Master of Science in Sport Psychology
100% Online MS in Sport Psychology
Complete your studies on your own time
21 Months to your Master’s Degree
Finish your MS in Sport Psychology in just 12 courses.
Next start date
Every Monday
Year-round enrollment
Next Start Date
Every Monday
Improve Mental Wellness for Athletes
Degree:
Master of Science in Sport Psychology Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
The NU Master of Science in Sport Psychology (MSSP) degree program is focused on developing the skills and personal and professional growth that are required for effective practice in the field of Sport Psychology. The program is designed to provide an integrated learning experience for students seeking specific training in the profession of Sport Psychology. Students in this program will critically analyze a broad range of theories and practical knowledge in Sport Psychology.
The MS in Sport Psychology complies with the eight knowledge areas required for the Certification Council for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). The coursework has been identified as appropriate by the Certification Council of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). In addition, during the optional applied training experiences, students can complete hours that can count towards the mentored experience required for the CMPC certification. This training prepares students for applied sport psychology work in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, youth and recreational sports, high school athletics, collegiate athletic departments, professional sports organizations, tactical athletes (military), and private practice.
Are You Focused on Earning Your Doctorate Degree?
NU has launched a transcendent pathway for our MSSP students to a PhD. NU’s FastForward options allow students to advance from their master’s degree to their doctoral degree while saving time and reducing tuition costs. Students in a FastForward program can replace three master’s-level courses with three doctorate-level courses. The doctorate-level courses and credit hours taken during their master’s program will count toward the completion of their master’s and doctorate programs. Request information now and talk with an Enrollment Advisor on your options and Pathway.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Sport Psychology program requires a total of 36 credit hours at the graduate level.
The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the Master of Science in Sport Psychology for graduate coursework completed at an external accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy for additional information.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
All master’s degree programs have the following graduation requirements:
- A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through NU
- Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
- Official documents on file for basis of admission
- Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
- All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma and/or degree posted transcript
- Credit Hours: 36
- Courses: 12
- Estimated Time to Complete: 18-21 months
The Master of Science in Sport Psychology degree program can be completed in 36 credits. Each course runs 8 weeks, and you’ll receive 3 semester credits per course.
Course Sequence
12 Courses
The Master of Science in Sport Psychology program can be completed in 36 credits.
Foundations of Sport Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, you will study theoretical foundations and empirical research of psychological factors related to performance and participation in athletic settings. You will learn about the physical, affective, and cognitive behaviors associated with sport participation and will also examine the psychological theories and research related to sport performance. You will be introduced to performance enhancement techniques and strategies. You will also learn about injury in sports, team dynamics, youth sport and athletic coaching. The topics covered in this course are designed to increase your understanding of the psychological makeup of athletes and how psychological factors influence involvement and performance in sport.
Professional Ethics in Sport Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course you will be introduced to different ethical principles, decision-making models and ethical guidelines, and professional issues for the field of Sport Psychology. You will review the guidelines presented by AASP and other professional organizations. You will explore common ethical challenges and situations that arise when working in the field and critically analyze research articles that are pertinent to ethical issues in Sport Psychology. You will explore Sport Psychology as a professional identity.
Applied Sport Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, you will be exposed to a variety of performance enhancement techniques used in sport psychology to help athletes. You will gain competence in performance enhancement skills and techniques for use in working with athletes in a variety of diverse settings while also developing the foundation for your own personal consulting style. You will explore the process of becoming an applied practitioner in the field and begin creating a binder of performance enhancement activities to be used in your fieldwork experience and in professional practice.
Counseling Skills for Sport Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, you will be provided with a fundamental overview of the helping relationship provided within the context of applied sport psychology. You will gain a broad understanding of the philosophic bases of helping processes: counseling theories and their application, basic and advanced helping skills, consultation theories and their application, client and helper self-understanding and self-development, and facilitation of client change.
Diversity, Culture and Society
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, you will be given an overview of historical and current topics relevant to the understanding of diversity and culture in sport. You will be exposed to various sociological theories and how diversity issues have impacted the development of sport. You will gain an understanding of the complex nature of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, race, age, and disability as it relates to current sport practices. You will also be exposed to culturally-competent counseling and consulting strategies for facilitating acceptance of diversity within individual and team sports. You will learn to challenge the idea of sport as an innocent leisure pursuit, to consider its social, cultural, political and economic significance, and its rise to significance, in contemporary society.
Research Methods in Sport Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course you will gain an overview of various qualitative and quantitative research methods, learn about basic concepts in descriptive and inferential statistics, parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, and be exposed to different types of experimental research methodologies. You will learn about tests and measurements. You will develop critical-thinking skills and an understanding of the methodological tools necessary for functioning as an applied sport psychology consultant.
Kinesiology
3.0 Credit Hours
This course will introduce you to each of the major biophysical sub-disciplines of kinesiology—anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and motor control. You will gain insight into the integrated study of human movement and learn how to apply this knowledge to human performance and physical activity across the lifespan.
Psychopathology in Sport
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, you will be familiarized with the major classifications of psychopathology and their impact upon individual performance. You will be introduced to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Emphasis will be placed on assessing for mental health conditions that require referrals to appropriate treating professionals. The course will focus on recognizing the classification of mood and anxiety disorders, impulse control disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, organic brain disorders, thought disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders. You will become familiar with counseling strategies in psychology.
