Best Online Master’s in Sports Psychology

Pursuing a master's degree in sports psychology offers individuals the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and expertise in the field. This advanced degree equips students with specialized skills and a comprehensive understanding of the psychological aspects that impact athletic performance, mental resilience, and overall athlete well-being. Below, we will delve into the world of online master's programs in sports psychology, exploring the unique advantages they offer, discussing program requirements and tuition, and highlighting the flexibility and accessibility of online learning so you can be adequately equipped on the journey to becoming a sports psychologist.

Online Master's Degrees in Sports Psychology

Derek Bianchi, CMPC | Updated/Verified: Aug 23, 2025

What Is a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology?

Online programs in sports psychology, alternatively offered as master’s degrees in kinesiology with a sports psychology concentration, provide a flexible and convenient option for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the field. These 2-year programs typically build upon the foundational knowledge acquired during undergraduate studies and offer specialized coursework and practical training specific to sports psychology while readying students for a potential Ph.D. in sports psychology. A master’s-level sports psychology degree program typically covers a range of skills and techniques aimed at preparing students to work effectively with athletes, coaches, and teams to enhance performance and well-being. Students enrolled in a master’s in sports psychology will learn to support the mental health of athletes through the following:

Psychological Assessment:
- Learning to conduct psychological assessments to evaluate athletes’ mental skills, personality traits, and other factors influencing performance.
Performance Enhancement:
- Techniques to improve mental skills such as goal-setting, imagery, visualization, concentration, and self-talk to enhance athletic performance.
Motivation and Goal Setting:
- Understanding motivational theories and implementing goal-setting strategies to optimize athletes’ motivation and achievement.
Team Dynamics:
- Studying group dynamics and teamwork to facilitate positive interactions within sports teams, addressing conflicts, and promoting cohesion.
Applied Sport Psychology Interventions:
- Implementing evidence-based interventions to address performance issues, anxiety, and other mental health concerns within the sports context.
Counseling and Mental Health Support:
- Providing psychological support for athletes dealing with performance-related stress, injuries, and other mental health challenges.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Master's Programs

At sportspsychology.org, we understand the critical importance of selecting the right master's program in sports psychology. Our comprehensive guide highlights top-tier academic institutions offering exceptional training for aspiring sports psychologists. These programs prepare students to work with athletes, coaches, and teams, providing essential mental performance strategies. With the growing demand for remote and distance learning options, many universities now offer flexible online programs that accommodate working professionals and students with geographic constraints. Our rankings consider factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and practical training experiences. Whether you're seeking traditional classroom instruction or virtual learning environments, our curated list will help you navigate the best sports psychology master's programs nationwide. Check out our detailed https://www.sportspsychology.org/ranking-methodology/ for insights into our evaluation process.

National University

San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Sport Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's Master of Science in Sport Psychology offers a robust 36-credit online program designed for professionals seeking comprehensive mental performance training. Students can complete the degree in 18-21 months, with weekly course start dates and flexible learning options. The curriculum meets certification standards and prepares graduates for roles across youth, collegiate, and professional sports settings. With a focus on psychological principles and performance enhancement techniques, the program provides advanced training aligned with CMPC certification requirements and includes a potential FastForward PhD pathway.

100% Online Master's Program
36 Total Credit Hours
12 Total Courses
18-21 Months Completion Time
Weekly Course Starts
CMPC Certification Aligned
FastForward PhD Pathway
Focuses on Performance Enhancement
Career Opportunities in Multiple Industries

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

Concentration: Applied Mental Performance - Online Learning - Visit Website

The Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology with an Applied Mental Performance concentration provides a rigorous online pathway for aspiring performance consultants. Completed in 14-22 months without GRE requirements, the program offers AASP certification alignment and over 200 direct client contact hours. Students develop advanced psychological assessment and counseling skills, with extensive practical training across diverse performance environments. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, multicultural competence, and hands-on mentored training to prepare professionals for complex mental performance challenges.

Online Master's degree program
14-22 months completion time
No GRE required for admission
AASP certification pathway
200+ direct client contact hours
Two specialization tracks available
Comprehensive mentored training
Performance psychology focus
Ethical practice emphasis
Multicultural competence training

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

Concentration: Theoretical Mental Performance - Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology featuring a Theoretical Mental Performance concentration delivers a comprehensive online learning experience. The 14-22 month program eliminates GRE admission barriers and provides intensive training in performance psychology techniques. Students engage in mentored practicums, developing advanced skills in counseling and performance enhancement across multiple domains. With AASP certification track compatibility and 200 direct client contact hours, the program prepares professionals for nuanced mental performance consulting roles with a strong theoretical foundation.

