Sports Psychology Programs in North Carolina
In North Carolina, sports psychology plays a vital role in improving the performance and well-being of athletes. By understanding the psychological aspects of sports, athletes in the state can enhance their mental resilience, focus, and overall mental health. With its passionate sports culture and numerous collegiate athletic programs, North Carolina offers excellent opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists. In this article, we will explore the sports psychology programs available in North Carolina, including degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career prospects. Whether you're a student interested in pursuing a degree or a professional seeking career advancement in sports psychology, North Carolina provides a range of educational paths and avenues for professional growth. Let's delve into the world of sports psychology in North Carolina and discover the exciting possibilities it holds.
Sports Psychology Programs in North Carolina
Students looking to enter into a master’s degree program in North Carolina will have few to choose from, however, any other type of degree level (such as a bachelor’s degree or doctorate degree) will need to be sought out in neighboring states or online. Below are the various types of sports psychology degrees available to applicants.
- Bachelor’s Degree: While North Carolina universities and colleges don’t offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology, you will find these types of programs in other parts of the country and online. These undergraduate programs lay the 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 who hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field, Sports Psychology graduate certificate programs offer focused training in sports psychology for experienced professionals looking to specialize 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 and lead to high-level leadership and academic roles.
For students satisfied with a master’s level education, the University of North Carolina in Greensboro offers a Master’s in Sport and Exercise Psychology program. Applicants may also be interested in the Master of Arts in Sports Administration program offered by the University of North Carolina in Pembroke.
Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in North Carolina?
Online sports psychology programs offer several advantages, 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. These programs are currently not available in North Carolina, however, aspiring sports psychologists in North Carolina can explore online programs offered by renowned universities outside the state to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.
2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC - Public 4-Year - uncg.edu
Master's - Kinesiology, M.S. Applied Sport Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Applied Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Applied Sport Psychology Master's program offers a comprehensive training pathway for aspiring mental performance professionals. Students gain specialized clinical experience preparing for Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification. With a rigorous 400-hour mentored experience, the program uniquely focuses on developing evidence-based performance enhancement techniques. The curriculum integrates sport science, counseling skills, and psychological strategies, positioning graduates for dynamic careers in coaching, consulting, and potential doctoral studies. GRE entrance exam is recommended for admission consideration.
- Unique CMPC certification curriculum
- 400 hours mentored experience required
- Only NC sports psychology program
- 20-student diverse cohort model
- In-person class format
- Interdisciplinary faculty collaboration
- Career paths: coaching, consulting, doctoral study
Master's - Kinesiology, M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
UNC Greensboro's Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology delivers a transformative educational experience with three specialized tracks allowing personalized academic exploration. The 36-credit program emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences, research laboratory opportunities, and comprehensive preparation for Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification. Designed for Kinesiology and Psychology backgrounds, students engage in interdisciplinary learning, exploring psychological factors influencing athletic and exercise performance. Practicum experiences and faculty collaborations ensure graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional pathways.
- Three program track options
- 36 credit hours for thesis/applied tracks
- 30 credit hours for online coursework
- In-person and online delivery
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant preparation
- Research laboratory opportunities
- Interdisciplinary faculty collaborations
- Practicum and research experiences
- Suitable for Kinesiology/Psychology backgrounds
Master's - Kinesiology, M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology (coursework-only, online) - Online Learning - Visit Website
UNC Greensboro's online Sport and Exercise Psychology Master's program provides a flexible, cutting-edge curriculum for professionals seeking advanced psychological performance knowledge. The two-year, 30-credit asynchronous program integrates theoretical foundations with practical research applications. Ideal for working professionals, the program offers expert faculty mentorship and prepares students for careers in coaching, mental skills consulting, athletic training, and health promotion. No standardized entrance exam is explicitly required, enhancing accessibility for diverse educational backgrounds.
