Sports Psychology Programs in Colorado
Sports psychology plays an important role in getting the best out of athletes. By understanding the mental and psychological aspects of sports, athletes can improve their resilience, focus, and overall wellness. Colorado, a state renowned for its outdoor activities and thriving sports culture, offers exciting prospects for aspiring sports psychologists. Read on to explore the sports psychology programs available in Colorado and learn more about options, requirements, career opportunities, and more.
Sports Psychology Programs in Colorado
Colorado provides a range of degree programs in sports psychology, catering to students at different academic levels. Universities in the state offer bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate, and doctorate programs in sports psychology. 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: Colorado universities offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology. These undergraduate programs establish a foundation in 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 who hold 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. While no graduate certificates in sports psychology currently exist in Colorado, there are a variety of programs available online.
- 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.
Renowned sports psychology programs available in Colorado include the Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Denver and the Master of Science in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity at the University of Northern Colorado. These programs provide students with a solid foundation in sports psychology principles and practical skills to work with athletes and sports teams effectively.
2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Colorado
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu
Master's - M.S. 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 M.S. in Sport and Exercise Science with a Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity concentration offers an immersive two-year program designed for aspiring researchers and professionals. Located in Greeley, students engage in a comprehensive 33-credit curriculum emphasizing advanced research methodologies and data analysis techniques. The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths and potential doctoral studies, featuring expert faculty mentorship and a research-intensive approach. Applicants should be prepared for a rigorous academic experience that explores complex interactions between social dynamics and physical activity. While specific entrance exam requirements are not detailed, students can expect a competitive and transformative academic journey.
- 33 total credit hours
- 2-year completion time
- Located in Greeley, CO
- Thesis or comprehensive exam
- Research-focused curriculum
- Prepares for doctoral programs
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Diverse career opportunities
- Advanced research techniques
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
UNC's Ph.D. in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity represents a highly selective, research-driven doctoral program targeting future academic professionals. Spanning 64-67 total credits, this internationally recognized program provides an in-depth exploration of social influences on sport and physical behaviors. Students develop sophisticated research skills through interdisciplinary collaboration, focusing on critical areas like obesity, community health, and aging. With a curriculum emphasizing scholarly excellence, the program prepares candidates for university faculty positions. Currently not accepting applications, this program offers a unique opportunity for advanced scholars seeking to make significant contributions to sport and exercise science through rigorous academic training.
- 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 Denver
Denver, CO - Private 4-year - du.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Denver's Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology offers a transformative two-year journey for aspiring performance enhancement professionals. The program uniquely bridges academic rigor with practical application, preparing students to excel in sports, performing arts, and mental health domains. Students engage in specialized training that develops advanced psychological techniques for optimizing human potential. With opportunities like the nonprofit consulting organization CPEX and comprehensive capstone project experiences, graduates gain robust skill sets for diverse high-performance contexts. The curriculum emphasizes applied training, specialized elective courses, and extensive community networking in Denver's dynamic professional landscape.
- Two-year Master's degree program
- Nonprofit consulting organization CPEX
- Applied training opportunities
- Unique performance psychology focus
- Specialized elective courses
- Denver community networking
- Capstone project experience
- High-performance contexts training
- Multiple professional application areas
Adams State University
Alamosa, CO - Public 4-Year - adams.edu
Bachelor's - Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Adams State University's Sport Psychology bachelor's program offers an immersive exploration of psychological principles applied to human performance. Students engage with advanced psychological techniques, developing critical research skills and understanding diverse psychological perspectives. The curriculum comprehensively prepares individuals for dynamic careers in performance enhancement, mental training, and human potential optimization. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications, students learn to analyze and improve psychological factors influencing athletic and personal performance. The program cultivates a deep understanding of mental strength techniques, research methodologies, and psychological interventions across various performance contexts.
- BA in Sport Psychology
- Focuses on human performance psychology
- Research-oriented curriculum
- Diverse psychological perspectives
- Mental performance techniques
Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology
Concentration: Applied Sport Psychology - Online Learning - Visit Website
Adams State University's Master of Science in Kinesiology with Applied Sport Psychology is a cutting-edge online program tailored for professionals seeking advanced expertise. Spanning 36 credits completable in two years, the curriculum delves deep into performance enhancement strategies and mental training techniques. Students benefit from comprehensive coursework covering specialized sport psychology domains, ethical practice, and practical internship experiences. The program strategically prepares graduates for diverse roles in athletic performance optimization, organizational mental training, and sports counseling. Notably designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning pathways and emphasizes research-driven methodological approaches to mental performance enhancement.
