Best master’s degrees in sports psychology

Why get a master’s degree in sports psychology?

A master’s degree in sports psychology allows you a detailed exploration of these 2 disciplines. You’ll look at psychological theories and approaches to gain an extensive understanding about how fitness, nutrition, and motivation can affect performance. The two subjects combine to examine issues including overcoming anxiety in sport, recovering from injury, and improving one’s mindset to influence training and competition.

The graduate programs teach you a number of transferable skills that can be applied in several environments. You’ll understand the behaviors, processes, and attitudes that lead to success, as well as those that help with stress and high-pressure situations. While a passion for sports and exercise is essential, a desire to support, communicate, and challenge those you are coaching is also critical.

A master’s degree in sports psychology can set you on the path to earn a doctorate and become a certified sports psychologist. Alternatively, you might choose to become a senior coach or consultant. Your first step is to identify your area of interest and select a university and program that suits your needs. Read on to discover our selection of the top schools offering a master’s degree in sports psychology.

Financial support

When it comes to financial support for your degree, you’ll have a few choices. They include grants, scholarships, financial aid, or a federal loan. You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine your eligibility for federal aid.

Alternatively, you might consider an award, scholarship, or grant for graduate students studying sports psychology. For example, the American Psychological Foundation (APF) provides graduate scholarships for those conducting research and intending to continue their education to earn a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.).

Careers

Many people who study sports psychology wish to pursue a career as a sports psychologist. The average annual salary for that position is $79,575. This role requires a doctoral degree, which means you’ll need to continue your education.

However, there are other options for master’s degree holders. With certification from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), you could become a certified mental performance consultant, with an average annual salary of $53,513. Other options include a sports coach, with an average annual salary of $47,742, or a post-secondary teacher, with an average annual salary of $80,840.