Online Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Sports Psychology
Pursuing a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in sports psychology is a significant step for individuals looking to advance their careers in this specialized field. An online doctorate program provides an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge, conduct advanced research, and become a sports psychologist. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of an online doctorate in sports psychology, including the program structure, curriculum details, online availability, and the typical prerequisites for admission.
What Is a Ph.D. Doctorate Degree in Sports Psychology?
A doctorate in sports psychology is the highest level of academic achievement across all sports psychology degrees. It is designed to prepare students for advanced research, teaching positions, and leadership roles in sports psychology. Ph.D. doctorate programs typically require many credits – often taking anywhere from 4 to 6 years to complete – and consist of coursework, research, and clinical experiences. These programs are offered by universities and institutions that specialize in sports psychology education and research.
Individuals pursuing a Ph.D. in sports psychology have a strong passion for the field and a desire to contribute to its advancement. They seek to deepen their understanding of psychological principles and their application to sports performance, mental health, and athlete well-being. Additionally, a doctorate in sports psychology opens doors to career opportunities in academia, research institutions, sports organizations, and private practice.
Earning a Ph.D. in sports psychology prepares students for high-level roles such as licensed sport psychologists, performance consultants, university professors, and directors of mental training programs for elite athletes.
These programs are ideal for students interested in topics like peak performance, injury recovery, team dynamics, and motivation in sports and exercise environments.
2026 Best Sports Psychology PhD Programs
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV - Public 4-Year - wvu.edu
Doctorate - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology PhD
Campus Based - Visit Website
West Virginia University's Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology PhD program offers an immersive doctoral experience targeting professionals seeking comprehensive psychological performance enhancement training. Students immerse themselves in rigorous academic preparation with extensive research opportunities across performance domains. The program distinguishes itself by providing a concurrent master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, enabling graduates to pursue diverse career trajectories in academia, clinical settings, and sports consulting. Full-time residency, hands-on training, and renowned faculty mentorship characterize this transformative three to four-year doctoral journey, preparing students for multifaceted professional roles in sport psychology.
- Full-time 3-4 year doctoral program
- Concurrent clinical counseling option
- 100% graduate employment rate
- Research and applied experiences
- Division I-III athletic consulting
- Application deadline: December 1
- GRE scores required
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Fall semester entry only
- Graduate assistantships available
Doctorate - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology PhD
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
West Virginia University's Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology PhD with Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration delivers an advanced training pathway blending scientific research with practical mental performance applications. This innovative program prepares graduates for complex roles in academia, consulting, and clinical practice through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing supervised applied experiences. Students engage in intensive coursework, research development, and professional skill cultivation across diverse performance environments. The program's full-time, in-person format provides a structured three to four-year learning experience with world-renowned faculty guidance, ensuring graduates are comprehensively prepared for licensure-eligible and high-impact professional opportunities in sport and performance psychology.
- PhD with concurrent counseling master's
- 3-4 year full-time program
- In-person residency in Morgantown
- 65-75 credit hour curriculum
- Research-focused dissertation
- Division I-III athletic consulting
- Application deadline: December 1
- Graduate assistantships available
- Licensure-eligible program
- 100% graduate employment rate
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Doctorate - Doctoral degree program in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's doctoral program in Sport Psychology offers an immersive, research-intensive curriculum designed to cultivate advanced professional competencies in athlete mental performance. Aspiring sport psychologists engage in comprehensive training, leveraging cutting-edge scientific methodologies and extensive practical experiences. The program distinguishes itself through strategic mentorship towards professional CMPC certification, robust research opportunities within the dedicated Sport Psychology Laboratory, and diverse career pathways spanning academia, professional sports organizations, and performance enhancement settings. Prospective students must maintain a competitive 3.5 GPA and successfully complete the GRE, with an application deadline of December 1st. The program accommodates international students and provides flexible training options, preparing graduates to make significant contributions in understanding and optimizing athletic psychological performance.
- PhD and Master's programs available
- PhD requires 3.5 GPA
- PhD application deadline: December 1st
- GRE required for PhD
- Mentorship for CMPC certification
- Sport Psychology Laboratory
- Research opportunities with athletes
- Career paths: academia, sports, military
- 40-120 contact hours for master's
- International student options available
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ - Public 4-Year - newbrunswick.rutgers.edu
Doctorate - Sport Psychology Concentration
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers University's Sport Psychology Doctoral Concentration provides an immersive academic experience that transforms aspiring professionals through rigorous training in psychological performance strategies. Students benefit from an innovative curriculum emphasizing mental skills development, athletic motivation research, and empirically-driven intervention techniques. The program distinguishes itself through extensive supervised field experiences, enabling learners to apply theoretical frameworks directly within competitive athletic environments. Unique opportunities include engagement with the Sport Psychology Institute, comprehensive dissertation research, and specialized training in psychological assessment for athletes. Military-friendly and featuring on-campus hospital resources, the program prepares scholars to become advanced practitioners capable of addressing complex psychological challenges in sports performance.
