes or teams to enhance athletic performance through activities and exercises that focus on goal setting, attention, visualization, and resilience.
- Clinical sports psychology: This area prepares aspiring sports psychologists to enter clinical practice as licensed mental health professionals. A clinical specialization combines psychotherapy with sports psychology principles.
- Academic sports psychology: Students interested in an academic focus often enter doctoral programs after completing their master’s degree. This focus generally leads to teaching and research positions in higher education or consulting practice.
Clinical Components or Internships
Sports psychology master’s programs require a fieldwork component that applies classroom knowledge in professional settings, such as sports teams, rehabilitation centers, and healthcare facilities.
Is a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology Worth It?
A master’s in sports psychology can be a worthwhile investment. The demand for sports psychologists has increased as athletes and sports teams recognize the importance of mental health in performance. The specialized area of sports psychology has experienced rapid growth beyond the sports industry. For example, organizations with high-stress environments, including the military, police, and competitive corporate settings, seek sports psychologists to address performance anxiety, reduce stress, and boost cognitive and physical abilities.
Although earning potential in the field varies considerably by specialization and type of employer, clinical sports psychologists often earn six-figure salaries, with the highest paid making over $150,000 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s Degrees in Sports Psychology
Sports psychologists often find employment in school and professional sports and in the fitness industry. Many of these specialists work in healthcare and rehabilitation facilities, military and law enforcement organizations, consulting, and private practice. Earning a doctorate can lead to licensed clinical practice or a faculty position in a college or university.
