Sport Psychology Masters Degrees

Masters Degrees in Sports Psychology: Overview

Sports psychology masters programs are quickly becoming a necessary prerequisite in order to be competitive in the field. The field of sports psychology may boast unique top opportunities for those interested in sports, health, or exercise.

There may be a limited number of potential career opportunities available to sports psychologists.  Earning a master's degree in sports psychology will allow students to apply for certification by the Association for Applied Sports Psychology or the American Board of Sports Psychology(2), which might help enhance their best career options in the field.

Popular Schools with Sports Psychology Masters Degrees

ProgramInstitutionDegree Awarded
Master of Arts in Coaching Leadership (online)Loras CollegeN/A
Master of Science: Experimental Psychology: Health and Sports Psychology OptionUniversity of West AlabamaN/A
MS Sport and Performance PsychologyUniversity of Western StatesMS
Sport & Performance PsychologyUniversity of DenverMS
Sport PsychologyBoston UniversityMS
Sport PsychologyWaterford Institute of TechnologyMS
Sports Psychology ProgramFlorida State UniversityMS
Sport PsychologyUniversity of North TexasMS
Athletic CounselingSpringfield CollegeMS
Master of Arts in Sport PsychologyJohn F Kennedy UniversityAM
Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology with Specialization in Applied Mental Health PerformanceNational UniversityN/A
Master of Science in Sport PsychologyNational UniversityMS
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Sports Psychology Masters Degree Program Application Requirements

Admission requirements vary by program however, common prerequisites will require students to: have a completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, often with a minimum GPA; report a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score; and in some cases submit a written

statement of purpose.

Sports Psychology Master's Degree Concentrations

There are several opportunities for students to pursue specializations within the field of sports psychology. For instance, Oregon State University allows students to select from specific concentrations in motivation in physical activity, psychosocial factors in physical activity, and lifespan sport and exercise psychology. Alternatively, Florida State University, while also allowing students to choose elective courses; also affords a limited number of students with the opportunity to participate in a practicum experience rather than taking specific and predetermined academic track.

Earn a Masters in Sports Psychology

Earning a master’s degree in sports psychology alone may not guarantee a student’s success in the field, but it might help to distinguish students in this competitive market. Therefore students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in sports psychology should strategically explore programs based on the learning format and location that best fits their needs, as well as the courses and concentrations offered in order to determine which will provide the best foundation for their desired career.

Top States for Employment: Psychologists, All Other
StateEmploymentAnnual Mean Wage
California1,010$109,930
Florida740$76,900
Texas620$97,690
Massachusetts410$76,920
Maryland400$107,780

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Top Salary Metro Areas in the United States: Psychologists, All Other
Metro AreaAnnual Mean SalaryEmployment
Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA$119,830190
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA$119,740470
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA$112,450350
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA$110,910390
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX$107,450110

Bureau of Labor Statistics


Sources: [i] appliedsportpsych.org/certified-consultants/become-a-certified-consultant/ | [ii] americanboardofsportpsychology.org/Certificates/EligibilityFees/tabid/597/Default.aspx

Top 28 Graduate Schools with Sports Psychology Masters Programs

  • Offering two quality, competency-based online learning formats: FlexPath & GuidedPath
  • Online degrees in business, counseling, education, health administration, human services, information technology, nursing, public health, psychology and social work.
  • 97% of alumni agree FlexPath provided the flexibility they needed to pursue their degree (Alumni Outcomes Survey 2017)
  • No application fee for April & June terms
  • Some of the nation's most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
  • Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
  • Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access
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