Ranked online degrees, licensure steps, and career paths for aspiring sport psychologists in the Granite State.
New Hampshire has no standalone sports psychology degree program at any in-state college or university, a gap that pushes Granite State students toward online programs or nearby campuses in Massachusetts, sports psychology programs in Connecticut, and Vermont. That constraint matters more now than it did a decade ago. Demand for mental performance professionals is climbing across New Hampshire's collegiate athletic departments, youth travel organizations, and high school programs, yet the pipeline of locally trained practitioners remains thin.
Online degrees have closed much of this access gap. Accredited programs from schools across the country accept NH residents at competitive tuition rates, and most satisfy the coursework requirements for either New Hampshire psychologist licensure or the Certified Mental Performance Consultant credential. The real decision point for most students is not whether they can access quality training, but which credential track, clinical licensure or CMPC certification, aligns with the type of work they want to do.
If you have been searching for a sports psychology degree at a New Hampshire college or university, you have probably noticed a gap. No institution in the state currently offers a dedicated sports psychology major or graduate program. That is not a reflection of low demand; it simply means the Granite State's smaller higher-education landscape has not built out a standalone degree in this specialty. Understanding that reality is the first step toward finding the right path forward.
A handful of New Hampshire schools do offer individual courses that touch on the field. The University of New Hampshire lists SML 560, a sport psychology elective within its kinesiology offerings, and NHTI (Concord's Community College) includes PSYC226AC as a psychology elective with applied content. These courses can give you a valuable introduction, and they may even count toward elective requirements in a broader degree. However, a single elective is not a substitute for the structured curriculum, supervised practicum hours, and research training that a full sports psychology program provides.
For most New Hampshire students, regionally accredited online programs are the clearest route to a sports psychology degree. This is not a compromise. Online degrees from CACREP-accredited or regionally accredited institutions carry the same weight as on-campus degrees when you apply for licensure or credentialing. New Hampshire's Board of Mental Health Practice does not distinguish between online and in-person delivery formats, so long as the program meets its educational standards. That means you can stay in-state, keep working, and still earn a degree that qualifies you for the next step in your career. Students in neighboring states with similar landscapes, such as sports psychology programs for Maine students, face comparable situations and benefit from the same online approach.
Before you start comparing schools, it helps to understand that "sports psychology" actually spans two distinct professional tracks.
Both tracks are legitimate and rewarding, but they require different educational foundations. Clinical programs lean heavily on counseling theory and psychopathology, while performance consulting programs emphasize applied sport science and mental performance techniques. Knowing which track aligns with your goals will help you narrow down the right online program from the start.
The sections ahead break down specific programs, costs, and licensure steps so you can make that decision with confidence.
Because New Hampshire does not currently have an in-state sports psychology degree program, online programs are the primary pathway for Granite State students who want to enter the field without relocating. The programs below are ranked using a quality composite that weighs online accessibility alongside graduation rates, institutional outcomes, and program-specific features. All accept students from New Hampshire and can be completed remotely, though a few hybrid options may require limited on-site visits. Program-level median earnings are not yet available for these specific sports psychology programs, so we include institution-wide earnings at ten years after enrollment for broader context.
Tempe, AZ · $15,000/yr
Best for: Undergrads seeking a counseling-focused foundation
Arizona State University is a globally recognized research institution that offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science with a Sport and Performance Counseling concentration. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 68% and median earnings of $62,668 ten years after enrollment, ASU combines scale with strong outcomes. NH students pay out-of-state tuition of $33,139, and internships can typically be arranged locally, meaning Granite State residents can gain supervised field experience without leaving New Hampshire.
Edwardsville, IL · $15,000/yr
Best for: Working professionals pursuing CMPC certification
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville delivers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise and Sport Psychology specialization that can be completed in as few as 12 months. The program is designed with working professionals in mind, offering evening and asynchronous course options. Its coursework aligns with Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification requirements, and the institution reports a 57% graduation rate with median ten-year earnings of $56,346. Out-of-state tuition is $10,488, making it one of the more affordable master's options on this list.
Springfield, MA · ~$31,000/yr (est.)