Psychological Foundations of Human Behavior
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course you will be exposed to an overview of the neuropsychological, cognitive, social and affective bases of behavior in sport psychology. You will also examine the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, brain development, neuropsychology, neurophysiology and psychopharmacology. You will be familiarized with theories of personality, individual difference, and human lifespan development. You will then be required to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical strategies and interventions appropriate for athletes reflect on how to integrate concepts of positive psychology and factors that enhance meaning and well-being.
Team Building and Group Dynamics
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course you will learn how to facilitate team building, through interactive experiences, in an effective way. You will learn ways of working with a team in order to build necessary skills including cohesion, communication, trust, and respect. Emphasis will be placed on activities, skills and strategies that will enable students to effectively work with teams and groups of many kinds. You will gain an understanding of group behavior and dynamics and will be able to use this knowledge with diverse populations. You will learn to recognize ethical issues in relation to working with groups and will examine their interpersonal and professional style through hands-on application of ideas.
One of the following:
Psychology of Athletic Injury
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course your will learn how to work with an injured athlete as part of an integrated approach to sport rehabilitation. Using mental training strategies for rehabilitation, this course will address the principles of Sport Psychology, which will assist injured athletes, as well as those working with injured athletes, in identifying variables responsible for hindering and enhancing performance. The complex physical and psychological nature of injuries will be discussed, including theoretical foundations of behaviors, psychological intervention of performance problems, and psychosocial strategies/ mental health issues related to injury.
Field Work I
3.0 Credit Hours
In this internship placement you will gain applied experience in sport psychology consulting. The internship-placement aspect will require you to intern at a site working with athletes and applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Under the supervision of a faculty member, you will be provided with weekly one-on-one meetings to discuss your experiences, challenges, and ethical issues. The supervision will provide you with a supportive environment for discussions exploring issues which pertain to the fieldwork experience.
One of the following:
Capstone in Sport Psychology
3.0 Credit Hours
The Capstone course in Sport Psychology is an opportunity to incorporate your knowledge and understanding of educational concepts and processes that have been learned throughout the program. You will demonstrate a range of competencies, reflecting the knowledge, critical thinking, sensitivity to ethics and diversity, and appreciation of research that has been acquired during the program. The final product for the course will include a written document summarizing this work.
Field Work II
3.0 Credit Hours
*A course material fee of $200 will be charged for PSY-6915 – Field Work I and PSY-6916 – Field Work II. The course material fee will be waived for PSY-6916 – Field Work II, if the student took PSY-6915 – Field Work I and paid the course material fee of $200.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
The Master of Science in Sport Psychology degree will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Health Educators
- $62,600 avg. salary (USA)
- 7,462 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Health Education
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Health And Wellness Coaching
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Community Health
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- YMCA
- Elevance Health
- Swift Safety Institute
- Wset Certification Classes
- Sharecare
- State of Florida
- Coaches and Scouts
- $45,435 avg. salary (USA)
- 44,610 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Sports Coaching
- Fundraising
- Working With Children
- Lesson Planning
- Public Relations
- Strength Training And Conditioning
- Life Coaching
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- YMCA
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- State Of West Virginia
- Euro School Of Tennis
- Calex Sports
- Life Time
Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of National University’s Master of Science in Sport Psychology degree program, you’ll be able to:
- Explore theories and principles in sport psychology to inform professional contexts and promote performance enhancement
- Examine research methods and data analysis in sport psychology
- Apply psychological principles and research to personal, social, and organizational issues
- Develop a personalized approach to professional services
- Employ ethical principles of sport psychology in academic and professional matters
- Examine diversity issues in professional contexts
Admissions
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To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
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At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
Total Credit Hours: 36 Credit Hours
Courses: 12 Courses
Recommended Completion Time: 18-21 Months
Next Start Date: Every Monday
Classroom Size: One
The National University Master of Science in Sport Psychology degree can equip you with the skillset for a range of performance coaching or training roles, such as*:
- Mental Performance Consultant for youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes
- Mental Performance Consultant for business, military, law enforcement, and other high-performance industries
- College or University faculty
You can also emerge with key skills to succeed in the performance coaching field, such as:
- Exercise science
- Kinesiology
- Communications
- Management
- Leadership
*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: 7/06/2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
NU’s FastForward options allow students to advance from their master’s degree to their doctoral degree while saving time and reducing tuition costs. Students in a FastForward program can replace three master’s-level courses with three doctorate-level courses. The doctorate-level courses and credit hours taken during their master’s program will count toward the completion of their master’s and doctorate programs.
| DEGREE PATHWAY | COURES SAVED | CREDIT HOURS SAVED |
|---|---|---|
MA-PSY in General Psychology Specialization  PhD-PSY in General Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
| MA-PSY in Gender and Sexual Fluidity Specialization PhD-PSY in Gender and Sexual Fluidity Specialization | 3 | 9 |
| MS in Health Psychology PhD-PSY in Health Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
| MS in I/O Psychology PhD-PSY in I/O Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
| MS in Sport Psychology PhD-PSY in Sport and Performance Psychology Specialization | 3 | 9 |
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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