- Doctoral-level core sport psychology courses
- Supervised field experience opportunities
- Dissertation research in sport psychology
- Practical assessment and intervention training
- Sport Psychology Institute involvement
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu
Doctorate - PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies
Concentration: Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies with Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior concentration offers a cutting-edge research environment for aspiring sport psychology professionals. Students delve into advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, preparing for high-level academic and clinical roles. The program's rigorous 72-credit curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary training, with a specific focus on sport psychology and motor behavior research. Designed for students holding a master's degree, the three-year program includes comprehensive exams and 24 dissertation credit hours, strategically positioning graduates for faculty positions, research opportunities, and specialized clinical settings in sport psychology.
- 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
National University
San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu
Doctorate - PhD Specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology
Concentration: Sport and Performance Psychology - Online Learning - Visit Website
National University's PhD in Sport and Performance Psychology offers a groundbreaking online doctorate that revolutionizes professional development for aspiring sports psychology experts. With a strategically designed 60-credit curriculum, students explore intricate domains of mental performance, including injury rehabilitation, motivation strategies, and cross-cultural performance dynamics. The program distinguishes itself through flexible weekly course structures, personalized faculty mentorship, and a focus on practical applications in sports psychology. Military-friendly and accessible through monthly start dates, this doctorate prepares professionals to transform athletic performance through advanced psychological interventions and research-driven approaches.
- 100% Online PhD Program
- New Start Date Every Monday
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- 20 Total Courses
- 48 Months to Complete
- No Scheduled Lecture Hours
- Weekly Course Assignments
- One-to-One Faculty Engagement
- Doctoral Faculty Mentorship
- Specialization in Sport Psychology
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
Concentration: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Northern Colorado's Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science delivers a cutting-edge program specializing in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. Designed for scholars targeting academic careers, this selective doctoral pathway offers comprehensive research training across multifaceted domains like obesity, community health, and aging. Students engage in rigorous coursework spanning 64-67 total credits, with 51 credit hours dedicated to intensive academic preparation. The program's hallmark is its interdisciplinary approach, providing unprecedented opportunities for collaborative research under guidance from internationally recognized experts. Ideal for ambitious researchers seeking to understand complex social dynamics in sport and physical activity, this Greeley-based program prepares graduates for impactful university faculty positions through its research-intensive curriculum.
- Unique Social Psychology of Sport PhD
- 64-67 total credits required
- Located in Greeley, Colorado
- 51 credit hours of coursework
- Internationally recognized program
- Small, selective doctoral program
- Research-focused curriculum
- Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
- Preparation for university faculty positions
- Currently not accepting applications
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC - Public 4-Year - uncg.edu
Doctorate - Kinesiology, Ph.D. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
UNC Greensboro's doctoral program in Kinesiology with a Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration represents a sophisticated research-intensive pathway for aspiring academic professionals. Students gain comprehensive training in understanding psychological mechanisms underlying athletic and exercise performance through advanced methodological approaches. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, offering robust opportunities to explore cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of human performance. Graduates are strategically prepared for faculty positions and advanced research roles, benefiting from top-tier research facilities, close faculty mentorship, and an R2 university research infrastructure. The concentration uniquely combines theoretical knowledge with practical application in sport psychology domains.
- R2 University Research Productivity
- In-Person Doctoral Degree
- Research Laboratory Facilities
- Faculty Research Funding
- Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities
- Close Faculty Mentorship
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
- Academic Career Preparation
University of North Texas
Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - unt.edu
Doctorate - PhD in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise
Concentration: Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Texas offers a distinctive PhD in Educational Psychology with a specialized focus on Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise. This research-intensive program uniquely prepares doctoral candidates to explore complex psychological dynamics within sports and physical performance environments. Students engage in advanced methodological training, developing sophisticated intervention strategies across diverse contexts including athletics, rehabilitation, performing arts, and military settings. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on practica, cutting-edge research opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a robust 63-semester-hour requirement and dedicated dissertation component, graduates emerge as highly qualified sport psychology scholars equipped to drive innovative research and transformative applied interventions. The program's strategic design cultivates academic expertise and practical skills essential for impactful careers in research organizations and higher education.