- Online 36-credit program
- Two-year completion timeline
- Applied Sport Psychology emphasis
- Practical internship experiences
- Comprehensive research methods
- Nine specialized sport psychology courses
- Mental strength training focus
- Ethical practice coursework
- Capstone project requirement
- Flexible for working professionals
Western Colorado University
Gunnison, CO - Public 4-Year - western.edu
Bachelor's - Exercise and Sport Science Comprehensive Major
Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Western Colorado University's Sport Psychology concentration within the Exercise and Sport Science Comprehensive Major offers a transformative academic experience for aspiring sports psychologists. Students delve into advanced psychological principles specific to athletic performance, exploring complex mental training strategies and interventions. The program uniquely balances theoretical knowledge with practical skill development, preparing graduates for diverse professional roles in sports performance enhancement, coaching psychology, and athlete counseling. Notably, the curriculum emphasizes mental performance techniques, providing comprehensive psychological skills training that distinguishes students in competitive career landscapes. With opportunities for advanced graduate studies and a robust minor program, students gain comprehensive insights into the intricate psychological dynamics of sports participation and performance optimization.
- Sport Psychology Minor available
- Part of Exercise and Sport Science department
- Comprehensive psychological skills training
- Courses include mental performance techniques
- Prepares for advanced graduate studies
Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Colorado?
In response to the growing demand for flexible education, online sports psychology programs have gained popularity nationwide. Colorado offers specific online programs in sports psychology through various universities within the state, such as the online MS in Applied Sports Psychology at Adams State University. These online programs enable students to pursue their studies remotely, offering flexibility for those with other commitments or residing outside the state.
Online sports psychology programs are advantageous in numerous ways, 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 Colorado can explore online programs offered by renowned universities within the state or in other states to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.
Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Colorado
To practice as a sports psychologist in Colorado, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners. The licensure process involves several steps:
- Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Colorado 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 means working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to gain 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 Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.
Sports psychologists can pursue certifications to become more attractive to employers and to demonstrate their expertise. Two common certifications in the field of sports psychology are the Board Certified in Sport Psychology (BCS) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credentials. Requirements for these certifications include 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 Colorado 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 Colorado
Colorado offers many career opportunities in sports psychology. Graduates can find employment in environments including professional sports organizations, college athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. Common employers in the state include:
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- University of Colorado Athletics Department
- Colorado State University Athletics
Sports psychologists in Colorado 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.
List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Colorado
Alamosa, CO
Adams State University
- Bachelor's - Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- BA in Sport Psychology
- Focuses on human performance psychology
- Research-oriented curriculum
- Diverse psychological perspectives
- Mental performance techniques
- Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology
Concentration: Applied Sport Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- Online 36-credit program
- Two-year completion timeline
- Applied Sport Psychology emphasis
- Practical internship experiences
- Comprehensive research methods
- Nine specialized sport psychology courses
- Mental strength training focus
- Ethical practice coursework
Denver, CO
University of Denver
- Master's - Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Two-year Master's degree program
- Nonprofit consulting organization CPEX
- Applied training opportunities
- Unique performance psychology focus
- Specialized elective courses
- Denver community networking
- Capstone project experience
- High-performance contexts training
Greeley, CO
University of Northern Colorado
- Master's - M.S. in Sport and Exercise Science: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
Concentration: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity - Campus Based - Website
- 33 total credit hours
- 2-year completion time
- Located in Greeley, CO
- Thesis or comprehensive exam
- Research-focused curriculum
- Prepares for doctoral programs
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Diverse career opportunities
- 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
Gunnison, CO
Western Colorado University
- Bachelor's - Exercise and Sport Science Comprehensive Major
Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Sport Psychology Minor available
- Part of Exercise and Sport Science department
- Comprehensive psychological skills training
- Courses include mental performance techniques
- Prepares for advanced graduate studies
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