Sports Psychology Programs in Florida
Sports psychology is pivotal in enhancing athlete performance and well-being in Florida. Known for its vibrant sports culture and numerous professional sports teams, Florida offers exciting opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists to make a significant impact. In this article, we will explore the sports psychology programs available in Florida, including degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career opportunities.
Sports Psychology Programs in Florida
There is currently only one type of sports psychology degree available in Florida — a master’s degree. Two Florida schools currently offer this degree option; the Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, MS offered at Barry University and the Master’s in Sport Psychology offered at Florida State University. These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors influencing sports performance, injury recovery, and overall athlete well-being. If you’re interested in applying to a bachelor’s, doctorate, or graduate certificate program in sports psychology, check out the information below.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Sports Psychology will help 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.
Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Florida?
Online sports psychology programs have grown in popularity due to their flexibility for students and professionals with other commitments. Currently, there are no specific online programs in sports psychology available within the state.
Online sports psychology programs are popular for many reasons: allowing students to study at their own pace, access resources and materials from anywhere, and connect with other students from diverse backgrounds. Though there are none available within the state, aspiring sports psychologists in Florida can explore online programs offered by renowned universities outside of the state.
2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Florida
Barry University
Miami, FL - Private 4-year - barry.edu
Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Master's in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology offers a comprehensive STEM-powered program for aspiring mental performance professionals. Students engage in hands-on training with NCAA athletes, learning advanced psychological techniques from certified consultants. The program provides flexible career tracks, preparing graduates for roles as mental performance coaches, licensed psychologists, and sports performance specialists. With a priority application deadline of March 1st and an optional GRE requirement, students benefit from a 15-student cohort and potential dual degree opportunities with an MBA. The curriculum emphasizes research-based learning and practical application in athletic performance enhancement.
- STEM-powered psychology program
- Certified Mental Performance Consultants faculty
- Hands-on experience with athletes
- Multiple program track options
- AASP certification preparation
- Priority application deadline March 1
- 15 seats per cohort
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- GRE score optional
- Dual degree SEPP/MBA available
Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Concentration: Applied Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Applied Track in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology provides a dynamic master's program focused on practical performance psychology. Students explore diverse career pathways through hands-on training with NCAA athletes, guided by certified mental performance consultants. The program offers four unique track options, ensuring personalized professional development and comprehensive skill acquisition. With competitive tuition rates, graduate assistantships, and AASP certification preparation, students gain extensive experience in working with athletes, coaches, and professionals across various performance domains. The program maintains a selective 15-student annual cohort with a 3.0 GPA minimum requirement.
- STEM-powered master's program
- 4 unique track options
- Certified faculty
- NCAA athlete experience
- AASP certification preparation
- 15 student cohort annually
- March 1 application deadline
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Competitive tuition rates
- Graduate assistantships available
Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Concentration: Thesis Track - Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Thesis Track in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology provides a research-oriented master's degree designed for professionals seeking advanced psychological insights. Students engage in comprehensive academic exploration, working alongside certified faculty and gaining hands-on experience with NCAA Division II athletes. The program emphasizes STEM-powered curriculum, mental skills training, and AASP certification preparation. With a focused 15-student cohort and a March 1st priority deadline, students develop sophisticated research skills and practical expertise in performance psychology, preparing for impactful careers in sports psychology, coaching, and performance enhancement.
- SEPP faculty are Certified Consultants
- AASP certification preparation
- Multiple program track options
- NCAA DII athlete experience
- STEM-powered curriculum
- 15-seat cohort program
- Priority deadline March 1st
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Hands-on mental skills training
Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS) / MBA
Concentration: Dual Degree - Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Dual Degree MS/MBA in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology offers a comprehensive professional development pathway. This innovative program integrates psychological expertise with essential business management skills, creating a holistic approach to performance enhancement. Students complete 60-69 total credits, exploring sport psychology certification tracks, professional ethics, and diverse elective options. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, positioning graduates for dynamic careers in sports, fitness, and organizational leadership. Set in Southeast Florida's vibrant sports environment, the program provides unique opportunities for applied learning and professional growth.