Best for: New England students wanting regional career connections
Springfield College, located in neighboring Massachusetts, is widely regarded as one of New England's premier institutions for sport and exercise psychology. Its fully online, asynchronous Master of Education in Sport and Exercise Psychology includes a 135-hour applied internship that can be completed in New Hampshire with approved supervisors. The college holds the highest institution-wide graduation rate on this list at 74.2%, with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Tuition is $33,722, and NH students benefit from the college's strong regional alumni network across New England schools and athletic programs.
New Haven, CT · $21,000/yr
Southern Connecticut State University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Exercise Science with a Sport Psychology concentration that prepares students for CMPC certification through the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. At 33 to 34 credits, the interdisciplinary program draws faculty from three departments. NH students can take advantage of the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Flexible Program, which provides a reduced tuition rate because New Hampshire lacks a comparable in-state program. Out-of-state tuition is $21,727, though the NEBHE discount can lower that figure.
Riverside, CA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
California Baptist University provides a fully online, asynchronous Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology that requires 49 units and can be finished in 16 months of full-time study. With six entry points per year and year-round admissions, the program is built for flexibility and transfer students. The institution reports a 61.9% graduation rate and median ten-year earnings of $61,504. Tuition is $41,228, though per-unit pricing of $520 plus fees may result in a lower total for students who transfer credits.
Kingsville, TX · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a hybrid Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Performance Psychology concentration that extends beyond traditional sport settings to include tactical and performing arts populations. Students choose from three degree plans ranging from 30 to 36 credit hours, including thesis, internship, and course-only tracks. The curriculum aligns with AASP standards and prepares graduates for the CMPC exam. Out-of-state tuition is $14,560, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 41.9%.
Troy, AL · $15,000 – $20,000/yr
Troy University delivers a hybrid Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Sports Psychology concentration that emphasizes hands-on internship experience with athletes. The program features flexible online coursework, rolling admissions with no application deadline, and faculty with professional sport psychology experience. Out-of-state tuition is $17,100, and the institution reports a 50.3% graduation rate with median ten-year earnings of $42,062. NH students can typically arrange internship placements with local athletic programs.
Kent, OH · ~$21,000/yr (est.)
Kent State University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology that covers motivation, mental training, stress management, and injury psychology across 120 credit hours. The program includes a practicum experience that can be arranged near the student's home, making it practical for NH residents. The institution holds a 63.7% graduation rate with an 81% retention rate. Out-of-state tuition is $21,575, with published total program costs around $54,900 for non-residents.
San Diego, CA · ~$23,000/yr (est.)
National University stands out for offering a complete bachelor's-through-doctorate pipeline in sport psychology, all fully online. NH students can progress from a BA in Sport Psychology through an MS or MA and into a PhD specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology without ever leaving the state. Multiple master's tracks include an Applied Mental Performance specialization with 200-plus direct client contact hours and CMPC-aligned coursework. The institution reports median ten-year earnings of $67,548, and admissions require no application fee, essays, or entrance exams at most levels.
Alamosa, CO · $13,000/yr (net price)
Adams State University provides one of the most affordable online master's options for NH students, with out-of-state tuition of just $5,898. Its 36-credit Master of Science in Kinesiology with an Applied Sport Psychology concentration can be completed in two years and includes coursework in mental strength, ethics, case studies, and diversity in sport. All courses are delivered online, and students complete internships and a capstone project. The institution-wide graduation rate is 39.4%, and no entrance exam is required for admission.
Choosing the right degree level is one of the most important decisions you will make on your path into sports psychology. A bachelor's degree builds foundational knowledge but is not sufficient for independent practice. A master's degree is the minimum credential required to pursue Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification, while a doctorate is necessary if you want to become a licensed psychologist in New Hampshire or any other state.
New Hampshire does not offer a separate "sports psychologist" license. Practitioners who want to work clinically with athletes must hold a general psychologist license issued by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, then apply their training to sport populations.1 If your goal is strictly mental performance consulting (think goal setting, visualization, and focus training rather than diagnosing or treating mental health conditions), a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology offers an alternative route that does not require a psychology license.
Below is a clear, step-by-step pathway covering both tracks.
Start with a bachelor's degree in psychology, kinesiology, exercise science, or a closely related field. Coursework in research methods, statistics, human anatomy, and developmental psychology will build the foundation you need regardless of which track you pursue later. Most programs take four years of full-time study.
Your next move depends on which credential you are targeting.
For the licensed psychologist path, New Hampshire requires both a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral supervised practice hours before you can sit for the licensing exam.1 These supervised experiences ensure you can competently assess, diagnose, and treat clients under the guidance of a licensed professional.
