Integrating theory and current research, our sport and performance psychology graduate degree programs train students in motivation, performance enhancement, and the ability to maximize human potential. The SPP programs offered include a Master of Science (MS), a Doctorate of Education (EdD) and a graduate certificate. These options allow students to meet their specific career goals and educational needs.
The integration of sport psychology and counseling coursework offers graduates a broader potential scope of practice and a deeper engagement in the field. Counseling coursework is an essential aspect of the training needed to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology (MS-SPP)
The MS-SPP program is designed so that students from all backgrounds can achieve their academic and professional goals in sports and performance psychology. The Sport and performance psychology program includes 10 required courses, three elective courses, and a capstone course designed to allow students to develop a truly integrated professional philosophy to serve their chosen area of interest.
Two optional concentrations in the MS-SPP program are also available.
Applied Practice Concentration
The applied practice concentration allows students to get a head start on the mentorship hours toward certification as a mental performance consultant (CMPC®).
Positive Coaching Concentration
The positive coaching concentration sets students up to enhance and expand their roles as athletic/business coaches, administrators or managers within their chosen field.
Doctor of Education in Sport and Performance Psychology (EdD-SPP)
The EdD in Sport and Performance Psychology program offers advanced training for individuals in psychology, education, coaching, business, health care, leadership, and administrative careers. The degree is a blend between a research-oriented doctoral program and an applied clinical psychology doctorate designed to allow students to meet their specific career goals and educational needs. This sports psychology graduate program is an online blended format, making it an online and in-person mix.
Two optional concentrations offered within the EdD degree include:
Sport and Performance Psychology Consulting
The sport and performance psychology consulting concentration is a year-long experience focused on improving professional competence in applying the theories and techniques learned in the classroom with athletes and performers. Structured with the requirements of the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential in mind, students progress through the stages of securing a site, initial assessment, case conceptualization, intervention design, and implementation under the guidance of an experienced UWS faculty member listed on the CMPC Registry of Approved Mentors. The SPP sport and performance psychology pre-practicum course provides a unique opportunity to work with “standardized patients,” professional actors trained in presenting sport and performance concerns, after which students engage with actual performers in their chosen settings.
Positive Leadership and Administration
The positive leadership and administration concentration is intended to help leaders and their teams or organizations succeed through an increased understanding of human motivations and behaviors, and how to apply that understanding to achieve extraordinary results.
Specializations offered within the EdD in SPP degree:
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization (CMHC)*
*EdD-SPP content is available in the 148-credit EdD-SPP with CMHC pathway for those also interested in pursuing counseling licensure. This integrated EdD degree in sport and performance psychology includes a master’s degree in CMHC conferred after the first 90 credits.
Graduate Certificate
Applied Sport Psychology
Faculty and Staff
Meet the esteemed sport and performance psychology faculty and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sport and Performance Psychology Degree
Q: How long does it take to complete the sport and performance psychology graduate degrees?
A: The Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology (MS-SPP) takes 5-6 quarters (1.5 years), the Doctor of Education in Sport and Performance Psychology (EdD-SPP) takes 8-12 quarters (2-3 years), the Doctor of Education with a CMHC Specialization takes 16 quarters (4-5 years) and the Graduate Certificate takes 3 quarters to complete.
Q: Where do I learn more about the curriculum of the sport psychology graduate programs?
A: The details of the curriculum can be found on our MS-SPP curriculum page. For more information on the EdD-SPP, the EdD-SPP with a specialization in CMHC, or our graduate certificate program, please check out the prospective curriculum pages.
Q: Are there any online sport and performance psychology programs offered at UWS?
A: University of Western States offers an interactive and flexible online learning environment for all our online students. This includes the MS-SPP and the sport psychology graduate certificate, both programs are 100% online. The EdD-SPP and the EdD-SPP, CMHC programs are online blended programs, making them partially online and in-person.
