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: Mar 9, 2026

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

Finding the best sports psychology programs in Illinois helps students choose the right path for their careers. At sportspsychology.org, we rank these programs to guide your decision. Our rankings look at factors like faculty expertise, curriculum quality, and student outcomes. We provide clear information so you can compare options easily. Check our rankings to see which Illinois schools stand out in sports psychology education. For details on how we create these rankings, visit https://www.sportspsychology.org/ranking-methodology/.
#1

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL - Public 4-Year - siue.edu

Master's - MS in Kinesiology (Exercise and Sport Psychology)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's MS in Kinesiology with an Exercise and Sport Psychology concentration is a hybrid program blending online flexibility with structured learning. This 12-22 month program focuses specifically on exercise and sport psychology, covering mental training, coaching psychology, and physical activity promotion. The curriculum helps prepare students for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification while providing strong faculty mentoring and connections to Division I athletics. The program requires an entrance exam for admission, with evening classes and asynchronous options available to accommodate working professionals.

  • Master of Science degree
  • Exercise and Sport Psychology specialization
  • 100% online program
  • 12-22 month completion
  • Evening class schedule
  • Some asynchronous courses
  • Strong faculty mentoring
  • Optimal student-faculty ratio
  • Personalized attention
  • Career-focused advising
#2

Olivet Nazarene University

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

Bachelor's - Sports Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Olivet Nazarene University's undergraduate Sports Psychology program provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological principles applied to athletic performance. Students examine mental strategies and human movement psychology to enhance physical and mental well-being in sports, recreation, and fitness contexts. This campus-based program prepares graduates for careers in coaching, wellness management, and rehabilitation through courses blending theory with practical applications. As an undergraduate program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams. The curriculum emphasizes behavioral knowledge for performance enhancement, supported by professional club opportunities and a focus on developing skills for diverse sports settings.

  • Undergraduate Sports Psychology major
  • Behavioral knowledge for performance enhancement
  • Careers in coaching and rehabilitation
  • Courses in psychology and sports
  • Professional club opportunities
#3

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 of Science in Kinesiology and Recreation features a Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity sequence. This 33-hour campus-based program requires a 6-hour research core, 9 hours of sport psychology coursework, and culminates with either a thesis or professional practice option. Admissions follow Graduate School standards, which typically include entrance exams like the GRE, though specific requirements aren't detailed in the provided information. The program emphasizes faculty-student advisement and offers practical experiences through practicum opportunities.

  • 33-hour program.
  • M.S. degree offered.
  • Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity sequence.
  • 6-hour research core.
  • 9 hours in sport psychology courses.
  • Cognate area hours required.
  • Culminating experience options.
  • Thesis or professional practice.
  • Campus-based delivery.
  • Part of Kinesiology and Recreation.
#4

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 Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance is a 38-credit campus program in Chicago that trains students in mental skills training to enhance athletic performance and well-being. This two-year full-time program includes specialized coursework, applied training, and mentorship from Certified Mental Performance Consultants, preparing students for AASP certification through mentored externships. Admissions require a bachelor's degree, recommended 3.0 GPA, application materials, and an interview; no entrance exam is mentioned. The program emphasizes integrating culture, community, and social justice with performance psychology, offering career paths as mental performance consultants or wellness specialists.

  • 38-credit program.
  • Two-year full-time study.
  • AASP-certification preparation.
  • Part-time opportunities available.
  • CMPC mentorship included.
  • Dual-degree option offered.
  • 8-15 months externship placements.
  • Chicago-area field training.
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Recommended 3.0 GPA.

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's dual-degree M.S. in Sport and Human Performance/M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling combines sport psychology with clinical counseling training. This 38-credit campus program in Chicago focuses on the Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration, preparing students for AASP certification through mentored externships and CMPC mentorship over two years of full-time study. Admissions require a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, statement of intent, resume, transcripts, two letters, and an interview; no entrance exam is specified. The curriculum includes core courses, field training, and a social justice practicum, with tuition at $37,191 for the first year plus fees.

  • 38 credits
  • 2-year program
  • Full-time study
  • Part-time opportunities
  • Campus program in Chicago
  • AASP-certification preparation
  • CMPC mentorship
  • Dual-degree option
  • 8-15 months externship
  • Social justice practicum
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2024. 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

Jump to City:

Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University

  • Bachelor's - Sports Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

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

Chicago, IL

Adler University

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

    Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Website

    • 38 credits
    • 2-year program
    • Full-time study
    • Part-time opportunities
    • Campus program in Chicago
    • AASP-certification preparation
    • CMPC mentorship
    • Dual-degree option
  • Master's - M.S. in Sport and Human Performance

    Campus Based - Website

    • 38-credit program.
    • Two-year full-time study.
    • AASP-certification preparation.
    • Part-time opportunities available.
    • CMPC mentorship included.
    • Dual-degree option offered.
    • 8-15 months externship placements.
    • Chicago-area field training.

University of Illinois Chicago

  • MS in Kinesiology

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

  • Master's - MS in Kinesiology

    Concentration: Exercise and Sport Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Science degree
    • Exercise and Sport Psychology specialization
    • 100% online program
    • 12-22 month completion
    • Evening class schedule
    • Some asynchronous courses
    • Strong faculty mentoring
    • Optimal student-faculty ratio

Normal, IL

Illinois State University

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

    Campus Based - Website

    • 33-hour program.
    • M.S. degree offered.
    • Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity sequence.
    • 6-hour research core.
    • 9 hours in sport psychology courses.
    • Cognate area hours required.
    • Culminating experience options.
    • Thesis or professional practice.
*Data sourced from: NCES IPEDS survey, 2024. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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