- 63 semester hours required
- Collaborative interdepartmental program
- Practicum opportunities available
- Focus on research methodology
- Career paths in academia/research
- Advanced sport psychology courses
- Dissertation required component
- Hands-on intervention experience
- Center for Sport Psychology support
- Multiple research environments
Rutgers University-Camden
Camden, NJ - Public 4-Year - camden.rutgers.edu
Doctorate - Sport Psychology Concentration
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rutgers University-Camden's Sport Psychology Concentration delivers an exceptional doctoral program focusing on comprehensive psychological performance enhancement for athletes. Students engage in advanced training exploring motivation techniques, mental skills development, and intervention strategies across diverse athletic contexts. The program distinguishes itself through extensive practica experiences, supervised field work, and robust research opportunities. Doctoral candidates benefit from hands-on learning within the Sport Psychology Institute, enabling deep understanding of psychological dynamics in competitive environments. Military-friendly status adds flexibility for professional athletes and service members seeking advanced psychological performance expertise. Research components allow students to develop innovative approaches to athletic mental conditioning and performance optimization.
- Doctoral-level sport psychology courses
- Practica in athletic departments
- Dissertation research options
- Individual practice projects
- Sport Psychology Institute support
Springfield College
Springfield, MA - Private 4-year - springfield.edu
Doctorate - PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Springfield College's doctoral program in Sport and Exercise Psychology delivers an intensive 78-credit curriculum designed to cultivate advanced research scholars and mental performance professionals. With an intimate cohort of only four students, the program provides highly personalized training that integrates psychological, sociological, and physiological perspectives. Students benefit from comprehensive preparation for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification through the Preparing Future Faculty Series. The campus-based program requires a master's degree for entry, mandates GRE submission, and offers a pathway to advanced professional development in sport psychology research and applied practice.
- 78-credit doctoral program
- Campus-based in Springfield, Mass
- 4-year full-time completion
- Cohort size of 4 students
- Prepares for CMPC certification
- Starts in September
- Master's degree required
- GRE required for admission
- Writing sample needed
- Three recommendation letters
Sports Psychology Ph.D. vs. PsyD
When researching doctorate programs in sports psychology, students will mainly come across the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program. A Ph.D. in sports psychology places a significant emphasis on research, scholarship, and advancing knowledge in the field. Ph.D. programs typically involve conducting original research, completing a dissertation, and publishing scholarly articles. This degree is well-suited for individuals interested in pursuing careers in research, academia, or leadership roles in sports psychology.
Some schools, however, will offer a doctorate in the form of a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. For sports psychology, this is most commonly offered as a dual degree option with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology in conjunction with a Master’s in Sports Psychology. It is rare to find a standalone PsyD program in sports psychology. Both Ph.D. and PsyD programs are equivalent in terms of academic level of prestige. Historically, the Ph.D. is focused more on academic and research pursuits, while the PsyD is more focused on clinical practice.
📘 Choose a Ph.D. if you want to:
- Conduct original research
- Publish academic papers
- Teach at the university level
- Lead sports psychology studies or academic departments
🩺 Choose a PsyD if you want to:
- Work directly with athletes as a licensed clinician
- Focus on mental health treatment in sports settings
- Practice in private clinics, athletic departments, or hospitals
- Emphasize applied skills over research
💡 Pro Tip: Your long-term career goals should guide your choice.
Ph.D. = Research & Academia | PsyD = Clinical Practice
Doctorate in Sports Psychology Curriculum & Tuition
It’s crucial to select a sports psychology doctorate program approved and accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) to ensure quality and professionalism and be eligible for sports psychology licensure and certification.
The curriculum of a Ph.D. program in sports psychology varies between institutions but generally includes a combination of coursework, research, and clinical experiences. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sports psychology theories, research methodologies, and applied practices. Here are some common topics and courses that may be covered:
- Advanced Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Psychosocial Aspects of Sports Performance
- Sport Psychology Consulting and Intervention
- Research Design and Methodology
- Applied Statistics in Sports Psychology
- Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches in Sports Psychology
- Professional Ethics and Legal Issues in Sports Psychology
Like the master’s degree in sports psychology, a doctorate program will also usually require a hands-on practicum or internship, and many will also require a written thesis or dissertation to complete the degree. Some programs also offer opportunities to work with NCAA teams, Olympic training centers, or sports rehabilitation clinics as part of their doctoral practicum.
Tuition for online Ph.D. programs in sports psychology can vary significantly depending on the institution and program structure. It is essential to research specific universities and contact their admissions or financial aid offices to obtain accurate tuition information. For example, some online doctorate programs may have an average tuition range of $30,000 to $50,000 per year, although this can vary. Keep in mind that some accredited online sports psychology doctoral programs offer scholarships, graduate assistantships, or military tuition discounts.
Can I Get a Doctorate Degree in Sports Psychology Online?
Yes, online options are available for individuals interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in sports psychology, though they are not yet as widespread as traditional campus options. One example is National University’s online Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Sport and Performance Psychology. Online doctorate programs offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to complete coursework and engage in research activities remotely. However, it is essential to note that some program components, such as in-person clinical experiences or dissertation defenses, may require campus visits or residencies.
