Sports Psychology Programs in California
Sports psychology plays a vital role in enhancing athlete performance and well-being. By understanding the psychological aspects of sports, athletes can improve their mental resilience, focus, and overall athletic results. California, a state known for its passion for sports and home to various athletic programs, offers exciting prospects for aspiring sports psychologists. Below, we will explore the sports psychology programs available in California, including degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career opportunities.
Sports Psychology Programs in California
California provides a range of degree programs in sports psychology, depending on the educational background of the student. Universities in the state offer bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate certificates in sports psychology (however, there are currently no doctorate degrees). These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors influencing sports performance, injury recovery, and overall athlete well-being.
- Bachelor’s Degree: California universities offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology. These undergraduate programs establish a 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: Designed for individuals with a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field, graduate certificate programs 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.), 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.
Notable sports psychology programs available in California include the Master of Arts in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology offered by the Dominican University of California, and the Master of Arts in Sport Psychology at California State University, Fullerton. These programs provide students with a solid foundation in sports psychology principles and practical skills to work with athletes and sports teams effectively.
Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in California?
In response to the growing demand for flexible education, online sports psychology programs have gained popularity nationwide. California offers specific online sports psychology programs through various state universities, such as the Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Performance Psychology offered by California Baptist University. These online programs enable students to pursue their studies remotely, providing flexibility for those with other commitments or residing outside the state.
Online sports psychology programs provide several advantages, including the ability to study at one’s own pace, access resources and materials from anywhere, and connect with professionals and students from diverse backgrounds. Aspiring sports psychologists in California 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 California
National University
San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology at National University offers an online program with a four-week course format and year-round enrollment. It explores psychological factors in athletic performance, motivation, and cultural influences, preparing students for careers as coaches or performance analysts. The program includes 180 quarter units and multidisciplinary courses, with no mention of ACT or SAT requirements for entrance.
- Four-week course format
- Year-round enrollment available
- Online and in-person options
- 13 major requirement courses
- 180 total quarter units needed
- Upper division electives offered
- Focuses on performance psychology
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Multidisciplinary curriculum
- Research design component included
Master's - Master of Science in Sport Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
National University's Master of Science in Sport Psychology is a 36-credit online program that can be completed in 18-21 months, with weekly course starts for flexibility. It prepares students for certification as mental performance consultants, focusing on enhancing mental wellness and performance in youth, collegiate, and professional sports. The curriculum covers psychological principles, research methods, and performance enhancement, with no entrance exam required for admission.
- 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
This Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology with an Applied Mental Performance concentration is an online program completed in 14-22 months, requiring no GRE for admission. It includes over 200 direct client contact hours and is aligned with AASP certification, focusing on performance enhancement, counseling, and multicultural competence in diverse settings.
- 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 with a Theoretical Mental Performance concentration is an online degree that can be finished in 14-22 months, with no GRE required. It offers mentored practicums with 200 client contact hours, preparing students for AASP certification and roles in performance consulting through theoretical approaches and ethical practices.
- 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
Doctorate - PhD Specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology
Concentration: Sport and Performance Psychology - Online Learning - Visit Website
National University's PhD Specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology is a 60-credit online program taking about 48 months to complete, with weekly start dates and no scheduled lectures. It emphasizes mental performance coaching, leadership, and ethical practices, with one-to-one faculty mentorship. The program does not specify if an entrance exam is required for admission.
- 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
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA - Private 4-year - calbaptist.edu
Bachelor's - Sport and Performance Psychology, BS
Online Learning - Visit Website
California Baptist University's online Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology provides foundational skills in cognitive psychology, exercise physiology, and ethical practices to optimize human potential. This 16-month program prepares students for careers in athletic coaching, mental health, and performance consulting through a faith-integrated curriculum. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission. The transfer-friendly, WSCUC-accredited degree offers flexible scheduling with classes starting every eight weeks and is military-friendly.
- 100% Online Degree
- 49 Total Program Units
- 16 Months to Complete
- $520 Per Unit Cost
- Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
- Three Semesters Annually
- Transfer-Friendly Program
- WSCUC Accredited Degree
- Multiple Career Pathways
- Faith-Integrated Curriculum
Master's - Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
California Baptist University's Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology trains mental performance consultants for diverse domains including sports, performing arts, and combat contexts. This campus-based program emphasizes evidence-based psychological strategies to enhance performance, preparing graduates for Association of Applied Sport Psychology certification. The curriculum includes practicum experiences, professional ethics, and advanced research methodology, focusing on counseling and performance interventions. No entrance exam is required for this master's program, which integrates a Southern Baptist faith perspective and is military-friendly.
- Master of Science degree
- 43 total program units
- Certification preparation
- Broad performance domains
- Multiple practicum experiences
- Prerequisites include Psychology
- Anatomy/Physiology recommended
- Statistics course required
- Professional ethics focus
- Advanced research methodology
Hope International University
Fullerton, CA - Private 4-year - hiu.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hope International University's Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology provides a comprehensive on-campus education that delves into human behavior, mental skills, and athletic performance enhancement. This Christian-affiliated program emphasizes research-oriented learning, mental techniques, and performance optimization strategies, preparing students for graduate studies or careers in sports psychology. It includes internship and study abroad opportunities but does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission. The curriculum covers motivation, theory, and practical applications, making it ideal for those seeking to transform athletic experiences through psychological insights.
