Sport and Performance Psychology
Learn to help individuals and teams improve focus, grow confidence, build resilience, and perform at their best.
What Is Sport and Performance Psychology?
Sport and performance psychology focuses on helping individuals, teams, and organizations achieve optimal performance by understanding the mental, emotional, and behavioral factors that influence their outcomes. Practitioners work with athletes, performers, and professionals across a range of settings to assess performance-related challenges, develop mental skills training programs, and implement strategies to enhance performance under pressure.
Sport and performance psychology professionals may also help people manage stress, recover from setbacks, and maintain balance in high-demand environments.
About Our Sport and Performance Psychology Programs
At University of Western States, Sport and Performance Psychology programs integrate theory, research, and applied practice to support student success. Whether you're looking to build a foundation in the field or advance into leadership, consulting, or counseling roles, our online programs offer flexible pathways to support your goals.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs
Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology with M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Sport and Performance Psychology Programs
Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology
Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology with M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology
Applied Sport Psychology Graduate Certificate
What Can You Do With a Sport and Performance Psychology Degree?
A degree in sport and performance psychology prepares you to support individuals and teams in achieving high-level performance in sports and other high-pressure environments. Graduates often work in applied, consulting, and leadership roles, helping others improve resilience and overcome mental roadblocks that impact performance.
Career Settings
- Professional and collegiate sports organizations
- Olympic and elite performance programs
- Schools, universities, and athletic departments
- Corporate and organizational leadership environments
- Performing arts and high-performance environments
- Private practice and consulting
Potential Career Paths
- Sport and performance psychology consultant
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®)
- Athletic director
- Head coach
- Educator
- Researcher
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Performance specialist
Frequently Asked Questions About Sport and Performance Psychology
How long does it take to complete the sport and performance psychology graduate degrees?
Traditionally, the M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology program takes one-and-a-half years, the Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology program takes three years, the Ed.D. with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization takes five years, and the graduate certificate takes three quarters to complete.
Where can I learn more about the curriculum?
You can explore detailed curriculum information on each program page listed above.
Are the Sport and Performance Psychology programs online?
Yes. The Ed.D., master's degree, and graduate certificate programs are 100% online with no in-person requirements. The EdD-SPP-CMHC program is also online but has supervised clinical field training, which takes place at approved training sites in your local community.