An online associate degree in sports psychology may provide students with the skills and training needed to assess behavior and mental processes of athletes. These two-year programs may be available through general psychology programs, and students may gain an understanding of psychology, knowledge about human growth and development, and present major issues involving human relations. Coursework within these programs may include just a few general education requirements alongside sports psychology electives and major-specific courses, such as human development, biological psychology, and research methods.

Graduates may either seek entry-level employment or transfer their credits and enroll into a baccalaureate-level program. Associate-level graduates may find employment opportunities in several industries, including education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and counseling.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 22% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online associate-level program in sports psychology may include a handful of general education requirements along with major-specific courses focusing in psychology with a few electives geared toward sports. Students enrolled in these two-year programs evaluate and record psychological data, demonstrate interpersonal and social skills, and understand and predict behavior. Core online sports psychology courses may include the following:

• Personal Growth and Development
• Chemical Dependency
• Biological Psychology
• Human Development
• Physiological Psychology
• Child Development
• Research Methods

Career Options

Graduates of online associate degree programs in sports psychology may find career opportunities in counseling, healthcare, education, and rehabilitation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as general psychologists are expected to increase by 22% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Research Psychologist
• Sports Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Sociologist
• Counselor

Continuing Education

Graduates of online associate degree programs in sports psychology may pursue higher education and transfer their credits into a 4 year bachelor’s degree program. These four-year programs may provide students with additional training on applying psychological techniques in order to enhance athletes’ performances.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook