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.
Top programs for a master’s in sports psychology
#1 in Sports Psychology
|
#1 in Psychology
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, California
Economic score: 0.13
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$82,103
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $46,278
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$24,256
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.30
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The College of Health and Human Services at CSU offers an M.S. in kinesiology with a concentration in sport and exercise psychology. Coursework includes applied sport psychology, sport in U.S. culture, and psychological aspects of sport injury. Graduate teaching and research assistantships are available.
The M.S. in kinesiology comes with the following concentration options:
- Coaching and student athlete development
- Sport management
- Individualized studies
- Exercise physiology and nutrition
- Exercise science
- Sport and exercise psychology
For students who have completed coursework at another institution but haven’t earned their degree, CSU accepts and recognizes transfer credits. The program is taught in person at the Long Beach campus.
#2 in Sports Psychology
|
#6 in Psychology
California State University-Fresno
Fresno, California
Economic score: 0.17
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$77,418
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $41,593
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$28,375
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.37
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The Kinesiology Department of Fresno State offers an M.A. in Sports Psychology. The department also has similar degrees in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Sport Administration.
Sports Psychology graduates go on to work as coaches, sports medicine professionals, fitness instructors, or performance enhancement consultants. The program also prepares participants to become AASP Certified Consultants.
Courses include statistics, research methods, psychobiology, mental training, talent development, and more. Typically, students also complete a research project, for which funding is available.
#3 in Sports Psychology
|
#7 in Psychology
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
Economic score: 0.17
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$68,175
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $29,501
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$20,486
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.30
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
This public university in Mankato, Minnesota offers an M.S. in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. The program’s commitment to hands-on learning prepares students to work professionally with athletes or pursue doctoral studies.
Graduate assistantships are available at the Center for Sport and Performance Psychology and throughout the university. To earn their degree, students must complete a capstone project.
The curriculum covers sports psychology, ethics, research techniques, motor development, coaching psychology, behavior change theory, and more.
#4 in Sports Psychology
|
#16 in Psychology
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, Louisiana
Economic score: 0.26
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$52,107
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $21,275
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$22,955
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.44
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
Louisiana Tech is a public research university in Ruston, Louisiana. It offers an M.S. degree program in Kinesiology with a Sport and Exercises Psychology Concentration.
M.S. students examine how psychological factors can affect motor performance, as well as the influence of physical activity on mental health. The degree is appropriate for students who wish to go on to pursue doctoral studies and for those who intend to work in coaching or community health.
Participants study sports and exercise psychology, research methods, data analysis, psychophysiology, cognitive kinesiology, and more. To graduate, students must choose between an internship, directed research, or research and a thesis.
#5 in Sports Psychology
|
#30 in Psychology
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Economic score: 0.30
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$65,740
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $32,733
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$39,890
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.61
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The College of Education at FSU delivers a sports psychology graduate program through the department of educational psychology and learning systems. Coursework for the M.S. in sport psychology includes stress and performance, group dynamics in sport, and cognitive sport psychology.
The program includes supervised practical work with athletes, which is essential for those wishing to pursue certification. There’s a coursework-only option with an exam or a thesis track. FSU accepts transfer students and credits from accredited institutions after evaluation. The program is taught in person at the Tallahassee campus.
#6 in Sports Psychology
|
#39 in Psychology
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Economic score: 0.35
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$50,439
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $15,571
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$25,267
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.50
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
Baylor is a private research university in Waco, Texas. It is affiliated with the Baptist Church. Baylor offers a Master’s Degree in Sport Pedagogy that prepares students to teach P.E. or become coaches. Program participants can also specialize in strength and conditioning or sports psychology.
Students can get a teacher’s certification as part of the degree.
Besides research methods and statistics, grad students learn about motor skill learning and performance, sports pedagogy, speed and agility training, biomechanics, sports psychology, and more. To graduate, students must complete either a thesis or an internship.
#7 in Sports Psychology
|
#41 in Psychology
Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey
Economic score: 0.35
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$58,616
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $19,025
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$30,750
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.52
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
Montclair is a top-tier public research university in New Jersey. It has an M.S. in Exercise Science and Sports Studies. The program has two tracks:
- Exercise Science – students focus on exercise physiology and biomechanics. Coursework covers sport psychology, cardiac rehabilitation, physiology, coaching techniques, and more. Graduates go on to work in health, fitness, and clinical physiology.
- Sport administration – students hone the skills necessary to work in the sports industry as coaches or managers. There is more of a focus on business.
Classes are mostly held in the evening, and they combine distance learning and in-person meetings. To graduate, students must complete either an internship or a research project. Financial aid in the form of graduate assistantships is available.