For the CMPC path, you must complete mentored experience hours working directly with athletes or performers under an approved mentor. This mentorship is separate from any state-level clinical supervision requirement.
Once you have met the degree, supervised experience, and exam requirements, submit your application to the appropriate body. Licensed psychologists apply through the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice. CMPC candidates apply through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
Holding a CMPC credential alone does not authorize you to use the title "psychologist" in New Hampshire.1 CMPC holders can provide mental performance consulting services, but they cannot diagnose mental health conditions or represent themselves as psychologists. If you want to offer both clinical therapy and performance consulting to athletes, the doctoral, licensed psychologist route is the path you need.
Mapping out these steps early helps you choose the right graduate program, budget your time realistically, and avoid costly detours. If you are also exploring requirements in neighboring states, our guide to how to become a sports psychologist in Maine covers a similar process. The resources on this site can help you compare programs that align with whichever track fits your career goals.
New Hampshire offers two primary tracks for aspiring sports psychology professionals. The licensed psychologist track requires a doctoral degree and takes roughly 8 to 12 years from your first undergraduate course to independent practice. The certified mental performance consultant (CMPC) track is master's level and can be completed in approximately 6 to 8 years. Both paths begin with the same undergraduate foundation, then diverge based on whether you pursue clinical licensure through the New Hampshire Board of Psychologists or performance consulting certification through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
If you want to work in sports psychology in New Hampshire, you will likely pursue one of two main credentials: licensure as a psychologist through the NH Board of Mental Health Practice, or the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) designation through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). The right choice depends on whether your goal is to provide clinical mental health treatment or to focus on performance enhancement coaching. Here is how the two credentials compare across the most important categories.
| Category | Licensed Psychologist (NH Board of Mental Health Practice) | Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC, AASP) |
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology from an accredited program | Master's degree or doctoral degree in sport science, kinesiology, psychology, or a closely related field |
| Supervised Experience | Minimum of 3,600 hours of supervised professional practice, including a predoctoral internship | Minimum of 400 hours of mentored performance consulting experience under an approved mentor |
| Examination | Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), plus any state jurisprudence requirements | CMPC certification exam administered by AASP |
| Scope of Practice | Can diagnose and treat clinical mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma in athlete and non-athlete populations | Focuses on performance enhancement, including mental skills training like goal setting, imagery, and focus strategies; cannot diagnose or treat mental health disorders |
| Insurance Billing | Eligible to bill health insurance companies for clinical services | Generally not eligible to bill insurance; clients typically pay out of pocket or through team and organizational contracts |
| Typical Work Settings | Private clinical practice, hospitals, university counseling centers, sports medicine clinics | College and professional athletic departments, private consulting, sports academies, Olympic training centers |
| Time to Credential | Approximately 8 to 12 years (undergraduate through postdoctoral supervision) | Approximately 6 to 8 years (undergraduate through mentored hours at the master's or doctoral level) |
New Hampshire may be a small state, but it offers meaningful career pathways for sports psychology professionals. Whether you plan to work with Division I athletes, youth leagues, or private clients, understanding realistic salary expectations and employer options will help you plan your next steps.
Because sport psychology is a specialized niche, the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track it as a standalone occupation. The closest proxy categories give a useful range. According to May 2023 BLS data for New Hampshire1:
For national context, the BLS reported a median annual wage of about $94,310 for all psychologists in 2024.2 The "all other" psychologist category had a national median of roughly $117,750 in 2023.3 Your actual earnings in New Hampshire will depend heavily on your credential level, whether you hold a doctoral degree or a master's with CMPC certification, and whether you bill through a clinical license or work in a consulting capacity.
Program-level earnings data for graduates of the online sports psychology programs featured on sportspsychology.org are not yet available at the degree-specific level, so it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what a sports psychology master's graduate earns in the first few years after completing their program. Institutional-level data suggests that graduates of schools like Arizona State University and National University report median earnings in the low-to-mid $60,000s roughly ten years after enrollment, but those figures reflect all graduates across all majors, not sport psychology specifically.
