No North Dakota university currently offers a dedicated sports psychology degree at any level.
Online programs from accredited schools nationwide accept North Dakota residents and often allow local practicum placements.
Clinical sports psychologists need a doctorate and state licensure, while Certified Mental Performance Consultants typically need a master's degree.
North Dakota's collegiate athletics, military bases, and growing mental performance demand create real career opportunities for graduates.
No North Dakota university currently offers a dedicated sports psychology degree at any level, bachelor's through doctorate. That gap creates a real constraint for students in the state, especially when licensure as a psychologist through the North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners requires a doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
The practical solution: accredited online programs from nationally ranked universities that accept North Dakota residents and, in most cases, allow practicum hours to be completed locally. Tuition structures vary widely, with some schools charging flat online rates regardless of residency. Students in neighboring states like sports psychology programs in South Dakota face a similar landscape.
Demand for mental performance services across North Dakota's collegiate athletics programs and military installations continues to grow, yet the supply of credentialed practitioners in the state remains thin.
Best Online Sports Psychology Programs for North Dakota Students
Because no North Dakota university currently offers a dedicated sports psychology degree, online programs are the clearest path forward. Every school below accepts students nationwide, including North Dakota residents, and most allow you to complete practicum hours with local teams, clinics, or collegiate athletic departments right in your home state. Rankings reflect an overall quality composite that weighs graduation rates, net price, institutional outcomes, and program-level features rather than any single metric.
NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
Independent program research
Internal program database
Arizona State University
#1
Tempe, AZ · $15,000/yr
Best for: Future counselors blending clinical and sport skills
Arizona State University pairs a globally recognized research infrastructure with a flexible online delivery model that reaches students in every state. Its sport and performance counseling concentration sits within a broader counseling science framework, giving graduates a head start toward both mental health licensure pathways and CMPC preparation. North Dakota students can complete required internship hours at approved local sites, including high school, club, or collegiate programs, while tapping into ASU's Division I athletics research community remotely.
Counseling and Applied Psychological Science, Sport and Performance Counseling — Online
Online BS with Sport and Performance Counseling concentration
120 credit hours across 40 accelerated 7.5-week courses
Required internship completable at approved ND-area sites
Best for: Working professionals seeking a fast master's
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville delivers a compact, CMPC-aligned master's degree that can be finished in as few as 12 months. The program charges the same tuition rate regardless of state residency, which is a meaningful advantage for North Dakota students. Evening synchronous sessions run on Central Time, and a remote practicum option lets students build applied hours with local athletes and teams without leaving the state.
MS in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology — Hybrid
Exercise and Sport Psychology specialization
100% online with evening synchronous sessions
Completable in 12 to 22 months
Same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students
Coursework mapped to CMPC certification knowledge areas
Faculty mentoring with strong student-to-faculty ratio (15:1)
Best for: Transfer students wanting an accelerated bachelor's
California Baptist University offers a 100% asynchronous online bachelor's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology built for adult and transfer learners. The 49-unit degree completion model can be finished in roughly 16 months, making it one of the faster undergraduate options for students who already hold community college credits. CBU integrates a Christian perspective throughout the curriculum, which will appeal to students looking for faith-based education alongside applied sport psychology training.
Sport and Performance Psychology, BS — Online
49 units; completable in about 16 months full-time
100% asynchronous online courses, no campus visits
Six enrollment start dates per year
Covers exercise physiology, behavioral and cognitive psychology
Southern Connecticut State University houses an interdisciplinary master's program drawing faculty from Health and Movement Sciences, Counseling, and Psychology departments. The 33 to 34 credit curriculum is structured specifically to prepare graduates for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant exam. While NEBHE tuition discounts do not apply to North Dakota residents, the program's hybrid format has been expanding its online offerings so out-of-region students can complete the degree without relocating.
Exercise Science, M.S., Sport Psychology — Hybrid
Sport Psychology concentration, 33 to 34 credits
Interdisciplinary faculty across three departments
Curriculum aligned with CMPC certification requirements
Supervised applied sport psychology experience included
Remote practicum sites accepted for out-of-state students
One of the more affordable master's programs in New England
Texas A&M University-Kingsville's Performance Psychology concentration within its M.S. in Kinesiology gives students three flexible degree plans ranging from 30 to 36 credit hours, including thesis, research project, and course-only tracks. The curriculum is designed to satisfy didactic requirements for the CMPC exam. Some face-to-face courses are required, but they may be completed in intensive on-campus blocks, reducing the number of trips out-of-state students need to make.
M.S. in Kinesiology, Performance Psychology — Hybrid
Performance Psychology concentration
Three degree plans: 30 or 36 credit hours
Thesis, research project, or course-only options
Prepares students for the CMPC examination
Intensive on-campus blocks available for required visits
Out-of-state tuition approximately $14,560 per year
Troy University's online M.S. in Kinesiology with a Sports Psychology concentration stands out for its uniform e-tuition policy: North Dakota students pay the same rate as Alabama residents, removing the non-resident premium that inflates costs at many public universities. The program emphasizes hands-on internships with athletes arranged in the student's own community, so ND residents can build local professional connections while earning their degree.
