Core courses in sports psychology degree programs include psychology of physical activity, psychology of performance and psychology of injury. Read this article for information about available degree programs and for descriptions of a few core courses in these programs.
Sports Psychology Degree and Course Overview
Sports psychology is a subfield of psychology that studies the role that mental processes play in sports and physical activity, as well as the role that physical activities can play in our mental health. Bachelor's, master's and Doctoral Degree Programs in Sports psychology are available.
Bachelor's Degree programs include general education courses and foundational psychology courses in addition to core courses focused directly on sports psychology. In this type of program, you may complete a research project, fieldwork and/or an internship. Graduates may find employment as coaches, sports marketers or sports therapy assistants, or they may pursue higher education.
At the graduate level, your courses are focused on sports psychology topics, and they may also include research and fieldwork components, in addition to comprehensive examinations and thesis or dissertation requirements. If you hold a graduate degree, you have some of the same job options as bachelor's degree-holders, though you may also go into professional sports consulting, sports counseling or university-level teaching. Some counseling jobs may require licensure or certification.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTheSportsPsychologyProgram">Important Facts About the Sports Psychology Program</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Several programs offered online</td></tr>
<tr><td>Licensure</td><td> All psychologists must be either licensed or certified</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills</td><td> Organizational skills, leadership skills, interpersonal relationship skills, dedication</td></tr>
<tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td> Continuing education courses include anxiety management, team building and visualization</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $81,040 (<i>for psychologists in all career fields</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 6% (<i>for psychologists in all career fields</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CoreCourses">Core Courses</h3><p>Regardless of the level of program, you enroll in, you're likely to have similar core courses. Below is a list of sports psychology core classes you may take, followed by descriptions for four sports psychology courses:
</p><ul><li>Anatomy and physiology
</li><li>Exercise physiology
</li><li>Motor learning
</li><li>Sport biomechanics
</li><li>Sports psychology culture
</li><li>Coaching
</li><li>Sports counseling
</li><li>Performance enhancement
</li><li>Health psychology
</li></ul><h3 id="section---PsychologyOfPhysicalActivityAndSports">Psychology of Physical Activity and Sports</h3><p>This basic course introduces you to the application of psychological research and theory to our understanding of sports and physical activity. You can learn about the relationship between mental processes and external factors that apply to sports. Topics include competition, motivation and group dynamics.
</p><h3 id="section---SocialPsychologyInSports">Social Psychology in Sports</h3><p>This class examines the roles that group psychology and functioning play in sports. You also examine how cultural and social factors influence participation in physical activity.
</p><h3 id="section---PsychologicalPerspectivesOnPerformance">Psychological Perspectives on Performance</h3><p>In this class, you can learn how psychological factors, such as aggression, can impact an individual's physical performance. You investigate ways to improve performance through the understanding and influence of psychological factors.
</p><h3 id="section---PsychologyOfInjury">Psychology of Injury</h3><p>This course examines how psychological factors can affect injuries and how injuries can influence mental processes. Depending on the program, this course may also cover some basic psychological counseling techniques relating to the treatment of injured patients.</p>