- Bachelor of Arts degree
- Prepares for graduate study
- Covers mental performance skills
- Multiple career opportunities
- Focuses on sports psychology theory
- Explore motivation and performance
- Research-oriented curriculum
- On-campus program
- Study abroad options
- Internship opportunities
San Jose State University
San Jose, CA - Public 4-Year - sjsu.edu
Master's - Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
San Jose State University's graduate Sport Psychology program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that allows students to tailor their studies through customizable research opportunities, including access to a qualitative research lab. With nationally recognized faculty providing mentorship, the program emphasizes both research and applied training, preparing graduates for careers in coaching, teaching, private practice, or doctoral studies. This program has a rich legacy in sport psychology dating to the 1940s and requires the GRE entrance exam for admission.
- Interdisciplinary graduate program
- Customizable research focus
- Qualitative research lab available
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Diverse career preparation paths
- Historical roots since 1940s
- Graduate research methods courses
- Mentorship from experienced professors
California State University-Fresno
Fresno, CA - Public 4-Year - fresnostate.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Fresno's Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology is a 30-unit graduate program that provides advanced training in mental performance. It covers sport psychology interventions, coaching psychology, injury psychology, and exercise psychobiology, aligning with Association for Applied Sport Psychology core competencies to prepare students for Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification. The program includes thesis or project options, a Sport Psychology Lab, research methods, and internship opportunities, with graduate teaching positions available. An entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program.
- 30-unit Master's degree
- AASP core competency aligned
- Thesis or project option
- Sport Psychology Lab
- CMPC certification preparation
- Research methods focus
- Internship opportunities available
- Graduate Teaching positions
- Advanced sport psychology courses
- Counseling techniques elective
Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in California
To practice as a sports psychologist in California, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the California Board of Psychology. The licensure process involves several steps:
- Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in California typically need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution. This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
- Supervised Clinical Experience: Alongside completing their doctoral program, individuals must gain supervised clinical experience. This entails working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists and acquiring practical training in providing counseling and mental performance enhancement techniques to athletes.
- Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the educational and clinical requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the California Board of Psychology. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.
In addition to licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications to enhance their credentials further and demonstrate specialized expertise. Two popular 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.
By meeting licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in California can establish themselves as qualified professionals in the field. Their expertise in understanding and enhancing the psychological aspects of sports performance can significantly contribute to athletes’ success and overall well-being.
Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in California
California offers a wide range of career opportunities in sports psychology. Graduates can find employment in diverse settings, including professional sports organizations, college athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. Common employers in the state include:
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- University of Southern California Athletics Department
- Stanford University Athletics
Sports psychologists in California can work directly with athletes, providing individual counseling, performance enhancement techniques, and mental health support. They can collaborate with coaches, trainers, and medical professionals to develop comprehensive athlete support programs. With the increasing recognition of the significance of mental health in sports, numerous opportunities exist for sports psychologists to make a profound impact on athletes’ lives and athletic performance.
2026 Affordable Sports Psychology Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| California Baptist University |
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| California State University-Fresno |
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| San Jose State University |
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2026 Shortest Sports Psychology Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
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| California Baptist University |
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National University
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| San Jose State University |
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List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in California
Fresno, CA
California State University-Fresno
- Master's - Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 30-unit Master's degree
- AASP core competency aligned
- Thesis or project option
- Sport Psychology Lab
- CMPC certification preparation
- Research methods focus
- Internship opportunities available
- Graduate Teaching positions
Fullerton, CA
Hope International University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts degree
- Prepares for graduate study
- Covers mental performance skills
- Multiple career opportunities
- Focuses on sports psychology theory
- Explore motivation and performance
- Research-oriented curriculum
- On-campus program
Pasadena, CA
Saybrook University
- Master's - MS in Sport Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Two-year Master's Degree
- 40 Total Credits
- Virtual Learning Experience
- Optional Community Learning
- 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
- Professional Resume Required
- Personal Statement Needed
Riverside, CA
California Baptist University
- Bachelor's - Sport and Performance Psychology, BS
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree
- 49 Total Program Units
- 16 Months to Complete
- $520 Per Unit Cost
- Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
- Three Semesters Annually
- Transfer-Friendly Program
- WSCUC Accredited Degree
- Master's - Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Master of Science degree
- 43 total program units
- Certification preparation
- Broad performance domains
- Multiple practicum experiences
- Prerequisites include Psychology
- Anatomy/Physiology recommended
- Statistics course required
San Diego, CA
National University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Four-week course format
- Year-round enrollment available
- Online and in-person options
- 13 major requirement courses
- 180 total quarter units needed
- Upper division electives offered
- Focuses on performance psychology
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Master's - Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology
Concentration: Applied Mental Performance - Online Learning - Website
- 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
- Master's - Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology
Concentration: Theoretical Mental Performance - Online Learning - Website
- 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
- Master's - Master of Science in Sport Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 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
- 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
San Jose, CA
San Jose State University
- Master's - Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary graduate program
- Customizable research focus
- Qualitative research lab available
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Diverse career preparation paths
- Historical roots since 1940s
- Graduate research methods courses
- Mentorship from experienced professors
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