- Dual Degree: MS and MBA
- 60-69 total credits
- Sport psychology certification track
- Southeast Florida sports environment
- Applied and research tracks
- Professional ethics focus
- Hands-on experience opportunities
- Multiple elective options
- Combines theory and practice
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a major in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Master's in Sport Psychology stands out as a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for ambitious performance professionals. The curriculum delves deep into athlete psychology, emphasizing scientific training and practical skill development. Students benefit from extensive hands-on experiences, engaging directly with athletes across competitive levels. The program's unique strength lies in its comprehensive approach, offering mentorship towards CMPC certification and providing 40-120 potential contact hours. With a research-focused curriculum and a dedicated Sport Psychology Laboratory, graduates are strategically positioned for diverse career paths in academia, professional sports organizations, and performance enhancement sectors.
- Master's and PhD programs available
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- January 15th application deadline
- 40-120 contact hours possible
- Research-focused curriculum
- Sport Psychology Laboratory
- Mentorship for CMPC certification
- Hands-on athlete experience
- Multiple career pathway options
- International student friendly
Doctorate - Doctoral degree program in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Doctoral program in Sport Psychology represents a pinnacle of advanced training for professionals seeking comprehensive understanding of athlete performance and mental wellness. This research-driven curriculum offers profound scientific insights through intensive coursework and extensive research opportunities. With a stringent 3.5 GPA requirement and mandatory GRE for PhD candidates, the program maintains high academic standards. Students engage in cutting-edge research within the Sport Psychology Laboratory, gaining mentorship towards professional certification. The program's versatility allows graduates to pursue impactful careers in academia, professional sports, military performance enhancement, and related fields, making it a premier choice for aspiring sport psychology scholars.
- 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
Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Florida
To practice as a sports psychologist in Florida, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Florida Board of Psychology. The licensure process involves several steps:
- Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Florida 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 involves providing counseling and utilizing mental health techniques for athletes under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists.
- Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the educational and clinical requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Florida Board of Psychology. 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 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 Florida 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 Florida
Florida offers a wide range of career opportunities in sports psychology. With numerous professional sports teams, colleges and universities with strong athletic programs, and a vibrant sports culture, sports psychologists in Florida can find employment in various settings, including:
- Miami Dolphins (NFL)
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Florida Gators Athletics Department (University of Florida)
- Florida State University Athletics
- University of Miami Athletics Department
Florida sports psychologists 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 importance of mental health in sports, numerous opportunities exist for sports psychologists in Florida to profoundly impact athletes’ lives and athletic performance.
List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Florida
Miami, FL
Barry University
- Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS) / MBA
Concentration: Dual Degree - Campus Based - Website
- Dual Degree: MS and MBA
- 60-69 total credits
- Sport psychology certification track
- Southeast Florida sports environment
- Applied and research tracks
- Professional ethics focus
- Hands-on experience opportunities
- Multiple elective options
- Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Campus Based - Website
- STEM-powered psychology program
- Certified Mental Performance Consultants faculty
- Hands-on experience with athletes
- Multiple program track options
- AASP certification preparation
- Priority application deadline March 1
- 15 seats per cohort
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Concentration: Applied Track - Campus Based - Website
- STEM-powered master's program
- 4 unique track options
- Certified faculty
- NCAA athlete experience
- AASP certification preparation
- 15 student cohort annually
- March 1 application deadline
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Master's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Concentration: Thesis Track - Campus Based - Website
- SEPP faculty are Certified Consultants
- AASP certification preparation
- Multiple program track options
- NCAA DII athlete experience
- STEM-powered curriculum
- 15-seat cohort program
- Priority deadline March 1st
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
Tallahassee, FL
Florida State University
- Master's - Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a major in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Master's and PhD programs available
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- January 15th application deadline
- 40-120 contact hours possible
- Research-focused curriculum
- Sport Psychology Laboratory
- Mentorship for CMPC certification
- Hands-on athlete experience
- 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
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