Sports Psychology Programs in Ohio

In Ohio, the realm of sports psychology is rapidly gaining recognition and significance as athletes and teams seek to optimize their performance both mentally and physically. With an increasing understanding of the vital role that psychology plays in athletic success, the demand for sports psychology programs and opportunities in Ohio has surged. As athletes strive to achieve peak performance and coaches look for ways to enhance team dynamics, Ohio has become a hub for innovative sports psychology initiatives, offering a diverse array of programs and opportunities for aspiring practitioners and athletes alike.

Sports Psychology Degree programs in the State of Ohio

SportsPsychology.org Staff Writer | Updated/Verified: Aug 22, 2025

Sports Psychology Programs in Ohio

Ohio currently offers one type of sports psychology degree — a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology offered by Kent State University. However, if students want to enter into a master’s or doctorate degree, they will need to look for options in neighboring states or online. Here is a complete list of the various types of sports psychology degree levels available.

Bachelor’s Degree: Students in Ohio can opt for a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Sports Psychology. 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.
Graduate Certificate: Designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s or (more commonly) a master’s degree in a related field, Sports Psychology graduate certificates offer focused training in the subject so that professionals in the field can specialize quickly and efficiently.
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 prime the student for licensure and advanced roles in the field.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Ohio?

As mentioned in the previous section, Ohio offers only one sports psychology degree — a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology offered by Kent State University. Though the variety of degrees the state offers is limited, this program’s delivery options are flexible. Students enrolled at Kent State University can choose to attend classes on campus, online, or a combination of the two.

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. Aspiring sports psychologists in Ohio can explore online programs within the state or in other states to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Ohio

Ohio boasts some of the most comprehensive and innovative sports psychology programs in the United States. At sportspsychology.org, we've carefully analyzed the state's top academic institutions to help athletes, coaches, and sports professionals find their ideal educational pathway. Our expert team evaluates each program based on faculty expertise, research opportunities, clinical training, and student success rates. Whether you're looking to support professional athletes or work with collegiate teams, Ohio's sports psychology programs offer exceptional training that prepares students for dynamic careers in sports performance and mental wellness. We understand the critical role psychology plays in athletic achievement and have developed a rigorous ranking system to highlight the best educational opportunities in the state.

Kent State University

Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Kent State University's online Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology Bachelor of Science program offers a dynamic pathway for students passionate about understanding athletic excellence. This comprehensive degree delves into psychological strategies that enhance athletic performance, exploring motivation, mental training, and intervention techniques. Designed with flexibility and practical skill development, the program prepares students for diverse careers in sports psychology, coaching, and performance enhancement. With 120 total credit hours and a focus on ethical practice principles, students gain robust theoretical knowledge and research-driven interventional skills applicable across sports and exercise domains. The program's 100% online format ensures accessibility for motivated learners nationwide.

100% online degree program
120 total credit hours
Graduate in 4 years
Focuses on performance psychology
Tuition ~$52,200 for Ohio residents
Multiple career pathway options
Psychological performance focus
Practical skills development
Ethical practice principles
Research and intervention training

Kent State University at Stark

North Canton, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Kent State University at Stark's online Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology bachelor's program offers an innovative pathway into psychological performance optimization. Students explore comprehensive strategies for understanding athletic mental dynamics, covering motivation, stress management, and performance enhancement techniques. The fully online degree requires 120 credit hours and provides flexible learning at a competitive $594.78 per credit for Ohio residents. With a focus on practical skill development, the program prepares graduates for diverse careers in sports psychology, coaching, performance consulting, and related fields. The curriculum emphasizes psychological performance processes and provides a strong foundation for future advanced graduate studies in sport psychology disciplines.

100% online degree program
120 total credit hours
Graduate in 4 years
Ohio resident tuition: $594.78/credit
Focus on psychological performance processes
Wide range of sport-related careers
Unique psychological performance focus
Prepares for advanced graduate studies
Multiple career pathway options
Competitive admission requirements

Kent State University at Tuscarawas

New Philadelphia, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Kent State University at Tuscarawas offers a comprehensive online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology that provides students with innovative training in psychological performance enhancement. The program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, focusing on mental skills development, motivation techniques, and athletic performance strategies. With a 100% online format and 120 total credit hours, students can flexibly pursue their degree while exploring critical aspects of sport psychology. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse career paths in athletic coaching, performance consulting, and mental skills training. Highlighting a competitive program with projected 7% job growth, students benefit from practicum experiences and comprehensive preparation for potential graduate studies in performance psychology.