Master of Science in Kinesiology, Sports Psychology — Hybrid
Sports Psychology concentration delivered online
Uniform e-tuition: no extra charge for out-of-state students
Internships completed in your local community
Curriculum covers mental performance and ethical practices
No application deadline for flexible enrollment
Faculty bring professional sport psychology experience
Kent State University's fully online bachelor's degree in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology covers the psychological foundations of athletic success across 120 credit hours. The program includes a practicum that can be completed at home-state sites, and advising materials map directly to AASP-aligned master's programs for students planning to pursue graduate study and eventual CMPC certification.
Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology — Online
National University is the only institution on this list offering sport psychology degrees at three levels: bachelor's, master's, and doctorate, all available 100% online. Its FastForward pathway lets students progress from the BA through the MS and into the PhD without switching schools. North Dakota is among the states where National University is authorized for distance education, and all practicum or fieldwork hours can be completed at locally approved sites. Weekly course starts and no application fee make enrollment especially flexible.
Master of Science in Sport Psychology — Online
36 credit hours across 12 courses, 18 to 21 months
Adams State University offers one of the more practice-heavy online master's options in sport psychology. The 36-credit M.S. in Kinesiology with an Applied Sport Psychology emphasis can be completed entirely online in about two years and includes a practicum, internship, and capstone project centered on real athletes and teams. North Dakota students can fulfill applied hours locally, and no entrance exam is required for admission.
Master of Science in Kinesiology, Applied Sport Psychology — Online
Applied Sport Psychology concentration, 36 credits
Fully online; completable in two years
Practicum and capstone centered on real athletes
Covers mental strength, ethics, case studies, diversity
No entrance exam required for admission
Out-of-state online tuition approximately $5,898 per year
Springfield College brings decades of on-campus sport and exercise psychology expertise to a fully asynchronous online Master of Education. The 36-credit program features a 135-hour applied internship with remote faculty supervision, so North Dakota students can arrange placements with local hockey programs, collegiate athletics, or community sport organizations without traveling to Massachusetts. Many faculty hold CMPC credentials, providing direct mentorship toward certification.
MEd in Sport and Exercise Psychology Online — Online
36-credit fully asynchronous online program
Completable in 18 months full-time or extended part-time
135-hour applied internship with remote supervision
Why No In-State Programs? Sports Psychology Education Options in North Dakota
If you have been searching for a standalone sports psychology degree at a North Dakota university, you have probably noticed a gap. No college in the state currently offers a dedicated sports psychology major, minor, or concentration at the bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level. That is not a knock on North Dakota schools. Sports psychology is a niche discipline, and full degree programs tend to cluster at larger institutions with specialized faculty and research labs. The good news: you still have meaningful ways to build a foundation in-state before finishing your degree online.
What North Dakota Schools Do Offer
While a full degree is not on the table, two of the state's flagship universities include relevant coursework that can give you an academic head start.
University of North Dakota (UND): The Kinesiology department offers KIN 440, Sport and Exercise Psychology, a three-credit course that examines psychological constructs influencing sport and exercise.1 It is available both on campus and through online self-paced delivery, making it accessible wherever you live in the state.
North Dakota State University (NDSU): The Psychology department lists PSYC 340, Psychology in Sport, a three-credit survey course that outlines the applications of psychological theory to sport settings.2 You will need PSYC 111 as a prerequisite.
Neither university offers a sport psychology minor or concentration as of the 2025-2026 academic year.3 However, pairing one of these electives with a broader psychology, kinesiology, or exercise science, performance psychology curriculum can lay solid groundwork for a graduate program.
The Transfer Pathway Strategy
One of the smartest moves North Dakota students can make is completing general education requirements or an associate degree in-state at a lower tuition rate, then enrolling in an accredited online bachelor's or master's program.
Bismarck State College, for instance, offers associate-level programs in allied health and fitness-related fields that can serve as an affordable entry point. Finishing your first two years there, or at another in-state community college, lets you satisfy foundational coursework in anatomy, psychology, and exercise science before transferring credits into a four-year or graduate program focused on sport psychology.
This approach keeps costs down during the years when you are taking prerequisites that are largely the same across institutions.
Online Programs Carry the Same Credentials
A common concern is whether an online degree holds the same weight as one earned on campus. The short answer: yes, provided the program holds proper regional or institutional accreditation. Accredited online programs meet the same academic standards, employ the same faculty, and confer the same diploma as their on-campus counterparts. Employers and licensing boards do not distinguish between delivery formats when evaluating your credentials.
For North Dakota students, this means your location is not a barrier. Programs listed elsewhere in this guide are fully accessible from Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, or anywhere with an internet connection, and they prepare you for the same certifications and career opportunities as a traditional classroom experience.