The state's job market for sport psychology professionals is concentrated in a few key areas:
One of the most appealing aspects of a career in sport psychology is its flexibility. Mental performance consulting translates naturally to remote delivery, meaning you can live in New Hampshire while serving clients across the country. Video-based sessions, virtual team workshops, and digital mental skills curricula have become standard in the field, especially since 2020. This opens your earning potential well beyond what the local market alone might support. Students in other small-population states like Alaska face similar dynamics and often rely on the same remote strategies.
If you hold a clinical license, you will need to follow telehealth regulations for each state where your clients reside. But if you operate as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant without a clinical license, the consulting model allows you to work with athletes nationwide without the same state-by-state restrictions. For New Hampshire residents who earn their degree online and want to stay in the Granite State, this remote flexibility can be a significant advantage.
Because New Hampshire does not currently have in-state sports psychology programs, online options from out-of-state schools are the go-to route for NH students. The table below ranks the five lowest-cost programs by net price after financial aid, which is the figure that matters most when comparing affordability. Remember to file the FAFSA early, ask each school about institutional scholarships for out-of-state online learners, and check whether employer tuition assistance or military benefits apply. Program-level earnings data are not yet available for these specific programs, so the school-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment are listed instead.
| School | Program | Degree Level | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Median Graduate Debt | Median Earnings (10 Yr, School-Wide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Central University (Ada, OK) | M.S. in Sport Psychology | Master's | $12,236 | $8,683 | $17,671 | $44,962 |
| Kent State University at Stark (North Canton, OH) | B.S. in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology | Bachelor's | $17,969 | $10,897 | $24,500 | $45,388 |
| Kent State University at Trumbull (Warren, OH) | B.S. in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology | Bachelor's | $17,969 | $11,135 | $24,500 | $45,388 |
| Kent State University at Geauga (Burton, OH) | B.S. in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology | Bachelor's | $17,969 | $12,044 | $24,500 | $45,388 |
| Texas A&M University, Kingsville (Kingsville, TX) | M.S. in Kinesiology, Performance Psychology | Master's | $14,560 | $12,090 | $22,934 | $51,450 |
New Hampshire does not currently have a dedicated in-person sports psychology degree program within the state. The good news is that several well-regarded programs sit within a reasonable drive of Concord or Manchester, giving you access to hands-on training, faculty mentorship, and practicum placements that are harder to replicate in a fully online format. Many of these schools are covered in our guide to sports psychology programs in Massachusetts.
Springfield College is one of the most recognized names in the field, with roots in sport and exercise psychology stretching back decades. The college offers two on-campus master's programs for the 2025-2026 academic year:1
Springfield is roughly 90 miles from Concord, NH, which translates to about a 90-minute drive south on I-91. For students who want a campus experience at a historically significant program, this is one of the closest strong options.
Boston University's graduate offerings in sport and exercise psychology sit within its College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. BU's urban campus puts students near professional sports organizations, hospitals, and research institutions, all of which expand practicum and networking possibilities. The drive from Manchester to Boston is about 55 miles, or roughly one hour depending on traffic.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst houses a well-established kinesiology department with concentrations in sport and exercise psychology at the graduate level. UMass Amherst is approximately 110 miles from Concord, about a two-hour drive, but its lower public university tuition can make the commute worthwhile for cost-conscious students.
UConn's Department of Kinesiology offers graduate study in sport psychology with access to research labs and Division I athletics. Storrs is roughly 160 miles from Concord, making it more of a relocation than a commute. However, Connecticut residents and New England Regional Student Program participants may benefit from reduced tuition rates.
If driving to campus multiple times a week feels impractical, keep an eye on hybrid formats. Springfield College, for example, also offers a fully online MEd in Sport and Exercise Psychology for students who cannot relocate.1 Other New England institutions periodically introduce hybrid cohort models that limit required campus visits to intensive weekends or summer residencies. These formats let you maintain a New Hampshire address and job while still earning a respected credential.
Before committing to an in-person program, visit campus if possible. Sit in on a class, meet faculty, and ask current students about their practicum experiences. The feel of a program matters just as much as the curriculum on paper, especially in a field where mentorship and applied training shape your career trajectory.
New Hampshire students exploring sports psychology often have questions about local program availability, licensing requirements, and career timelines. Below, we answer the most common questions to help you plan your educational and professional path with confidence.
Beyond the top-ranked programs, here are additional online sports psychology degrees available to New Hampshire students. These programs offer flexibility and a range of degree levels from bachelor's to master's. Compare them based on your career goals and preferred degree level.
