Sports Psychology Programs in Tennessee

Sports Psychology Programs in Tennessee

Students looking to relocate to Tennessee for their doctorate degree in sports psychology may be interested in the University of Tennessee’s Ph.D. Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior Specialization. Though this is currently the only sports psychology program that Tennessee offers, Universities and colleges in other states or online provide bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in sports psychology. These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors that influence sports performance, injury recovery, and overall athlete well-being.

• Bachelor’s Degree: The first stop for degrees are Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology. These undergraduate programs introduce the psychological factors that impact sports performance and prepare students for further sports psychology education.
• Master’s Degree: Master’s programs in Sports Psychology provide advanced coursework and practical training in the subject. Students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to work with athletes across various settings.
• Graduate Certificate: For individuals who hold a master’s degree (or, less commonly, a bachelor’s degree) in a related field, Sports Psychology graduate certificates 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.), offer the highest level of education obtainable in the field. Doctorate programs emphasize research, advanced coursework, and clinical practice to prepare graduates for high-level roles.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Tennessee?

There are currently no online sports psychology programs available within the State of Tennessee. However, you will find plenty of options for online learning in neighboring states or online. These 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.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee boasts several outstanding sports psychology programs that are transforming how athletes approach mental performance and training. At sportspsychology.org, we've carefully analyzed and ranked the top academic institutions offering comprehensive sports psychology education in the state. Our experts evaluate these programs based on curriculum quality, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student success rates. Athletes and aspiring sports psychology professionals can find exceptional educational pathways across Tennessee's universities, which provide rigorous training in understanding psychological principles that enhance athletic performance and mental resilience. More details about our comprehensive evaluation process can be found on our ranking methodology page.

#1

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu

Master's - MS In Kinesiology

Concentration: Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Master's in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior provides a dynamic, focused training environment for aspiring performance psychology professionals. With an innovative approach that welcomes 10-20 students annually, the program uniquely prepares students for diverse career settings including sports, military, and healthcare. Students benefit from a flexible curriculum emphasizing performance enhancement techniques, ethical practice, and specialized interventions. A standout feature is the program's accessibility, with no GRE requirement and a recommended 3.2 GPA. Interdisciplinary coursework covers critical domains like imagery techniques, goal setting strategies, and psychological performance considerations, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for complex professional challenges.

• Sport Psychology Master's concentration
• No prerequisite course requirements
• 10-20 students admitted annually
• 3.2 GPA recommended
• No GRE scores required
• Elective courses available
• Performance enhancement focus
• Multiple career setting applications
• Interdisciplinary kinesiology approach

Doctorate - PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies

Concentration: Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior - Campus Based - Visit Website

UTK's PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies represents a premier research-driven doctoral pathway for advanced sport psychology scholars. Designed for ambitious professionals seeking academic and clinical excellence, this program provides comprehensive interdisciplinary training in sport psychology and motor behavior research. Requiring a prior master's degree and spanning approximately three years, students engage in rigorous qualitative and quantitative methodological training. The 72-credit program prepares graduates for high-level faculty positions, advanced clinical roles, and significant research contributions. With a comprehensive exam requirement and 24 dissertation credit hours, the program ensures deep theoretical and practical expertise in sport psychology's complex landscape.

• Research-intensive doctoral degree
• Sport Psychology concentration available
• 72 graduate credit hours required
• Master's degree prerequisite
• 3-year typical completion time
• Interdisciplinary research approach
• Knoxville Campus location
• Comprehensive exam requirement
• 24 dissertation credit hours
• Prepares for faculty positions

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023.

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Tennessee

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

• Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Tennessee usually need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution. This degree provides advanced knowledge in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
• Supervised Clinical Experience: Students must also complete supervised clinical experiences. Working under experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists, students acquire practical training and hands-on experience in working with athletes.
• Licensing Examination: Graduates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology after completing their education. 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 also pursue certifications to further enhance their expertise and employability. Two main certifications in sports psychology are the Board Certified in Sport Psychology (BCSP) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credentials. These certifications require a combination of education, supervised practice, and passing a certification examination.

Meeting the licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) prepares sports psychologists in Tennessee to establish themselves in the field. Through these endeavors, they are poised to make a positive impact on sports teams and athletes alike.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Tennessee

In Tennessee, there are numerous career opportunities in sports psychology. Prospective sports psychologists can find employment in settings including collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Potential employers in Tennessee include:

• University of Tennessee Athletics
• Vanderbilt University Athletics
• Tennessee Titans (National Football League)
• Nashville Predators (National Hockey League)
• Memphis Grizzlies (National Basketball Association)
• Nashville SC (Major League Soccer)

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Tennessee

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