Sports Psychology Programs in North Carolina

Sports Psychology Programs in North Carolina

Students looking to enter into a master’s degree program in North Carolina will have few to choose from, however, any other type of degree level (such as a bachelor’s degree or doctorate degree) will need to be sought out in neighboring states or online. Below are the various types of sports psychology degrees available to applicants.

• Bachelor’s Degree: While North Carolina universities and colleges don’t offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology, you will find these types of programs in other parts of the country and online. These undergraduate programs lay the 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 who hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field, Sports Psychology graduate certificate programs offer focused training in sports psychology for experienced professionals looking to specialize 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 and lead to high-level leadership and academic roles.

For students satisfied with a master’s level education, the University of North Carolina in Greensboro offers a Master’s in Sport and Exercise Psychology program. Applicants may also be interested in the Master of Arts in Sports Administration program offered by the University of North Carolina in Pembroke.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in North Carolina?

Online sports psychology programs offer several advantages, including the ability to study at one’s own pace, access to resources and materials from anywhere, and the opportunity to connect with professionals and students from diverse backgrounds. These programs are currently not available in North Carolina, however, aspiring sports psychologists in North Carolina can explore online programs offered by renowned universities outside the state to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in North Carolina

#1

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, NC - Public 4-Year - uncg.edu

Master's - Kinesiology, M.S. Applied Sport Psychology Concentration

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Science in Kinesiology with an Applied Sport Psychology concentration prepares students to enhance athlete performance using evidence-based techniques. This campus-based program requires 400 hours of mentored experience, including 200 direct client hours. It meets coursework requirements for Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification. Students follow a cohort model with interdisciplinary learning opportunities. The curriculum focuses on practical skills for careers in coaching, consulting, or doctoral studies.

• Master's degree program
• Applied Sport Psychology concentration
• Campus-based in-person classes
• 400 hours mentored experience required
• 200 direct client hours
• Cohort model learning structure
• Meets CMPC certification requirements
• Interdisciplinary faculty expertise
• Kinesiology department program
• School of Health and Human Sciences

Master's - Kinesiology, M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration. This graduate program integrates theory, research, and practice to study psychological factors in sport and exercise. Students choose from three tracks: Applied Sport Psychology (36 credits, in-person, prepares for CMPC certification), Sport & Exercise Psychology coursework-only (30 credits, online), or Sport & Exercise Psychology thesis (36 credits, in-person, prepares for doctoral study). The program requires completion of 30-36 credit hours and provides hands-on clinical experience and research opportunities in specialized labs.

• Master of Science degree
• Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration
• Three program track options
• Applied Sport Psychology track
• 36 credit hours for Applied
• In-person delivery for Applied
• Prepares for CMPC certification
• Sport & Exercise Psychology coursework-only
• 30 credit hours for coursework-only
• Online delivery for coursework-only

Master's - Kinesiology M.S. - Applied Sport Psychology Concentration

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro offers a Master's in Kinesiology with an Applied Sport Psychology concentration. This program prepares students to help athletes maximize performance using evidence-based techniques. Students complete 400 hours of mentored experience, including 200 hours of direct client services. The curriculum meets requirements for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification. Students progress through a cohort model with collaborative learning. The program requires in-person attendance and includes interdisciplinary coursework. Admissions requirements and specific costs are detailed through the application process. Graduates pursue careers in coaching, athletic training, performance consulting, or doctoral studies.

• Master's degree program.
• Applied Sport Psychology concentration.
• In-person class type.
• 400 hours mentored experience.
• 200 hours direct services.
• Cohort model learning.
• CMPC certification preparation.
• Interdisciplinary education focus.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Diverse student group.

Doctorate - Kinesiology, Ph.D. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration

Campus Based - Visit Website

This doctoral program focuses on Sport and Exercise Psychology within Kinesiology. It prepares students for academic research and faculty roles. The curriculum integrates theory, research, and practice. It examines cognitive, emotional, and social factors in sport and exercise. Students work closely with faculty mentors. The program is in-person. Admissions require alignment with faculty research interests. It includes access to specialized laboratories. Graduates typically pursue careers in academia and research.

• Doctoral degree type.
• In-person class type.
• Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration.
• Prepares for academic research.
• Integrates theory and practice.
• Examines cognitive factors.
• Studies emotional factors.
• Analyzes social factors.
• Includes psychophysiological factors.
• Focuses on sport behaviors.

Show 3 More Programs ˅

#2

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC - Public 4-Year - ecu.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

East Carolina University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration. This program prepares students to apply psychological principles in exercise, physical activity, and sport settings. It follows a science-practitioner model combining theory, research, and practical application. Students work closely with faculty on research projects and can develop applied skills through interventions in community and sport settings. The program features small class sizes for personalized attention.

• Master of Science degree
• Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration
• Science-practitioner model approach
• Faculty research involvement opportunities
• Applied skills development
• Small group learning environment
• Individualized program tailoring
• Exercise psychology focus
• Physical activity promotion
• Sport psychology applications

*National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in North Carolina

To practice as a sports psychologist in North Carolina, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the North Carolina Psychology Board. The licensure process involves several steps:

• Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in North Carolina typically need to obtain a doctorate in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution. This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
• Supervised Clinical Experience: Individuals must gain supervised clinical experience after completing their doctoral program. This means working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to gain practical training in providing counseling to athletes.
• Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the above requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the North Carolina Psychology Board. This exam tests their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

Sports psychologists can also pursue certifications to further enhance their credentials 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 fulfilling licensure requirements to become licensed and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in North Carolina can establish themselves as trusted professionals in the field. Their expertise in understanding and enhancing the psychological aspects of sports performance can significantly impact athletes’ lives.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in North Carolina

North Carolina provides numerous career opportunities in sports psychology. Grads can find employment in many environments, including collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Notable sports organizations and institutions in North Carolina include:

• The University of North Carolina Athletics
• Duke University Athletics
• North Carolina State University Athletics
• Charlotte Hornets (National Basketball Association)
• Carolina Hurricanes (National Hockey League)
• North Carolina FC (United Soccer League)

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in North Carolina

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