10 Best Online Sports Psychology Degrees in 2026

Psychology is one of the best online degrees you can earn; however, there are many concentrations within the field to consider. Sports psychology is one of the top online psychology degrees for those who take an interest in football, baseball, and many other sports. The top online bachelor's in sports psychology programs tackle the theory and application of sports psychology in a flexible format.

Students can find accredited, affordable online sports psychology degrees that make it easy to complete their higher education. Keep reading to discover the best online sports psychology degrees. 

What Is Sports Psychology?

Sports psychology is a field that combines principles of psychology with sports science to understand how mental and emotional factors influence athletic performance. Professionals in this field work with athletes, coaches, and teams to address issues like motivation, focus, stress, and injury recovery. 

Sports psychologists may also help with rehabilitation after physical setbacks, guiding athletes through the mental challenges of returning to competition. Beyond professional sports, there are opportunities in youth sports, schools, and recreational programs, making it a versatile psychology field.

Top Online Sports Psychology Schools

Several colleges and universities throughout the country offer online sports psychology degrees. Below we highlighted some of our top picks.

1. National University

Students at National University can earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in sports psychology online. This private institution is headquartered in San Diego.

The BS in sport psychology explores the reasons and factors that influence people to participate in physical activity; it also explains how a person's emotions and mental state can impact athletic performance. The program concludes with a capstone senior project in the field of sport psychology.

In the MS in sport and performance psychology program, students receive rigorous training to become knowledgeable and effective mental performance professionals. Two specializations are available for this graduate program: applied mental performance and theoretical mental performance.

• Estimated tuition: $370 per credit hour (BS); $943 per credit hour (MS)
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
  

2. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers an MS in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise and sport psychology online. SIUE, located in Edwardsville, IL, is a public institution.

This master's program integrates theory, research, and practice. It includes the study of cognitive, emotional, psychological, and social factors that influence sports and exercise behaviors, as well as the effects of physical activity on psychological factors.

• Estimated tuition: $384.30 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  

3. Faulkner University

Faulkner University offers a BS in sports psychology online. Students graduate prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to offer mental and emotional support to all athletes, regardless of age, level of competition, or sport.

Faulkner University, located in Montgomery, AL, is a private Christian school. It offers courses in topics such as exercise science, kinesiology, mental health, and psychological theory.

• Estimated tuition: $410 per credit hour (adult learners)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  

4. California Baptist University

At California Baptist University, students can earn a BS in sport and performance psychology online. It provides students with the psychological foundation needed to help others overcome the cognitive problems that impede their athletic performance.

Cal Baptist is a private school located in Riverside, CA. It offers classes every eight weeks so online students can begin as soon as they're ready.

• Estimated tuition: $520 per credit hour
• Accreditation: WSCUC
  

5. Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

One of the best online master's in sports psychology is available through the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. The public university offers a Master of Science (MS) in sports and performance psychology.

The psychological factors of performance and mental skills training are emphasized throughout the program.

In addition to real-world learning opportunities, students take courses on research methods and ethical issues in sports psychology, sports sciences, and counseling skills for sport and performance psychology.

• Estimated tuition: $534 per credit hour (in-state); $801 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  

6. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in counseling and applied psychological science, with a specialization in sport and performance.

Students will focus on understanding human behavior and achieving peak performance in domains such as sports, exercise, and competition. Coursework covers topics such as mental health, psychological theory, and sport, exercise, and performance psychology.

• Estimated tuition: $543 per credit hour (in-state); $630 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC
  

7. Kent State University

Kent State University is a public research institution in Kent, OH. It offers an online BS in sport, exercise, and performance psychology that covers subjects such as:

• psychology of coaching
• psychology of exercise
• psychological aspects of sport injury
• sports in society

The major explores social-psychological concepts such as motivation, self-confidence, anxiety, and burnout, and how these concepts interact with the sports environment to influence athletes and performance. A practicum experience is required.

• Estimated tuition: $612.62 per credit hour (in-state); $622.62 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC
  

8. University of the Southwest

Through the University of the Southwest, students can earn an MS in sport psychology online. This degree prepares students with the theories and principles concerning the psychology and physical effects of playing sports.

This private Christian school is based in Hobbs, NM. Through its graduate program in sports psychology, students learn the methods that can help teams improve their dynamics, boost their performance, recover from injuries, and overcome emotional obstacles caused by competition.

• Estimated tuition: $675 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC
  

9. Northern Michigan University

An online MS in applied sport psychology is available through Northern Michigan University. This comprehensive online program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and practical applications for success in the fields of sport psychology, mental performance consulting, and sports coaching.

Students in this graduate program must complete a 400-hour mentorship, which is required to sit for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) exam through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). NMU is a public university in Marquette, MI.

