The AASP recognition reflects national standards for graduate education and supports students pursuing professional credentials in mental performance consulting.
BY UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN STATES
Three Sport and Performance Psychology programs at University of Western States have earned accreditation from the Graduate Program Accreditation Council (GPAC) of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). UWS’ programs are the first to earn accreditation through GPAC, representing a milestone for UWS, AASP, and the field of sport and performance psychology alike. The accreditation, which extends through July 2031, recognizes the programs' alignment with national standards for graduate education and professional preparation in sport and performance psychology.
The distinction provides an important measure of academic quality, curriculum relevance, and preparation for professional credentials such as the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification.
What Is AASP Accreditation for Sport and Performance Psychology Programs?
The Association for Applied Sport Psychology is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of sport, exercise, and performance psychology. Its Graduate Program Accreditation Council evaluates graduate programs against established educational and professional standards.
GPAC accreditation indicates that a program meets standards designed to promote consistency, quality, and professional relevance in graduate-level sport and performance psychology education. These standards address eight core professional areas, helping ensure that students receive systematic preparation in the knowledge and competencies relevant to mental performance practice.
Which University of Western States Programs Have Earned AASP Accreditation?
Three UWS graduate programs and concentrations have received GPAC accreditation through July 2031:
- M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology: Applied Practice Concentration
- Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology: Sport and Performance Psychology Consulting concentration
- Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology with M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Sport and Performance Psychology Consulting Concentration
Accreditation applies to these specifically identified programs and concentrations rather than automatically extending to every degree or concentration offered by UWS.
M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology: Applied Practice Concentration
The Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology provides graduate-level education in the psychological principles underlying performance. The accredited Applied Practice Concentration emphasizes preparation for applying sport and performance psychology concepts in professional settings.
Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology: Sport and Performance Psychology Consulting Concentration
The Doctor of Education in Sport and Performance Psychology offers doctoral-level study for individuals seeking advanced education in the field. Its accredited Sport and Performance Psychology Consulting Concentration supports the development of specialized knowledge and professional consulting competencies.
Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology with M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Sport and Performance Psychology Consulting Concentration
The combined Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology and M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling integrates doctoral education in sport and performance psychology with graduate counseling study. The Sport and Performance Psychology Consulting Concentration within this combined pathway has also earned GPAC accreditation.
Why Does AASP Accreditation Matter for Sport and Performance Psychology Students?
Accreditation helps prospective students assess whether a graduate program follows recognized standards for education and professional preparation.
GPAC accreditation offers several benefits to students considering sport and performance psychology careers:
- A curriculum aligned with national standards. Accredited programs are evaluated against established expectations covering coursework, training, and learning outcomes across eight core professional areas. This alignment helps students build a comprehensive foundation in the discipline.
- Preparation for professional certification. GPAC accreditation supports curriculum alignment with the knowledge and competencies associated with the Certified Mental Performance Consultant credential, helping students prepare to pursue certification.
- Consistent educational quality. The accreditation process provides institutions with benchmarks for evaluating and strengthening their graduate programs, including how education and professional training are designed and delivered.
- Independent recognition of program standards. Accreditation offers prospective students an external measure of program quality, allowing them to make more informed comparisons when evaluating graduate education options.
Together, these benefits make accreditation an important consideration for students selecting a sport and performance psychology graduate program.
How Does AASP Accreditation Relate to CMPC Certification?
The Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential is a widely recognized professional certification in applied sport and performance psychology. Administered by AASP, it identifies professionals who have demonstrated qualifications in mental performance consulting.
GPAC accreditation and CMPC certification serve different but complementary purposes. Accreditation recognizes graduate programs that meet established educational standards, while CMPC certification recognizes qualified individual practitioners.
Attending a GPAC-accredited program can help students pursue an educational pathway aligned with professional expectations for mental performance consulting. However, graduation from an accredited program does not automatically confer CMPC certification. Candidates must independently satisfy the applicable certification requirements, which may include specific coursework, supervised experience, examinations, and other eligibility criteria.
Prospective students who are interested in becoming Certified Mental Performance Consultants, understanding this distinction is an important part of choosing a graduate program.
What Does GPAC Accreditation Mean for the Future of Sport and Performance Psychology Education at UWS?
For UWS, accreditation provides external recognition of the academic and professional standards underlying its sport and performance psychology programs. It also establishes a framework for ongoing program evaluation and development.
Under the leadership of program chair Sarah Castillo, the accredited programs contribute to the university's preparation of students for work in sport, performance, and related professional environments.
For prospective students, the accreditation offers additional assurance that these specific UWS educational pathways have undergone independent review against established standards in sport and performance psychology.
Explore Sport and Performance Psychology Programs at UWS
Take the next step toward advancing your education and career in sport and performance psychology. With three AASP-accredited graduate programs, UWS offers educational pathways designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this growing field.
Complete the brief form below to learn more about UWS programs, admissions requirements, and how to get started.
