Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois

Sports psychology is a growing sub-field of psychology that aims to enhance athletic performance through mental wellbeing. Utilizing sports psychology techniques, athletes can improve their mental resilience and eliminate psychological factors that negatively impact their performance. In Illinois, a vibrant hub for sports and athletic excellence, aspiring sports psychologists have exciting prospects. In this article, we will explore the sports psychology programs available in Illinois, encompassing degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career opportunities.

Sports Psychology Degree programs in the State of Illinois

SportsPsychology.org Staff Writer | Updated/Verified: Aug 12, 2025

Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois

If you’re looking to enroll in a sports psychology master’s degree program, Illinois has several to choose from. However, if you’re interested in bachelor’s degrees, doctorate degrees, or graduate certificates in sports psychology, you’ll have to look for them in other states. Fortunately, online sports psychology programs exist, so if you can’t relocate, you can have your sports psychology degree program delivered right to your laptop. For more info see the sections below:

Bachelor’s Degree: Online or out-of-state 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.

Esteemed sports psychology programs available in Illinois include the Master’s in Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity program offered at Illinois State University and the Master of Science in Applied Exercise Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago. 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 Illinois?

While only one online sports psychology program exists within the State of Illinois (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville), students in Illinois can also enroll in sports psychology programs of all levels from across the country. Online sports psychology programs are quite advantageous for those who wish to study at their own pace and work from the comfort of their own homes. Today’s online programs also allow students to connect with professors and fellow students remotely. Aspiring sports psychologists in Illinois can consider online programs offered in-state, which sometimes comes with a tuition break, or in any state across the nation, provided it is properly accredited.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois

Illinois stands out as a premier destination for aspiring sports psychologists, offering exceptional academic programs that prepare students to excel in this dynamic field. At sportspsychology.org, we've comprehensively evaluated the state's top universities, examining their curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student outcomes. Our rigorous analysis reveals the most innovative and comprehensive sports psychology programs across Illinois, designed to help students understand the intricate mental dynamics of athletic performance. These programs not only provide cutting-edge theoretical knowledge but also practical training that empowers future sports psychologists to support athletes at every competitive level.

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL - Private 4-year - olivet.edu

Bachelor's - Sports Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Olivet Nazarene University's Sports Psychology program offers a robust undergraduate pathway for students passionate about understanding athletic performance psychology. With a comprehensive curriculum integrating psychological principles and practical applications, students develop critical skills in performance enhancement, mental conditioning, and athlete wellness. The program uniquely prepares graduates for diverse careers in coaching, rehabilitation, and sports management. Military-friendly and grounded in the Church of the Nazarene's values, the program emphasizes professional development through specialized coursework and club opportunities. Students gain deep insights into human movement psychology, positioning themselves as future leaders in supporting athletes' holistic mental and physical performance.

Undergraduate Sports Psychology major
Behavioral knowledge for performance enhancement
Careers in coaching and rehabilitation
Courses in psychology and sports
Professional club opportunities

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 represents an innovative hybrid program preparing professionals for advanced mental performance roles. Uniquely designed for working professionals, the curriculum offers 100% online delivery with flexible evening courses completed in 12-22 months. Students receive comprehensive training in psychological performance enhancement, developing skills to understand athletic behaviors and mental conditioning strategies. The program emphasizes CMPC certification preparation, professional development, and research opportunities. Coursework integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications across sports, fitness, and behavioral medicine domains, positioning graduates for diverse career pathways in performance psychology.

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

Illinois State University

Normal, IL - Public 4-Year - illinoisstate.edu

Master's - Master’s in Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity

Campus Based - Visit Website

Illinois State University's Master's in Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity provides a comprehensive 33-credit program designed for aspiring sports psychology professionals. The curriculum emphasizes advanced research skills, athlete development, and performance psychology, offering flexible learning pathways including thesis and professional practice options. Students benefit from specialized coursework covering psychological dynamics in athletic settings, with opportunities for individual study plans and practicum experiences. The program prepares graduates to excel in sports psychology, coaching, research, and performance enhancement roles across diverse athletic and organizational environments. Prospective students should be prepared for a rigorous academic experience that balances theoretical knowledge with practical application in sports psychology.