Other highlights of an online Ph.D. in Sports Psychology include:
- Online Ph.D. programs in sports psychology utilize advanced online learning platforms for interactive discussions, virtual lectures, and collaboration.
- This format allows students to access course materials and participate in class activities at their own pace.
- Online programs are attractive for working professionals or those with other commitments, but check with your program advisor to see if working while enrolled in the program is recommended.
- Flexibility in scheduling and pace is a key advantage of online Ph.D. programs in sports psychology.
- The virtual format facilitates collaboration among students and faculty members.
Doctorate Degrees in Sports Psychology Program Prerequisites
Admission requirements for traditional and online doctorate programs in sports psychology can vary depending on the institution. However, there are common prerequisites that applicants should be prepared for. These typically include:
- A master’s degree in sports psychology, general psychology, or a related field
- A bachelor’s degree in sports psychology or a related field
- Transcripts from previous educational institutions
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Statement of purpose or personal statement outlining career goals and research interests
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (varies by program)
- Interview or admission essay (may be required by some programs)
It is essential to review the specific admission requirements of the programs you are interested in and contact their admissions offices for further guidance. Competitive applicants often have experience in athletic settings, such as coaching, sports medicine, or athletic training, paired with a strong academic background in psychology or kinesiology.
List of Sports Psychology Ph.D. Degree Programs
Browse our state-by-state list of sports psychology Ph.D. doctorate degrees to find a program near you.
California
San Diego, CA
National University
- Doctorate - PhD Specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology
Concentration: Sport and Performance Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online PhD Program
- New Start Date Every Monday
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- 20 Total Courses
- 48 Months to Complete
- No Scheduled Lecture Hours
- Weekly Course Assignments
- One-to-One Faculty Engagement
Colorado
Greeley, CO
University of Northern Colorado
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
Concentration: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity - Campus Based - Website
- Unique Social Psychology of Sport PhD
- 64-67 total credits required
- Located in Greeley, Colorado
- 51 credit hours of coursework
- Internationally recognized program
- Small, selective doctoral program
- Research-focused curriculum
- Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
Florida
Tallahassee, FL
Florida State University
- Doctorate - Doctoral degree program in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- PhD and Master's programs available
- PhD requires 3.5 GPA
- PhD application deadline: December 1st
- GRE required for PhD
- Mentorship for CMPC certification
- Sport Psychology Laboratory
- Research opportunities with athletes
- Career paths: academia, sports, military
Massachusetts
Springfield, MA
Springfield College
- Doctorate - PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 78-credit doctoral program
- Campus-based in Springfield, Mass
- 4-year full-time completion
- Cohort size of 4 students
- Prepares for CMPC certification
- Starts in September
- Master's degree required
- GRE required for admission
North Carolina
Greensboro, NC
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Doctorate - Kinesiology, Ph.D. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Top 15 Nationally Ranked Program
- R2 University Research Productivity
- In-Person Doctoral Degree
- Research Laboratory Facilities
- Faculty Research Funding
- Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities
- Close Faculty Mentorship
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
New Jersey
Camden, NJ
Rutgers University-Camden
- Doctorate - Sport Psychology Concentration
Campus Based - Website
- Doctoral-level sport psychology courses
- Practica in athletic departments
- Dissertation research options
- Individual practice projects
- Sport Psychology Institute support
New Brunswick, NJ
Rutgers University
- Doctorate - Sport Psychology Concentration
Campus Based - Website
- Doctoral-level core sport psychology courses
- Supervised field experience opportunities
- Dissertation research in sport psychology
- Practical assessment and intervention training
- Sport Psychology Institute involvement
Tennessee
Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Doctorate - PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies
Concentration: Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior - Campus Based - Website
- 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
Texas
Denton, TX
University of North Texas
- Doctorate - PhD in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise
Concentration: Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise - Campus Based - Website
- 63 semester hours required
- Collaborative interdepartmental program
- Practicum opportunities available
- Focus on research methodology
- Career paths in academia/research
- Advanced sport psychology courses
- Dissertation required component
- Hands-on intervention experience
West Virginia
Morgantown, WV
West Virginia University
- Doctorate - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology PhD
Campus Based - Website
- Full-time 3-4 year doctoral program
- Concurrent clinical counseling option
- 100% graduate employment rate
- Research and applied experiences
- Division I-III athletic consulting
- Application deadline: December 1
- GRE scores required
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Doctorate - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology PhD
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- PhD with concurrent counseling master's
- 3-4 year full-time program
- In-person residency in Morgantown
- 65-75 credit hour curriculum
- Research-focused dissertation
- Division I-III athletic consulting
- Application deadline: December 1
- Graduate assistantships available
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