An online master’s degree in sports psychology may provide students with in-depth training and skills needed to assist amateur and professional athletes with enhancing their performances, injury recovery, and stress management. In these upper-level programs, students may study counseling, sport science, and sport psychology theory as well as learn how to apply them to specific profiles. Coursework within these programs may include electives and major-specific courses, such as mental training techniques, positive psychology, and performance enhancement.

Graduates may seek entry to upper-level employment or pursue additional education and enroll in a doctoral-level program in sports psychology. Master’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in healthcare, fitness facilities, and sporting organizations.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 30% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online master’s degree program in sports psychology may include major-specific courses and electives. Students enrolled in these upper-level programs may learn how to provide recreational athletes and fitness enthusiasts with mental training benefits as well as relaxation and goal-setting skills. Core sports psychology courses may include the following:

• Tests and Measurements
• Psychology Theories
• Performance Enhancement
• Applied Sport Psychology
• Mental Training Techniques
• Positive Psychology
• Cognitive and Affective Behavior

Career Options

Graduates of online master’s degree programs in sports psychology may find career opportunities working for parks and recreation, healthcare, fitness clubs, and sporting organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for athletics trainers are expected to increase by 30% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Coach
• Sport Development Manager
• Sport Psychology Assistant
• Athletic Program Manager
• Fitness Trainer

Continuing Education

Graduates of online master’s degree programs in sports psychology may decide to further their education and enroll in a doctoral degree program. These research-heavy PhD programs may benefit those pursuing administrative, counseling, and coaching positions, and may provide students with in-depth knowledge on sports performance.

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