Sports Psychology Degree Programs: A Guide for Prospective Students

Introduction to Sports Psychology

Sports psychology is a fast-growing field focused on helping athletes improve mental wellbeing and maximize performance. For those interested in entering this field, there are many sports psychology degree programs available.

What is Sports Psychology?

Sports psychology applies psychological research and techniques to athletes and sports teams. Sports psychologists work with athletes and teams to assess factors impacting performance. This includes motivation, concentration, team dynamics, and coping with pressure. Sports psychologists then provide training, counseling or other interventions to help athletes reach peak performance and overall wellbeing.

Sports Psychology Degree Options

There are several degree options for aspiring sports psychologists:

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or sports science – Gives foundational knowledge for further study
Master’s degree in sports psychology – The minimum credential for most sports psychologist jobs
PhD in sports psychology – Required for independent practice and university teaching positions

What You’ll Study

Common courses and topics in sports psychology programs include:

Sport and exercise psychology
Research methods
Psychology of injury
Counseling skills
Applied sports psychology
Ethics

Career Paths with a Sports Psychology Degree

In addition to working directly with athletes and teams, sports psychology graduates pursue careers such as:

University professor and researcher
High school sports counselor
Fitness instructor combining mental and physical training
Performance consultant for corporations and organizations

Finding the Right Program

When researching schools, look for programs that offer:

Opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, labs, or clinics
Chance to collaborate on faculty research
Strong career support resources

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between sports psychology and sports science?

Sports psychology focuses on psychological aspects influencing performance like motivation and concentration. Sports science involves understanding physiological effects of training and biomechanics.

2. Can I pursue sports psychology with an undergraduate psychology degree?

While an undergraduate degree provides good background knowledge, most sports psychologist positions require a master’s or doctorate specifically in sports psychology.

3. Does sports psychology focus only on elite athletes?

While much research is done on elite and pro athletes, sports psychologists also help recreational athletes, injured athletes, parents, and coaches. The skills apply widely.

4. What job outlook and salary can I expect with a sports psychology degree?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups sports psychologists under psychologists with a median salary over $80,000. Job growth is projected as faster than average.

5. How competitive is it to get into a sports psychology graduate program?

Admissions are competitive with limited slots. Strong academic performance, research experience, passion for sports psychology and glowing recommendations are essential.