Master of Science in Sport Psychology, MS

Description of Program

The Master of Science in Sport Psychology (MSPSYSP) 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 adult students seeking specific training in the profession of Sport Psychology (SP). Students in this program will critically analyze a broad range of theories and practical knowledge in SP. Degree requirements also includes involvement in ongoing internship/field work and supervision. This training prepares students for applied sport psychology work in a variety of settings including youth and recreational sports, high school athletics, collegiate athletic departments, professional sports organizations, and private practice. Additional program description, requirements, policies, and procedures are further described in the SP Program Handbook.

Click here for potential career opportunities within the MS in Sport Psychology.

Learning Outcomes

• 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

Basis for Admissions

Admission to the Master of Science program requires a conferred bachelor’s and/or a conferred master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution.

Additional State requirements may need to be met for Basis of Admissions into a program: 

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 course work completed at an external accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy for additional information.

Graduation requirements for the Master’s Degree in Psychology vary according to specialization selected.

All master’s degree programs have the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
• 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

Time to Completion

The University allows 5 years to complete all Master’s programs of 36 credits or less.

The median time to completion for this program is 25 to 27 months depending on the option to take 2,12-week Field Work courses.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most students are working adults, balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic and finance counselors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

Students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 18 to 21 months depending on the option to take 2,12-week Field Work courses.