#8 in Sports Psychology
|
#50 in Psychology
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Economic score: 0.39
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$47,689
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $16,449
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$28,055
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.59
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
UK is a public research university in Lexington, Kentucky. It offers an M.S. with a Concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology through the College of Education’s Kinesiology & Health Promotion Department.
Students of this interdisciplinary degree program explore the psychological factors that influence sports and physical activity, integrating theory-based research and applied concepts. Students choose between two tracks:
- Applied – helps students to attain CMPC certification and become coaches, performance consultants, resilience trainers, etc. Students must complete an internship and take written and oral exams.
- Research – prepares students for a career in academia. Students must complete and defend a master’s thesis.
Courses include psychology of sports, group dynamics, health promotion and behavior change, sports medicine, leadership, group counselling, and more.
#9 in Sports Psychology
|
#72 in Psychology
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Economic score: 0.46
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$50,186
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $15,318
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$33,423
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.67
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
Check out UNT’s sports psychology program from the department of kinesiology, health promotion, and recreation. It delivers an M.S. in kinesiology with an emphasis in psychosocial aspects of sport and exercise.
The coursework includes motor behavior, sport and exercise psychology, and social psychology of sport. There’s an option to complete a thesis; non-thesis students can sit an exam, choose additional electives, and conclude with a capstone project. UNT accepts transfer admissions and all master’s degree students need to meet the Toulouse Graduate School requirements. The program is taught in person at the campus in Denton.
#10 in Sports Psychology
|
#109 in Psychology
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Economic score: 0.60
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$44,777
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $12,284
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$37,093
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.83
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The School of Kinesiology at Ball State University delivers several programs:
- M.A. in sport and exercise psychology
- M.S. in sport and exercise psychology
- M.S. in clinical exercise physiology
- M.A. in sports performance
Depending on your chosen career path, you might want to focus on the performance aspect for coaching or psychology if you aim to become a consultant or sports psychologist.
The coursework for the psychology concentration includes sport sociology, psychology of injury rehabilitation, and a sports psychology practicum. Students completing a thesis will earn an M.S., whereas those who choose a project or research paper will earn an M.A. Ball State University will consider accepting transfer credits where a C grade or higher was obtained. The program is taught in person at the campus in Muncie.
#11 in Sports Psychology
|
#138 in Psychology
University of Houston–Victoria
Victoria, Texas
Economic score: 0.67
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$42,682
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $7,814
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$35,146
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
0.82
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
UHV is a public university in Texas with an M.S. in Sport Management degree, which is offered through the College of Education and Health Professions. Psychological aspects of kinesiology are one of the core components of the degree program, along with ethics and leadership. Students also learn about sports marketing, finance, HR, and organizational behavior.
To graduate, students must pass multiple exams. The program prepares participants for management positions in the sports industry.
#12 in Sports Psychology
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Economic score: 1.45
The Economic Score is the combination of debt-to-earnings ratio and earningsplus. We use the economic score to determine a graduate program’s rank. The lower the economic score the better. For an analysis of how we arrive at the economic score, and a description of our data sources, please visit our methodology page.
View school
Earnings:
$43,808
Median earnings of all students 3 years after graduating.
EarningsPlus:
+ $3,487
EarningsPlus compares student earnings after college against a benchmark of all students with the same graduate degree, adjusting for the in-state / out-of-state composition of the student body.
Debt:
$69,181
The total debt accrued by the median student at the time of graduation.
Debt to earnings:
1.58
The debt-to-earnings ratio is calculated by dividing student debt upon graduation by the annual salary. A debt to earnings ratio of 1 means that annual educational debt is the same as annual earnings.
The Wheelock College of Education and Human Development at BU offers a masters of education degree (EdM) with a concentration in sports psychology. The program has a strong foundation in mental health concepts, which makes it ideal for those wanting to become a licensed counselor or sports psychologist.
Coursework includes performance enhancement, a sports psychology practicum, and 700 training experience hours. Transfer students need to meet the same admission requirements as other students. Any credits that have been earned at another institution but haven’t been used towards a degree will be evaluated for transfer. The program is taught in-person at Wheelock College in Boston.
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 $75,076. 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 $44,158, or a post-secondary teacher, with an average annual salary of $80,560.
Additional resources
Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
A professional organization that oversees certification opportunities for members and promotes best practice in the field.
American Board of Sports Psychology (ABSP)
An organization that aims to advance education and best practice for sports psychologists. It also offers competency and certification opportunities.
American Psychological Association (APA)
A professional membership organization aimed at psychologists and has a dedicated section for sports psychologists.
Related Articles
Continue with these related posts, or visit the blog for articles about everything from cybersecurity, addictions on campus, repaying your student loan, and so much more.
