Sports Psychology Programs in Florida
Sports psychology is pivotal in enhancing athlete performance and well-being in Florida. Known for its vibrant sports culture and numerous professional sports teams, Florida offers exciting opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists to make a significant impact. In this article, we will explore the sports psychology programs available in Florida, including degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career opportunities.

Sports Psychology Programs in Florida
There is currently only one type of sports psychology degree available in Florida — a master’s degree. Two Florida schools currently offer this degree option; the Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, MS offered at Barry University and the Master’s in Sport Psychology offered at Florida State University. These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors influencing sports performance, injury recovery, and overall athlete well-being. If you’re interested in applying to a bachelor’s, doctorate, or graduate certificate program in sports psychology, check out the information below.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Sports Psychology will help establish a foundation for comprehending the psychological factors that impact sports performance and prepare students for further specialization in the field.
- Master’s Degree: Master’s programs in Sports Psychology provide advanced coursework and practical training. Students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to work with athletes in diverse settings.
- Graduate Certificate: Designed for individuals with a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field, graduate certificate programs offer focused training in sports psychology, allowing professionals to enhance their expertise in the field.
- Doctorate Degree: Doctoral programs in Sports Psychology, such as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), provide the highest level of education in the field. These programs emphasize research, advanced coursework, and clinical practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles and academic positions in sports psychology.
Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Florida?
Online sports psychology programs have grown in popularity due to their flexibility for students and professionals with other commitments. Currently, there are no specific online programs in sports psychology available within the state.
Online sports psychology programs are popular for many reasons: allowing students to study at their own pace, access resources and materials from anywhere, and connect with other students from diverse backgrounds. Though there are none available within the state, aspiring sports psychologists in Florida can explore online programs offered by renowned universities outside of the state.
2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Florida
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a major in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a Sport Psychology major provides comprehensive graduate training focused on athlete performance science and welfare. This campus-based program emphasizes research opportunities and hands-on experience through the Sport Psychology Laboratory. Admission requires transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and resume, with the GRE waived for master's applicants. The program offers optional CMPC certification pathways and prepares graduates for careers in academia, sports organizations, and military settings. Fall admission has a January 15 deadline, with scholarships available.
- Master's and doctorate degrees.
- Focus on sport psychology science.
- Research opportunities available.
- Hands-on experience with athletes.
- Optional CMPC certification pathway.
- GRE waived for master's.
- Doctoral GRE waiver possible.
- Admission requires transcripts.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement required.
Doctorate - Doctoral degree program in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's doctoral Sport Psychology program delivers rigorous graduate training in athlete performance science through intensive research and practical experience. The campus-based PhD requires a 3.5 GPA from previous graduate work, with GRE scores needed but waivers available. Admission materials include transcripts, three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and resume. Students access the Sport Psychology Laboratory for hands-on work with athletes and CMPC certification mentorship. The December 1 deadline for fall admission leads to careers in academia, professional sports, athletic departments, and military organizations, with financial aid opportunities.
- Master's and doctorate degrees
- Sport Psychology Laboratory access
- Research team opportunities
- Hands-on experience with athletes
- CMPC certification mentorship
- 3.5 GPA requirement for PhD
- GRE test scores required
- GRE waivers available
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement required
Barry University
Miami, FL - Private 4-year - barry.edu
Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Master of Science in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology provides comprehensive training in psychological aspects of human movement. Students gain hands-on experience with NCAA Division II athletes and prepare for certification as Mental Performance Consultants. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, GRE scores (waivers available), resume, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. This STEM-designated program offers flexible tracks including applied, thesis, dual, and SEPP/MBA options, with financial aid through scholarships and graduate assistantships.
- Master of Science degree.
- Focus on sport psychology.
- Hands-on experience with athletes.
- Certified Mental Performance Consultants faculty.
- Flexible track options available.
- STEM-powered program.
- Cohort-based fall start.
- 15 seats available.
- Priority deadline March 1.
- Bachelor's degree required.
Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS) (Applied Track)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on the Applied Track, Barry University's MS in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology emphasizes practical experience working with NCAA Division II athletics and local organizations. Students prepare for Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification through hands-on training. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA, GRE scores (waivers available), resume, statement of purpose, and two letters. Faculty are practicing CMPC consultants who provide real-world expertise, and financial aid includes scholarships and graduate assistantships.