Online Master's Degree
No GRE Required
14-22 month completion
AASP certification track
Mentored practicum experience
200 direct client contact hours
Specializations in Applied/Theoretical Mental Performance
$0 application fee
Comprehensive Written Exam required
Quarterly unit-based program

Show 2 More Programs ˅

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

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

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

Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology (coursework-only, online) - Online Learning - Visit Website

UNC Greensboro's Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology emerges as a pioneering online program tailored for professionals passionate about understanding psychological dynamics in physical performance. The comprehensive two-year curriculum uniquely blends theoretical foundations with practical research methodologies, targeting students from Kinesiology and Psychology backgrounds. Delivered through asynchronous online courses, students experience flexible learning while receiving expert faculty mentorship. The 30-credit-hour program strategically prepares graduates for multifaceted careers in coaching, mental skills consulting, athletic training, and health promotion. Military-friendly and designed for working professionals, this program offers an accessible pathway to advanced expertise in sport and exercise psychology.

Fully online program
30 credit hours total
Two years to complete
Six credits per semester
Asynchronous online courses
Flexible learning experience
Expert faculty mentorship
Prepares for diverse careers
Integrates theory and research
School of Health Sciences

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 transformative educational experience for aspiring sports psychology professionals. The 100% asynchronous program eliminates GRE requirements and provides flexible full and part-time enrollment options. Students can complete the degree within one to two years, gaining comprehensive training aligned with AASP certification standards. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and cutting-edge research, preparing graduates for diverse roles in mental performance consulting, coaching, and athlete development. Military-friendly and accessible, the program welcomes professionals from varied backgrounds seeking advanced psychological performance training. Multiple start terms and the ability to transfer up to six credits enhance the program's adaptability.

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

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

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

Master's - MS in Kinesiology

Concentration: Exercise and Sport Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's MS in Kinesiology with Exercise and Sport Psychology concentration delivers a comprehensive online program uniquely tailored for aspiring sports psychology professionals. Leveraging 100% online delivery, students can complete coursework in just 12-22 months through flexible evening and asynchronous classes. The curriculum strategically prepares students for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification, emphasizing psychological factors affecting athletic performance and exercise behaviors. Graduates gain sophisticated skills in mental training, performance enhancement, and psychological well-being across diverse professional settings. The program distinguishes itself through personalized career advising, research opportunities, and a robust professional development framework designed to cultivate versatile sports psychology practitioners.

100% Online Program
12-22 Months Completion
Evening/Asynchronous Courses
CMPC Certification Preparation
Career-Focused Curriculum
Mentorship from Faculty
Multiple Career Pathways
Research Opportunities
Professional Development Focus
Personalized Career Advising

Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, CT - Public 4-Year - southernct.edu

Master's - Exercise Science, M.S.

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Connecticut State University's Sport Psychology Master's program stands out as a hybrid learning experience tailored for emerging mental performance professionals. This comprehensive 33-34 credit concentration prepares students for CMPC certification through an interdisciplinary approach spanning Health and Movement Sciences, Counseling, and Psychology departments. Students gain advanced training in performance enhancement techniques, intervention strategies, and counseling methodologies specifically designed for athletes and sports organizations. The program uniquely bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to optimize human performance across competitive athletic environments. Military-friendly and strategically structured, the program offers fall cohort entry with application preference before May 1st.

Sport Psychology concentration available
33-34 graduate credits
CMPC certification preparation
Interdisciplinary curriculum
Prepares for mental performance consulting
Multiple department involvement
Performance enhancement focus
Work with athletes and teams
Fall cohort start
Application preference before May 1

Troy University

Troy, AL - Public 4-Year - troy.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

Concentration: Sports Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Troy University's Master of Science in Kinesiology offers a specialized Sports Psychology concentration that equips students with advanced psychological strategies for athlete performance enhancement. This hybrid program uniquely combines theoretical knowledge with practical field experiences, preparing graduates to address complex mental health challenges in diverse athletic environments. Students explore performance optimization techniques, psychological barrier management, and holistic athlete well-being. The program leverages interdepartmental collaboration between Kinesiology and Psychology departments, providing comprehensive insights into sports performance. Notably, the program supports learning across multiple sports settings, from high school to professional levels, making it an ideal pathway for aspiring sports psychology professionals seeking dynamic career opportunities.

