Sport and performance psychologists work with athletes and coaches to provide techniques to reach goals and enhance the player's execution.

Sport and Performance Psychology (Minor)

Sport and performance psychology provides students with an education based on current best practices stemming from empirical research and applied work. Psychosocial determinants of performance and mental skills training are emphasized throughout the program providing students with strong experiential and research-based learning activities in an inclusive and equitable environment.

Degrees & Offerings
  • Minor
Location
  • Bloomsburg
  • Clearfield
  • Lock Haven
  • Mansfield
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Sport and performance psychologists work with athletes and coaches to provide techniques to reach goals and enhance the player's execution. Examples of how sport and performance psychologists are beneficial to athletes include effective stress management, improved focus, reduced risk of burnout, increased confidence, and an overall improvement in mental health.

Students interested in this minor should consult their advisor for information on course requirements. More information will be added to this page when available.

Courses and Curriculum

Sport and Performance Psychology Minor Requirements

  • 18 credits required for minor completion
  • Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester and use Degree Works to monitor their individual progress toward completion of the minor.

Minor Requirements

AASP Certification Course Requirements
* = must be graduate level
Courses offered at Commonwealth University
K1. Professional Ethics and StandardsSPPP516: Professional Ethics in Applied Sport Psychology
K2. Sport PsychologySPPP510: Foundations of Sport and Performance Psychology
SPPP512: Sport Psychology for Performance Enhancement
SPPP513: Psychological Aspects of Injury and Recovery
SPPP514: Stress Management for the Physically Active
K3. Sport ScienceSPPP519: Gender and Sports
K4. PsychopathologySPPP503: Mental Health in Sport and Performance Settings
K5. Helping Relationships*SPPP518: Counseling Skills for Sport Psychology
K6. Research Methods and Statistics*SPPP500: Research Methods in Sport Science
K7. Psychological Foundations of BehaviorSPPP515: Seminar in Sport Science (if the topic is appropriate – individual course outline must be reviewed by AASP)
SPPP504: Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
K8. Diversity and Culture*SPPP517: Cultural & Ethnic Diversity for Sport Psych Consulting
Mentored Experience in Sport and Exercise PsychologySPPP531: Mentored Experience in Sport and Performance Psychology
  1. Dissect and synthesize research to develop a full comprehension of current knowledge base
  2. Assess both quantitative and qualitative methods used in existing research and assess findings accordingly
  3. Evaluate the influence of key social institutions (gender, race, social class) on sport and exercise experiences, and to integrate these factors in one’s professional work
  4. Interpret philosophical principles and assess ethical issues related to sport and performance psychology; articulate a professional philosophy regarding engagement in sport and performance settings
  5. Formulate a strong understanding of the influence of multiple key psychological factors on sport and exercise experiences
  6. Assess lifespan developmental factors that influence sport and exercise participants’ experiences, and demonstrate the ability to integrate these factors into one’s professional approach
  7. Appraise sport/exercise performance issues and propose appropriate mental skills training
  8. Structure a mental training program for individuals and groups based on formal needs assessment and lifespan considerations
  9. Determine the psychological factors that increase one’s risk of injury/ illness and how to prevent these; delineate one’s response to injury/illness and appropriate coping measures; and analyze issues and theories of transition, notably athletic retirement
  10. Generate a mental skills training plan for an injured athlete or athlete in transition
  11. Analyze stress and the interrelationships of stress, health and physical activity. 

Careers

Career options associated with the Sport and Performance Psychology include:

Potential Job Opportunities

  • College Athletic Department
  • Coach
  • Mental Health and Wellness Advisor
  • Army Center for Performance Enhancement
  • AASP Certified Consultant
  • Fitness Consultant
  • Lifestyle Coach

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