Sports Psychology Programs

Sports Psychology is a psychology subspecialty that seeks to study, understand and improve the psychological and mental factors involved in helping athletes achieve optimum sporting performance. Self-hypnosis, guided imagery, and other psychological techniques are often utilized.

Walden University

Featured Programs:
BS in Psychology - Graduate School Prep

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology/Child & Adolescent Development (Online)

The world of sports psychology is a fiercely competitive one, at least as far as professional sports are concerned. Many of the big-money jobs are confined to professional sports teams, of which there is a limited supply domestically. While one could improve employment chances by applying overseas, these positions are still highly sought after.

The good news is that sports psychology education and training often travels the same pathways as traditional psychology employment. Therefore, even if one has trouble finding a position in the subspecialty, he will still be well-trained for a successful career in the field of psychology as a whole.

Capella University

Featured Programs:
MS in General Psychology (Online)
MS in Child and Adolescent Development

Post University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology (Online)

If one is determined to work in this field, he must start with the basics. Standard psychological principles are just as integral to one's success as the advanced techniques of self-hypnosis and guided imagery. One should also not discount the need for sports psychologists at the grade school, secondary school, and postsecondary school levels.

Useful Sports Psychology Resources

• Association for Applied Sport Psychology
• American Board of Sport Psychology
• International Society of Sport Psychology

Kaplan University

Featured Programs:
BS Psychology (Online)

Northcentral University

Featured Programs:
MA in Health Psychology (Online)

Sports Psychologist Modes of Operation

The purpose behind the sports psychologist is to use scientific research, observation, self-motivation, and a variety of applied psychological techniques to help athletes take their game to the next level. Sports psychologists are as adept at working with children as they are with highly paid professionals. Applied psychology methods are designed to help athletes shed their inhibitions and envision themselves doing well on the field of sport.

There is no one sport that receives precedent over another. By aiding athletes in improvements on the field, sports psychologists are also able to help their subjects better prepare for life off of it.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Featured Programs:
MA in Applied Forensic Psychology (Online)

Careers in Sports Psychology

A sports psychologist may be employed by a professional sports organization, a secondary or post-secondary school, or, in rarer cases, at the grade school level. Anywhere there is a sport to be played, a sports psychologist can assist one in playing at their very best. Those who follow the sports psychology degree path may also choose to teach or head into school administration.

At the professional level, a six-figure income is almost a given. Sports psychologists in large urban environments typically earn north of $100,000 annually as well. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has not released official numbers for the subspecialty, but a more common salary for sports psychologist skill levels generally run from $60,000 to $90,000 per year, and, again, geography plays a part.

Sports Psychology Education and Training

In order for one to succeed in this career field, he or she will have to pursue a doctorate (PsyD or PhD). Most states will not even allow licensing until a candidate has completed a program from an accredited educational institution. Course work beyond undergraduate studies can take as long as five years to complete, and sometimes longer. Many schools and licensing organizations require field research as well before the doctorate will be granted.