Graduate-level Sports Psychology program
Interdepartmental collaboration
Research and practical experiences
Growing career field
Online program availability
Partnership between Kinesiology and Psychology departments
Courses in sports nutrition, performance
Supports diverse sports settings

Northern Michigan University

Marquette, MI - Public 4-Year - nmu.edu

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

Concentration: Certification as a Mental Performance Consultant - Online Learning - Visit Website

Northern Michigan University's online Master's in Applied Sport Psychology offers a transformative educational experience tailored for aspiring mental performance professionals. Uniquely structured with two certification tracks, the program enables students to pursue certification as a Mental Performance Consultant. The asynchronous format provides exceptional flexibility for working professionals and athletes, accommodating diverse career schedules. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that prepares them for dynamic roles in sports consulting, coaching, and performance enhancement. With a strong emphasis on mental performance consulting, the program strategically positions graduates in a rapidly expanding field, offering promising career opportunities and professional development.

Online asynchronous master's degree
Two certification track options
Designed for busy professionals
Growing job market demand
Mental performance consultant focus
Limited psychologist licensure option
Interdisciplinary program approach

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

Concentration: Licensure as a Limited Psychologist - Online Learning - Visit Website

Northern Michigan University's online Master's in Applied Sport Psychology presents a comprehensive pathway to licensure as a Limited Psychologist. This innovative program uniquely combines clinical sport psychology training with mental performance consulting principles. Designed for working professionals, the asynchronous curriculum allows seamless integration of advanced education with existing career commitments. Students explore intricate psychological dynamics in athletic performance, gaining specialized skills for clinical interventions and mental performance strategies. The program's interdisciplinary approach, developed by Health/Human Performance experts, equips graduates with robust credentials and prepares them for projected 10% job market growth in sports psychology and mental performance consulting.

Online asynchronous master's degree
Two certification track options
Mental performance consultant track
Limited psychologist licensure track
Developed by Health/Human Performance
Designed for working professionals
Expected field demand increase
10% job market growth projection

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Springfield College

Springfield, MA - Private 4-year - springfield.edu

Master's - MEd in Sport and Exercise Psychology Online

Online Learning - Visit Website

Springfield College's online Master of Education in Sport and Exercise Psychology offers a dynamic, comprehensive graduate program tailored for professionals seeking advanced psychological performance insights. This fully online, asynchronous degree spans 36 credits and provides flexible learning pathways for both full and part-time students. Unique program features include a robust 135-hour applied internship, enabling students to develop practical skills in supporting athletes' mental performance across diverse environments. Designed to accommodate working professionals, the curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary training in sport psychology, coaching strategies, and performance optimization. Military-friendly and welcoming to students from varied backgrounds, the program can be completed in 18 months with course formats ranging from 7 to 15 weeks.

36-credit MEd program
100% online asynchronous
Start in September
Full or part-time options
Complete in 18 months
7 or 15 week courses
135-hour applied internship
Diverse student backgrounds welcome

University of the Southwest

Hobbs, NM - Private 4-year - usw.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Sports Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of the Southwest's online Master of Science in Sports Psychology offers a transformative learning experience designed for professionals seeking advanced psychological insights into athletic performance. The program uniquely explores mental strategies that enhance athlete resilience, team dynamics, and competitive success. Tailored for coaches, educators, and sports professionals, this degree prepares students to apply sophisticated psychological interventions across diverse athletic contexts. The curriculum emphasizes understanding mental techniques that drive peak performance, making it an ideal pathway for those committed to developing athletes' psychological capabilities. Military-friendly status provides additional support for service members pursuing advanced sports psychology training.

Master of Science in Sports Psychology
Prepares for diverse professional outcomes
Focuses on psychological performance techniques
Supports team and individual athletic success
Addresses psychological aspects of competition

#10

Texas A & M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX - Public 4-Year - tamuk.edu

Master's - M.S. in Kinesiology

Concentration: Performance Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas A&M University-Kingsville's Master's in Kinesiology with Performance Psychology concentration offers an innovative approach to sports psychology training. Designed for aspiring mental performance professionals, the hybrid program provides flexible learning pathways including course-only, research project, and thesis tracks. Students receive comprehensive preparation for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) examination, gaining advanced skills in athletic performance enhancement and psychological intervention strategies. With 36 or 30 credit hour options, the program emphasizes practical and research-based learning, positioning graduates for impactful careers in sport psychology, athlete mental training, and performance optimization.