- Fully online program
- 30 credit hours total
- Two years to complete
- Six credits per semester
- Asynchronous online courses
- Flexible learning experience
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Integrates theory and research
- School of Health Sciences
Doctorate - Kinesiology, Ph.D. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
UNC Greensboro's Sport and Exercise Psychology PhD represents a premier research-intensive doctoral program targeting future academic leaders. Students explore complex psychological dimensions of human performance through advanced methodological training and interdisciplinary research opportunities. The program's R2 University research designation ensures robust scholarly preparation, with close faculty mentorship and extensive laboratory facilities. Graduates are positioned for impactful careers in academic research, professional training, and high-level sport psychology scholarship. A competitive GRE score is typically required for doctoral admission.
- R2 University Research Productivity
- In-Person Doctoral Degree
- Research Laboratory Facilities
- Faculty Research Funding
- Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities
- Close Faculty Mentorship
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
- Academic Career Preparation
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - Public 4-Year - ecu.edu
Master's - MS in Kinesiology
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's MS in Sport and Exercise Psychology offers a dynamic science-practitioner model designed to equip students with advanced skills in psychological interventions for physical activity, exercise, and sport environments. Students explore comprehensive approaches to motivation, behavioral change, and performance enhancement across diverse populations. The program strategically integrates research opportunities, faculty mentorship, and community-based projects, enabling graduates to develop specialized competencies in health promotion, athletic performance, and psychological support. With a strong emphasis on applied research and practical interventions, students are prepared for careers in coaching, public health, athletic performance consulting, and potential doctoral-level pursuits. The curriculum uniquely balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiential learning, ensuring graduates can effectively apply psychological principles in complex sport and exercise contexts.
- Science-practitioner model.
- Focus on theory and research.
- Opportunities for faculty-led research.
- Applied skills development.
- Small group learning environment.
- Personalized academic paths.
- Direct faculty mentorship.
- Prepares for public health careers.
- Opportunities in coaching.
- Pathway to doctoral studies.
Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in North Carolina
To practice as a sports psychologist in North Carolina, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the North Carolina Psychology Board. The licensure process involves several steps:
- Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in North Carolina typically need to obtain a doctorate in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution. This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
- Supervised Clinical Experience: Individuals must gain supervised clinical experience after completing their doctoral program. This means working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to gain practical training in providing counseling to athletes.
- Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the above requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the North Carolina Psychology Board. This exam tests their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.
Sports psychologists can also pursue certifications to further enhance their credentials 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 fulfilling licensure requirements to become licensed and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in North Carolina can establish themselves as trusted professionals in the field. Their expertise in understanding and enhancing the psychological aspects of sports performance can significantly impact athletes’ lives.
Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in North Carolina
North Carolina provides numerous career opportunities in sports psychology. Grads can find employment in many environments, including collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Notable sports organizations and institutions in North Carolina include:
- The University of North Carolina Athletics
- Duke University Athletics
- North Carolina State University Athletics
- Charlotte Hornets (National Basketball Association)
- Carolina Hurricanes (National Hockey League)
- North Carolina FC (United Soccer League)
List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in North Carolina
Greensboro, NC
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Master's - Kinesiology, M.S. Applied Sport Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Applied Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Unique CMPC certification curriculum
- 400 hours mentored experience required
- Only NC sports psychology program
- 20-student diverse cohort model
- In-person class format
- Interdisciplinary faculty collaboration
- Career paths: coaching, consulting, doctoral study
- Master's - Kinesiology, M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Three program track options
- 36 credit hours for thesis/applied tracks
- 30 credit hours for online coursework
- In-person and online delivery
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant preparation
- Research laboratory opportunities
- Interdisciplinary faculty collaborations
- Practicum and research experiences
- Master's - Kinesiology, M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology (coursework-only, online) - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- 30 credit hours total
- Two years to complete
- Six credits per semester
- Asynchronous online courses
- Flexible learning experience
- Expert faculty mentorship
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Doctorate - Kinesiology, Ph.D. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Top 15 Nationally Ranked Program
- R2 University Research Productivity
- In-Person Doctoral Degree
- Research Laboratory Facilities
- Faculty Research Funding
- Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities
- Close Faculty Mentorship
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
Greenville, NC
East Carolina University
- Master's - MS in Kinesiology
Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Science-practitioner model.
- Focus on theory and research.
- Opportunities for faculty-led research.
- Applied skills development.
- Small group learning environment.
- Personalized academic paths.
- Direct faculty mentorship.
- Prepares for public health careers.
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