Online Sports Psychology Degree Programs

Masters and Doctorate Programs by Distance Learning

Online sports psychology degree programs bring together the fields of sports and psychology, and train professionals who can help athletes enhance their performance through focusing drills, visualization cues, motivational strategies, and other techniques.

This type of psychology can be applied to youth, college, amateur, and professional athletes.

During the program you will learn how to apply psychology to the coaching of sports. You will understand the legal and ethical issues that relate to the psychology of sports and performance enhancement. You will also study individual and team motivation concepts, best practices for recovery from injury, and how to help athletes relieve stress.

As a sports psychologist or professional, you may study how exercise and sports can be used to treat mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. This type of activity is reserved for state-licensed professionals working as sports psychologists. A related career is exercise psychologist, which focuses on increasing the participation of the general public in exercise programs.

Online sports psychology degree options

Sports psychology degree online programs are more popular at the master's and doctoral level, with select colleges offering undergraduate programs in sports psychology. The coursework for a degree in sports psychology varies with the level. Typical online masters in sports psychology degree may include topics such as human motivation, research design and methods, applications of sports psychology for coaches, current issues in sports psychology, cultural diversity and tests and measurement.

A bachelor's degree provides those with an associate's degree or high school diploma the opportunity to earn a broad undergraduate education with a focus on the application of psychology to sports. Certificate programs are excellent if you have a bachelor's degree, regardless of whether you have a background in psychology. You will learn the basic fundamentals of sports psychology quickly in a convenient online format. In some cases, you can apply your certificate credits to a master's degree program.

If your goal is to become a licensed sports psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree and obtain licensure through your State. Specific requirements vary from state to state.

Featured Colleges - Online Sports Psychology Degree Programs

Capella University - some of Capella's graduate psychology programs are designed to lead to state licensure or endorsement.

• Masters in Leadership Coaching Psychology
• Masters in Sport Psychology
• Masters in School Psychology
• Graduate Play Therapy Certificate

Argosy University

• MA in Sports - Exercise Psychology

Benefits of studying online

Taking a sports psychology program by distance learning enables you to study from home or from anywhere convenient, and at the times that suit you best. If you’re already working or have other obligations to take care of, you can structure your learning around your schedule. The online school that you choose will provide you with the latest tools to help you succeed in your studies. You will have access to online professors with years of professional experience and advanced degrees, enabling you to learn from their expertise. At the graduate level, you will work closely with a prominent faculty member who will serve as your mentor and guide you throughout the program.

A career with a sports psychology degree

If you are a current mental health care provider, you can use these degrees, especially the certificate programs, as continuing education credits or for career advancement. Athletes can also benefit from these programs as they learn to improve their own performance, as well as that of others.

When you graduate with a bachelor's degree in sports psychology, you will be prepared for entry-level coaching positions or apply for graduate masters or doctoral psychology programs. Graduates of a master's degree program can advance their careers as school coaches or physical education professionals. You can also find positions in fitness clubs, sports camps, or park and recreation departments. With a doctorate in sport and exercise psychology, you can obtain faculty positions at universities and community colleges.

Related Programs

Bachelors in Psychology

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