Performance Psychology Concentration
36 or 30 credit hours
Traditional face-to-face format
Research project option available
Thesis track offered
CMPC exam preparation
Multiple degree plan options

*Data source: NCES, IPEDS 2023 institutional survey.

Master’s in Sports Psychology Curriculum & Tuition

The curriculum of online master’s programs in sports psychology varies between institutions but generally includes a combination of core courses, elective courses, and hands-on practical experiences. Typical course topics covered in a master’s in sports psychology curriculum may consist of:

Advanced Sport Psychology Theories and Techniques
Psychological Aspects of Athletic Performance
Psychosocial Issues in Sports
Sport and Exercise Psychology Research Methods
Applied Sport Psychology Interventions
Performance Enhancement and Mental Skills Training
Ethical and Professional Issues in Sports Psychology

In addition to this, students will be responsible for completing a certain amount of supervised hands-on practicum or internship hours in sports psychology as part of their master’s program. Refer to your program of choice for the required amount of hours necessary for graduation. A capstone project or thesis may also be required.

Tuition for master’s programs in sports psychology can vary depending on the institution and program structure – it can range from $10,000 to well over $50,000. It is advisable to research and compare different programs to find the one that fits your budget and financial goals. Keep in mind that there may be different tuition rates for in-state students vs. out-of-state students. Many universities offer financial aid options, scholarships, and payment plans to assist students in managing their educational expenses.

Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology Online?

One of the primary benefits of online master’s programs in sports psychology is their flexibility. Online learning allows students to customize their study schedules and balance their academic pursuits with professional and personal commitments. Whether you are a working professional, a busy parent, or someone looking to transition into the field, online programs offer the convenience and accessibility needed to pursue a master’s degree without disrupting your current lifestyle. Here’s what else you should know about online sports psychology master’s programs:

Online master’s programs in sports psychology offer a virtual classroom environment for discussions, accessing course materials, and interacting with peers and instructors.
The technology-driven approach fosters a dynamic and collaborative learning experience despite not being physically present on campus.
Choosing a properly accredited online program, such as from the American Psychological Association (APA), is crucial for future licensure and certification eligibility.

Master’s Degree in Sports Psychology Program Prerequisites

Admission requirements for online master’s programs in sports psychology may vary between institutions. However, typical prerequisites include:

A bachelor’s degree in sports psychology, general psychology, or a related field
Official transcripts from previous educational institutions
Minimum GPA may be required (typically between 3.0 and 4.0)
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement or statement of purpose
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
GRE scores (in some cases)

It is essential to review the specific admission requirements of the programs you are interested in to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Have a bachelor’s or master’s in general psychology or a related field and want to gain knowledge in sports psychology without completing a full sports psych master’s degree? A graduate certificate in sports psychology might be the right alternative for you.

List of Sports Psychology Master’s Degree Programs

Browse our state-by-state list of sports psychology master’s degrees to find a program near you.

List of All Online Sports Psychology Master's Programs

Pursuing a master's in sports psychology online offers tremendous flexibility for aspiring professionals seeking advanced education in mental performance and athletic training. Distance learning programs enable students to balance academic goals with personal and professional commitments while gaining critical insights into athlete mental health, performance enhancement, and psychological strategies. These virtual programs connect students with expert faculty and cutting-edge research, making advanced sports psychology education accessible from anywhere across the United States.

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Alabama

Livingston, AL

University of West Alabama

Master's - Master of Science in Experimental Psychology
Concentration: Sports Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- Online Sports Psychology Option
- 39-54 total credit hours
- Next start date March 17
- $429 per credit hour
- Practicum included
- Thesis or exam option
- Prepare for doctoral studies
- Advanced sports psychology course

Troy, AL

Troy University

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology
Concentration: Sports Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Graduate-level Sports Psychology program
- Interdepartmental collaboration
- Research and practical experiences
- Growing career field
- Online program availability
- Partnership between Kinesiology and Psychology departments
- Courses in sports nutrition, performance
- Supports diverse sports settings