33-credit master's program
Psychology of Sport sequence
Research and practical experience
Flexible culminating options
Online and campus learning
6-hour research core
9 hours core sport psychology courses
Individual study plan
Practicum and independent study
Faculty-student advisement

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL - Public 4-Year - uic.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

Concentration: Performance, Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Illinois Chicago's Master of Science in Kinesiology with Performance, Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration offers a transformative two-year program designed for aspiring mental performance professionals. Students develop advanced psychological assessment skills and consulting techniques through intensive 400-hour mentored experiences across diverse performance environments. The curriculum strategically prepares graduates for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification, emphasizing professional ethics, cultural competence, and practical consulting opportunities. Unique program features include comprehensive hands-on training, nine credit hours per semester, and structured practicum and internship components that equip students with cutting-edge intervention strategies for athletes, teams, and organizations.

Two-year full-time study option
CMPC certification pathway
400 hours mentored experience
Hands-on consulting opportunities
Practical skills development
Diverse performance environments
Practicum and internship included
Nine credit hours per semester
Core and recommended classes
Professional ethics training

Adler University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - adler.edu

Master's - M.S. in Sport and Human Performance

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's M.S. in Sport and Human Performance offers a transformative 38-credit program that bridges clinical psychology and athletic performance. Students receive comprehensive training in mental skills development, focusing on socially responsible practice across diverse sporting environments. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on externships, enabling learners to accumulate professional certification hours while working directly with athletes and performers. Unique program features include mentorship from leading practitioners, opportunities for mental performance consulting, and a robust 200-hour social justice practicum. Graduates are prepared for multifaceted careers in youth sports, professional organizations, coaching, and performance enhancement consulting.

38-credit Master's program
AASP certification opportunities
Externship field placements
Socially responsible approach
Mentorship from practitioners
Multiple career pathway options
Chicago campus location
Recommended 3.0 GPA
Dual degree option available
200-hour social justice practicum

Master's - M.S. in Sport and Human Performance / M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's integrated M.S. in Sport and Human Performance with Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration provides a sophisticated approach to athlete psychological support. This comprehensive program combines advanced mental performance techniques with clinical counseling principles, enabling students to develop holistic interventions for athletic populations. The curriculum emphasizes practical training, professional development, and socially responsible practice. Students gain extensive externship experience, preparing them for diverse career paths in sports psychology, mental performance consulting, and clinical mental health settings. Program highlights include AASP certification opportunities, professional mentorship, and a rigorous 200-hour social justice practicum.

38-credit hour program
AASP certification opportunities
Externship field placements
Mental performance consultant training
Socially responsible practice focus
Recommended 3.0 GPA requirement
Professional development emphasis
Multiple career pathway options
Mentorship from certified professionals
200-hour social justice practicum

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Data sourced from: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Illinois

To practice as a sports psychologist in Illinois, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The licensure process involves several steps:

Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Illinois 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: Programs will also require that students complete a certain amount of supervised clinical experience hours. This means working under the guidance of professional sports psychologists. Your state an program will dictate how many clinical hours will be needed.
Licensing Examination: Once the educational and supervised experience hours are completed, candidates must pass a licensing exam administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This examination will test the student on psychology principles, ethics, and the application of sports psychological techniques.

Aside from licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications and credentials to demonstrate specialized expertise. Two popular sports psychology certifications include 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 exam.

By fulfilling licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Illinois 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.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Illinois

Illinois offers various 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:

Sports psychologists in Illinois 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 mental health’s significance in sports, sports psychologists are poised to make a big impact on the lives and success of athletes.

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Illinois

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