• Estimated tuition: $739 per credit hour
• Accreditation: HLC
  

10. Springfield College

Springfield College is a private school in Springfield, MA. It offers an online Master of Education (MEd) in sport and exercise psychology.

This program offers a holistic perspective of sports and exercise behavior, encompassing psychological, sociological, and physiological viewpoints. It includes a 135-hour applied practicum experience providing sport and exercise psychology services to athletes or other performers.

• Estimated tuition: $745 per credit hour
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs listed above, our methodology focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools listed above are regionally accredited.
• Type: We looked only at four-year public and private nonprofit schools.
• Online Options: Each program offers fully online coursework that prepares students for professional practice in sport psychology or a related field.
• Financial Aid: All programs are from accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA. Many also offer financial aid of their own.
  

Benefits of an Accredited Online Sports Psychology Program

An accredited sports psychology program will teach you the foundations, as well as the application of sport psychology. Most programs offer online courses in an asynchronous format, meaning you complete your coursework on your own time.

For many students, this is a far more flexible option than attending in-person classes on campus several times a week. It allows students to concentrate on work or family while pursuing higher education.

What Courses Are in an Online Sports Psychology Degree?

Online sports psychology programs typically cover both psychological foundations and applied sports sciences. Common courses include kinesiology, performance psychology, counseling techniques, and research methods. Students also study professional ethics, which is critical for working with clients in athletic and performance settings.

Bachelor’s programs often focus on general psychology and applied coursework related to coaching and fitness, while master’s programs go deeper into advanced research, interventions, and mental performance consulting.

How To Choose an Online Sports Psychology Degree

While good sports psychology programs teach you what you need to know to pursue careers in the field, they aren't all the same. When choosing an online sports psychology degree, consider factors like:

• Accreditation: The program you choose must be from an accredited school, preferably one that is regionally accredited.
• Specializations: Some programs allow you to focus on specific areas within sports psychology.
• Schedule: Many schools offer full-time and part-time schedules to online students, but some only offer one option.
• Cost: Tuition rates and financial aid opportunities vary between schools.
  

Scholarships for Sports Psychology Majors

Below, we've highlighted a few scholarships that sport psychology students can pursue.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Excellence in Advocacy and Social Justice (IDEAS) Student Award

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Deadline: April 15 of each year

The Inclusion, Diversity, and Excellence in Advocacy and Social Justice (IDEAS) Student Award is offered through the AASP. It is meant to recognize and honor the achievements of students involved in research, service, or applied experiences that focus on diversity, inclusion, social justice, or advocacy in sport and performance psychology.

Outstanding Student Practice Award

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Deadline: April 15 of each year

The AASP also offers the Outstanding Student Practice Award. This award is given to an AASP student member who demonstrates exceptional quality and innovation in delivering sport and performance psychology services to the public.

Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships

Award Amount: $5,500

Application Deadline: July 10

The Sharon Stephens Brehm Undergraduate Psychology Scholarships from the American Psychological Foundation recognize outstanding psychology undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Careers With a Sports Psychology Degree

A sports psychology degree opens doors to various career paths depending on your level of study. With a bachelor’s degree, you can work as a coach, athletic trainer, or wellness consultant. Graduates may also find opportunities in youth sports programs, fitness centers, and community health organizations.

With a master’s or doctoral degree, career options expand to include licensed sports psychologist, clinical counselor, or academic researcher. Many advanced graduates work with professional teams, Olympic athletes, or university athletic departments. Other roles include wellness consulting, injury rehabilitation support, and applied mental performance training for both athletes and performers in other high-pressure fields.

FAQs About Online Sports Psychology Degrees

Students exploring online sports psychology programs often wonder about degree levels, timelines, and career options. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you plan your path.

Can You Become a Sports Psychologist With an Online Degree?

Yes, but it depends on your degree level. A bachelor’s in sports psychology can prepare you for roles in coaching, training, or wellness, but not for clinical licensure. To work as a licensed sports psychologist, you’ll need a master’s or doctoral degree along with supervised experience and state licensure.

How Long Does It Take To Finish an Online Sports Psychology Degree?

Most bachelor’s programs take about four years of full-time study, while master’s programs typically take around two years. Accelerated or part-time formats may shorten or lengthen the timeline depending on your schedule.

Are Online Sports Psychology Degrees Respected?

Yes, as long as the program comes from a regionally accredited institution. Accreditation ensures the program meets academic standards and qualifies you for federal financial aid. Employers and licensing boards look for accredited degrees when evaluating applicants.

Do You Need a PhD To Be a Sports Psychologist?

A doctoral degree is generally required for clinical and counseling roles that involve licensure as a psychologist. A master’s degree may qualify you for applied positions such as mental performance consulting, coaching, or research, but not for independent clinical practice.

Pursue an Online Bachelor's Degree

Discover the right online sports psychology degree for you by exploring the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual colleges for more information on admissions requirements, enrollment, and financial aid.