Sports Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania

Sports Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania

While a wide range of sports psychology degrees exist in neighboring states and online, the only in-person sports psychology degree programs that are offered in Pennsylvania are the Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology available at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and the M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science – Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration offered at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Students may also wish to enroll in PennWest University’s online graduate certificate program.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Students may wish to start with 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 in diverse settings.
• Graduate Certificate: For individuals who have previously completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, graduate certificate programs in Sports Psychology provide focused training in the field, allowing professionals to specialize without the need to complete a lengthy full degree program.
• 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 Pennsylvania?

While there are only two in-person sports psychology programs in Pennsylvania, there is a third option for master’s degree students interested in pursuing a career in sports psychology — the Sports and Performance Psychology Master’s degree offered by Lock Haven University. PennWest University’s graduate certificate in sports psychology is also offered online.

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 Pennsylvania can explore online programs offered by renowned universities within the state or in other states to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania stands at the forefront of sports psychology education, offering aspiring professionals exceptional academic pathways to understanding athlete performance and mental wellness. SportsPsychology.org has carefully analyzed and evaluated the state's top academic programs, considering factors like curriculum depth, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student outcomes. These programs prepare students to work with athletes across various levels, from high school teams to professional leagues, helping competitors overcome mental barriers and optimize their psychological performance. Whether you're interested in clinical approaches or performance enhancement strategies, Pennsylvania's sports psychology programs provide comprehensive training that bridges academic theory with practical application. More details about our comprehensive rankings can be found https://www.sportspsychology.org/ranking-methodology/.

#1

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, PA - Public 4-Year - commonwealthu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Commonwealth University's online Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology offers a dynamic pathway for professionals seeking comprehensive psychological training in athletic performance. Uniquely designed to accommodate diverse career backgrounds, the program provides flexible full and part-time learning options that can be completed within one to two years. Standout features include AASP certification alignment, no GRE entrance exam requirement, and a curriculum emphasizing mental performance consulting techniques. Students benefit from asynchronous coursework that develops critical skills in athlete psychological development, coaching strategies, and performance enhancement across various competitive environments.

• 100% Online Asynchronous Delivery
• Full/Part-Time Options Available
• No GRE Required
• Complete in 1-2 Years
• CMPC Certification Pathway
• 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
• Multiple Start Terms
• Transferable Up to 6 Credits

#2

Robert Morris University

Moon Township, PA - Private 4-year - rmu.edu

Bachelor's - Psychology B.S.

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Robert Morris University's Bachelor's in Psychology with a Sport Psychology concentration offers a transformative academic journey for aspiring sports mental performance professionals. Students explore psychological dynamics impacting athletic performance through a comprehensive 120-hour practicum, gaining practical skills in addressing performance challenges, athlete mental health, and psychological recovery strategies. The program emphasizes real-world training, integrating research methodologies with hands-on experience in sport coaching psychology. Graduates develop nuanced understanding of mental performance techniques, preparing them for dynamic careers in athlete counseling, sports performance optimization, and wellness coaching. Prospective students should note the program's rigorous curriculum requires strong academic preparation and passion for understanding psychological dimensions of athletic excellence.

• On-campus Sport Psychology concentration
• 120-hour practicum experience
• Mental performance skill development
• Psychology thesis opportunity
• Real-world professional partnerships
• Courses in sport coaching psychology
• Total 60 major credits
• Explores athlete mental health
• Comprehensive psychology curriculum

*Citation: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Pennsylvania

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

• Educational Requirements: Sports psychologists in Pennsylvania typically need to obtain a doctoral degree 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 also complete supervised clinical experience hours. This involves working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to obtain the hands-on training needed to be effective in their future careers.
• Licensing Examination: After finishing the educational portion, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques.

In addition to licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications to further enhance their credentials and demonstrate specialized expertise. Two of the 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.

Once the licensure requirements are met and relevant certifications are obtained through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Pennsylvania are well-poised as qualified professionals in the field.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania provides grads with various career opportunities in sports psychology. Employment can be found in settings such as collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Sports organizations and institutions in Pennsylvania include:

• Penn State Athletics
• University of Pennsylvania
• Athletics Pittsburgh Steelers (National Football League)
• Philadelphia Eagles (National Football League)
• Philadelphia Phillies (Major League Baseball)
• Philadelphia 76ers (National Basketball Association)

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Pennsylvania

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