Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois

Sports psychology is a growing sub-field of psychology that aims to enhance athletic performance through mental wellbeing. Utilizing sports psychology techniques, athletes can improve their mental resilience and eliminate psychological factors that negatively impact their performance. In Illinois, a vibrant hub for sports and athletic excellence, aspiring sports psychologists have exciting prospects. In this article, we will explore the sports psychology programs available in Illinois, encompassing degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career opportunities.

Sports Psychology Degree programs in the State of Illinois

SportsPsychology.org Staff Writer | Updated/Verified: Mar 9, 2026

Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois

If you’re looking to enroll in a sports psychology master’s degree program, Illinois has several to choose from. However, if you’re interested in bachelor’s degrees, doctorate degrees, or graduate certificates in sports psychology, you’ll have to look for them in other states. Fortunately, online sports psychology programs exist, so if you can’t relocate, you can have your sports psychology degree program delivered right to your laptop. For more info see the sections below:

Bachelor’s Degree: Online or out-of-state universities offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology. These undergraduate programs 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.

Esteemed sports psychology programs available in Illinois include the Master’s in Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity program offered at Illinois State University and the Master of Science in Applied Exercise Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago. These programs provide students with a solid foundation in sports psychology principles and practical skills to work with athletes and sports teams effectively.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Illinois?

While only one online sports psychology program exists within the State of Illinois (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville), students in Illinois can also enroll in sports psychology programs of all levels from across the country. Online sports psychology programs are quite advantageous for those who wish to study at their own pace and work from the comfort of their own homes. Today’s online programs also allow students to connect with professors and fellow students remotely. Aspiring sports psychologists in Illinois can consider online programs offered in-state, which sometimes comes with a tuition break, or in any state across the nation, provided it is properly accredited.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL - Public 4-Year - siue.edu

Master's - MS in Kinesiology (Exercise and Sport Psychology)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise and Sport Psychology specialization. This 100% online program takes 12-22 months to complete, with evening classes and some asynchronous options. The curriculum covers sport psychology, exercise psychology, and related topics, preparing graduates for careers in mental training, coaching, fitness, and sport administration. The program provides strong faculty mentoring and personalized attention, with coursework that can help meet certification requirements for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).

Master of Science degree
Exercise and Sport Psychology specialization
100% online program
12-22 month completion
Evening class schedule
Some asynchronous courses
Strong faculty mentoring
Optimal student-faculty ratio
Personalized attention
Career-focused advising

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL - Private 4-year - olivet.edu

Bachelor's - Sports Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dive into the dynamic world of Sports Psychology at Olivet, where students gain insights into human performance and mental strategies that elevate athletic potential. This comprehensive undergraduate program prepares future professionals to enhance physical and mental performance across recreation, fitness, and sports settings. Students explore the psychological aspects of human movement, developing skills crucial for careers in coaching, wellness management, sport management, and rehabilitation. The curriculum blends psychological principles with practical applications, empowering graduates to support athletes' mental and physical well-being.

Undergraduate Sports Psychology major
Behavioral knowledge for performance enhancement
Careers in coaching and rehabilitation
Courses in psychology and sports
Professional club opportunities

Illinois State University

Normal, IL - Public 4-Year - illinoisstate.edu

Master's - Master’s in Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity

Campus Based - Visit Website

Illinois State University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology and Recreation with a sequence in Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. This 33-hour program includes a research core, coursework in sport psychology, and options for a thesis or professional practice. Admissions require meeting Graduate School standards. The program is campus-based, focusing on psychological aspects of sport and physical activity.

33-hour program.
M.S. degree offered.
Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity sequence.
6-hour research core.
9 hours in sport psychology courses.
Cognate area hours required.
Culminating experience options.
Thesis or professional practice.
Campus-based delivery.
Part of Kinesiology and Recreation.

Adler University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - adler.edu

Master's - M.S. in Sport and Human Performance

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance is a 38-credit program designed to train students in mental skills training to enhance athletic performance and overall well-being. The two-year, full-time program includes specialized coursework, applied training, and mentorship from Certified Mental Performance Consultants. It prepares students for certification with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology through mentored externships in Chicago-area sport settings. Admissions require a bachelor's degree, a recommended 3.0 GPA, application fee, statement of intent, resume, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Tuition is detailed in a calculator, with financial aid options available. The program focuses on integrating culture, community, and well-being with performance psychology, offering career paths as mental performance consultants, performance coaches, or wellness specialists.

38-credit program.
Two-year full-time study.
AASP-certification preparation.
Part-time opportunities available.
CMPC mentorship included.
Dual-degree option offered.
8-15 months externship placements.
Chicago-area field training.
Bachelor's degree required.
Recommended 3.0 GPA.

Master's - M.S. in Sport and Human Performance / M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University offers a Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance, a 38-credit program focused on mental skills training and performance enhancement. The two-year, full-time campus program in Chicago prepares students for AASP certification with mentored externships and CMPC mentorship. Admissions require a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, statement of intent, resume, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Tuition is $37,191 for the first year with additional fees, and financial aid options are available. The curriculum includes core courses, field training, and a social justice practicum.

38 credits
2-year program
Full-time study
Part-time opportunities
Campus program in Chicago
AASP-certification preparation
CMPC mentorship
Dual-degree option
8-15 months externship
Social justice practicum

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*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2024. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Illinois

To practice as a sports psychologist in Illinois, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The licensure process involves several steps:

Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Illinois 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: Programs will also require that students complete a certain amount of supervised clinical experience hours. This means working under the guidance of professional sports psychologists. Your state an program will dictate how many clinical hours will be needed.
Licensing Examination: Once the educational and supervised experience hours are completed, candidates must pass a licensing exam administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This examination will test the student on psychology principles, ethics, and the application of sports psychological techniques.

Aside from licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications and credentials to demonstrate specialized expertise. Two popular sports psychology certifications include 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 exam.

By fulfilling licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Illinois 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.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Illinois

Illinois offers various career opportunities in sports psychology. Graduates can find employment in diverse settings, including professional sports organizations, college athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. Common employers in the state include:

Sports psychologists in Illinois 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 mental health’s significance in sports, sports psychologists are poised to make a big impact on the lives and success of athletes.

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Illinois

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