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)

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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
  • Online
Department
College
Program Contact
Professor/Assistant Athletic Trainer
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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.
 

Other Programs You May Be Interested In

Courses and Curriculum

Minor in Sport and Performance Psychology (18 credits)

Required Core Courses (6 credits)

SPPP208: Introduction to Sport and Performance Psychology

SPPP318: Advanced Theory and Application of Sport and Performance Psychology

Support Courses (12 credits)

EXER287: Introduction to Coaching

EXER285: Exercise and Mental Health

EXER288: Women in Sport

EXER351: Biomechanics

EXER378: Exercise Physiology

HLSC332: Psychological Considerations of Injury and Illness for Health Providers

MGMT330: Sport and Society

Any 300-400 PSYC

  • Students must complete a minimum of three 300+ PSYC credits.

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.

AASP Certification Course Requirements 
 
* = must be graduate level 		Courses offered at Commonwealth University 
K1. Professional Ethics and Standards SPPP516: Professional Ethics in Applied Sport Psychology 
K2. Sport Psychology SPPP510: 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 Science SPPP519: Gender and Sports 
K4. Psychopathology SPPP503: 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 Behavior SPPP515: 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 Psychology SPPP531: Mentored Experience in Sport and Performance Psychology 

SPP MS 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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