100% online degree program
120 total credit hours
4-year graduation timeline
Ohio resident tuition: $52,200
Competitive program with 7% job growth
Focuses on performance psychology
Multiple career pathway options
Flexible admissions requirements
Practicum in sport performance
Prepares for graduate studies

Kent State University at Salem

Salem, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Kent State University's online Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology bachelor's program offers a comprehensive approach to understanding psychological dynamics in athletic environments. Students explore critical areas like motivation, mental training, and stress management techniques crucial for supporting athletes and performers. The 120-credit hour curriculum prepares learners for diverse sports psychology careers through a structured four-year pathway. With competitive admission requirements and flexible online delivery, students gain practical insights into psychological performance strategies. While no specific concentration is highlighted, the program emphasizes holistic skill development in performance psychology, making it attractive for aspiring sports psychology professionals seeking a robust educational foundation.

100% Online Degree Program
120 Total Credit Hours
Graduate in 4 Years
Ohio Resident Tuition: $52,200
Non-Ohio Resident Tuition: $53,400
Open Admission for Regional Campuses
Focuses on Psychological Performance
Prepares for Sports Psychology Careers
Multiple Career Path Options
Practicum in Sport Performance

Kent State University at Ashtabula

Ashtabula, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Kent State University's online Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology bachelor's program offers a comprehensive exploration of psychological dynamics in athletic performance. Students delve into motivation strategies, mental resilience techniques, and performance enhancement methodologies. The 120-credit hour curriculum prepares professionals to support athletes and performers across diverse settings. With flexible learning options, students gain insights into psychological interventions and practical training. The program emphasizes understanding mental processes that drive peak athletic achievement, providing multiple career pathways in sports psychology. Tuition varies between Ohio residents ($52,200) and non-residents ($53,400), making it an accessible option for aspiring sports psychology professionals seeking a robust online educational experience.

100% online degree program
120 total credit hours
Graduate in 4 years
Focuses on psychological performance
Multiple career pathways available
Ohio resident tuition ~$52,200
Non-resident tuition ~$53,400
Multiple admission pathways
Practicum in sport performance
Psychological interventions training

*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Ohio

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

Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Ohio typically need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited school. This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
Supervised Clinical Experience: Aside from the proper education, students must gain supervised clinical experience. This involves working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to gain real-world training in athletic mental health.
Licensing Examination: Candidates must also pass a licensing examination administered by the Ohio State Board of Psychology. This exam assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

Sports psychologists are encouraged to pursue certifications to further enhance their credentials and demonstrate specialized expertise. Two main 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.

Through meeting licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Ohio can establish themselves as professionals in the field.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Ohio

Ohio is home to many career opportunities in sports psychology. Graduates can find employment in in areas such as collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Sports organizations and institutions that hire sports psychologists in Ohio include:

The Ohio State University Athletics
University of Cincinnati Athletics
Ohio University Athletics
Cleveland Cavaliers (National Basketball Association)
Columbus Crew SC (Major League Soccer)
Cleveland Gaurdians (Major League Baseball)

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Ohio

Jump to City:

Ashtabula, OH

Kent State University at Ashtabula

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- Graduate in 4 years
- Focuses on psychological performance
- Multiple career pathways available
- Ohio resident tuition ~$52,200
- Non-resident tuition ~$53,400
- Multiple admission pathways

Burton, OH

Kent State University at Geauga

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- 4-year graduation timeline
- Focuses on psychological processes
- Multiple career pathways available
- Competitive tuition rates
- Regional campus admissions
- Practicum in sport performance

East Liverpool, OH

Kent State University at East Liverpool

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- 120 total credit hours
- Graduate in 4 years
- Ohio residents: $52,200 tuition
- Non-Ohio residents: $53,400 tuition
- Open admission for regional campuses
- Multiple career pathways
- Focuses on psychological performance

Hamilton, OH

Miami University-Hamilton

Master's - Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Management
Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- 9-12 months full-time program
- Rolling admission each semester
- CMPC certification pathway
- Research and applied focus
- 30 total credit hours
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Diverse career preparation
- Practical consulting experiences