- Master of Science degree
- Campus-based program
- Applied track available
- Thesis track available
- Dual track available
- SEPP/MBA dual degree
- Four unique track options
- Hands-on experience with athletes
- Work with NCAA DII athletics
- Faculty are CMPC consultants
Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS) (Thesis Track)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Thesis Track within the MS in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology program caters to research-focused students preparing for careers as mental performance consultants or licensed psychologists. The STEM-powered curriculum includes hands-on experience with NCAA Division II athletes and aligns with AASP certification requirements. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA, GRE scores (waivers available), letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Financial aid options include scholarships and graduate assistantships.
- Master's degree program.
- STEM-powered curriculum.
- Hands-on experience with athletes.
- Thesis Track available.
- Campus-based delivery.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- GRE scores with waivers.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Statement of purpose required.
- Financial aid available.
Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS) / MBA (Dual Degree)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's dual degree program combines an MS in Human Performance and Wellness with a Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology concentration and an MBA. This 60-69 credit program prepares students for careers blending sport psychology and business, offering both applied and research tracks. The curriculum emphasizes real-world experience in Southeast Florida's dynamic sports environment, covering sport psychology, ethics, and business management. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, with costs varying based on credits.
- Dual degree program.
- 60 to 69 credits.
- Applied or research tracks.
- Campus-based delivery.
- Master's degree level.
- Sport psychology concentration.
- Includes business courses.
- Real-world experience focus.
- Southeast Florida location.
- Ethics and human values emphasis.
Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Florida
To practice as a sports psychologist in Florida, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Florida Board of Psychology. The licensure process involves several steps:
- Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Florida typically need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution. This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
- Supervised Clinical Experience: Alongside completing their doctoral program, individuals must gain supervised clinical experience. This involves providing counseling and utilizing mental health techniques for athletes under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists.
- Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the educational and clinical requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Florida Board of Psychology. This exam assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.
In addition to licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications to enhance their credentials further and demonstrate specialized expertise. Two popular certifications in the field of sports psychology are the Board Certified in Sport Psychology (BCS) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credentials. These certifications require a combination of education, supervised practice, and passing a certification examination.
By meeting licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Florida can establish themselves as qualified professionals in the field. Their expertise in understanding and enhancing the psychological aspects of sports performance can significantly contribute to athletes’ success and overall well-being.
Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Florida
Florida offers a wide range of career opportunities in sports psychology. With numerous professional sports teams, colleges and universities with strong athletic programs, and a vibrant sports culture, sports psychologists in Florida can find employment in various settings, including:
- Miami Dolphins (NFL)
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Florida Gators Athletics Department (University of Florida)
- Florida State University Athletics
- University of Miami Athletics Department
Florida sports psychologists can work directly with athletes, providing individual counseling, performance enhancement techniques, and mental health support. They can collaborate with coaches, trainers, and medical professionals to develop comprehensive athlete support programs. With the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in sports, numerous opportunities exist for sports psychologists in Florida to profoundly impact athletes’ lives and athletic performance.
List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Florida
Miami, FL
Barry University
- Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS) / MBA
Concentration: Dual Degree - Campus Based - Website
- Dual degree program.
- 60 to 69 credits.
- Applied or research tracks.
- Campus-based delivery.
- Master's degree level.
- Sport psychology concentration.
- Includes business courses.
- Real-world experience focus.
- Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Campus Based - Website
- Master of Science degree.
- Focus on sport psychology.
- Hands-on experience with athletes.
- Certified Mental Performance Consultants faculty.
- Flexible track options available.
- STEM-powered program.
- Cohort-based fall start.
- 15 seats available.
- Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Concentration: Applied Track - Campus Based - Website
- Master of Science degree
- Campus-based program
- Applied track available
- Thesis track available
- Dual track available
- SEPP/MBA dual degree
- Four unique track options
- Hands-on experience with athletes
- Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Concentration: Thesis Track - Campus Based - Website
- Master's degree program.
- STEM-powered curriculum.
- Hands-on experience with athletes.
- Thesis Track available.
- Campus-based delivery.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
- GRE scores with waivers.
- Two letters of recommendation.
Tallahassee, FL
Florida State University
- Master's - Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a major in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Master's and doctorate degrees.
- Focus on sport psychology science.
- Research opportunities available.
- Hands-on experience with athletes.
- Optional CMPC certification pathway.
- GRE waived for master's.
- Doctoral GRE waiver possible.
- Admission requires transcripts.
- Doctorate - Doctoral degree program in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Master's and doctorate degrees
- Sport Psychology Laboratory access
- Research team opportunities
- Hands-on experience with athletes
- CMPC certification mentorship
- 3.5 GPA requirement for PhD
- GRE test scores required
- GRE waivers available
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