Putting the Pieces Together
A practical roadmap might look like this:
Complete general education or an associate degree in-state (UND, NDSU, Bismarck State College, or another North Dakota institution).
Take sport-specific electives such as KIN 440 at UND or PSYC 340 at NDSU to confirm your interest and build relevant knowledge.
Transfer into an accredited online bachelor's or master's program in sport psychology, sport and performance psychology, or a closely related field.
Pursue certification or licensure based on your career goals (more on that in a later section of this guide).
This step-by-step path lets you benefit from in-state tuition rates early on while still earning the specialized credential you need to work as a mental performance consultant or sports psychologist.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you want to help athletes sharpen mental skills like focus and confidence, or do you want to diagnose and treat clinical conditions such as anxiety and depression?
This choice determines your entire education path. The performance route centers on mental performance consulting and typically requires a master's degree, while the clinical route requires doctoral training and state licensure to treat psychological disorders.
Are you prepared to commit to a doctoral program, or would a master's degree with CMPC certification align better with your timeline and career goals?
A doctorate can take five to seven years and is necessary for licensure as a psychologist in North Dakota. A master's degree paired with Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credentials can launch a rewarding career in about two to three years.
Could you save money by completing foundational coursework at a North Dakota college before transferring into an online program?
Earning general education or prerequisite credits at an in-state institution like NDSU, UND, or a tribal college often costs significantly less per credit hour. Those savings can add up before you move into a specialized online sports psychology program.
Degree Levels Explained: Bachelor's Through Doctorate in Sports Psychology
Sports psychology careers follow a clear credentialing ladder, and each degree level unlocks different professional opportunities. A bachelor's degree alone does not qualify you to practice, but it lays the essential foundation. Here is the progression from your first undergraduate course to full clinical licensure.
Tuition and Financial Aid Comparison for Online Sports Psychology Programs
Because North Dakota does not currently offer in-state sports psychology programs, students will likely pay out-of-state tuition at most public universities unless a school charges a flat online rate. The table below compares published out-of-state tuition, the institution-wide average net price (what students actually pay after grants and scholarships), and median graduate debt for top online sports psychology programs available to North Dakota students. Keep in mind that the net price shown is an institution-wide average; your actual financial aid package may be higher or lower depending on your income, merit awards, and other factors. Programs where the average net price falls well below published tuition signal that strong aid is available to many students.
School
Degree Level
Published Out-of-State Tuition
Avg. Net Price (Institution-Wide)
Median Graduate Debt
Notable Pricing Detail
East Central University (OK)
Master's
$12,236
$8,683
$17,671
Net price roughly 29% below published tuition; $762.80 per credit for non-residents
Kent State University (OH, multiple campuses)
Bachelor's
$17,969
$10,897 to $13,392
$24,500
Non-Ohio online rate of $622.62 per credit; net price varies by campus
Texas A&M University, Kingsville (TX)
Master's
$14,560
$12,090
$22,934
Hybrid format; some face-to-face courses required
University of West Alabama (AL)
Master's
$13,546
$12,684
$24,944
$429 per credit hour plus $75 technology fee per semester
Adams State University (CO)
Master's
$5,898
$12,980
$19,500
Same published tuition for in-state and out-of-state students (flat rate)
Accreditation and What It Means for Your Sports Psychology Career
Accreditation is not just a bureaucratic checkbox. It directly affects whether your credits transfer, whether you qualify for federal financial aid, and whether you can eventually earn licensure in North Dakota. Before you enroll in any program, take time to understand the three layers of accreditation that matter most.
Regional Institutional Accreditation
This is the foundation. Regional accreditation (sometimes now called institutional accreditation) is granted by one of six recognized accrediting bodies, such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A school that holds this type of accreditation meets baseline academic quality standards accepted by employers, licensing boards, and other universities.
Why it matters for you:
Credits from regionally accredited schools transfer far more reliably if you later pursue a master's or doctoral degree.
Federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and military education benefits, is only available at institutions recognized by accreditors approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Programs that carry only national accreditation (a different, often less rigorous standard) may not satisfy North Dakota licensure requirements, and credits from these schools are frequently rejected by regionally accredited universities.
Always confirm an institution's accreditation status through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database or directly on the school's website before submitting an application.
CACREP and APA: Specialized Program Accreditation
Beyond the institutional level, two program-level accreditations are especially relevant for sports psychology students.
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs): If you plan to pursue a counseling-track career, such as becoming a licensed professional counselor who works with athletes, look for master's programs with CACREP accreditation. North Dakota's licensure board recognizes CACREP-accredited programs, and graduating from one can streamline your application process.
APA (American Psychological Association): If your goal is to become a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in sport, you will need a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program. APA accreditation signals that the program meets rigorous training standards in clinical practice, research, and supervised experience.
AASP and the CMPC Credential
One common point of confusion: the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) does not accredit degree programs. AASP is a professional organization for sports psychology professionals that awards the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential. Earning the CMPC requires a graduate degree, specific coursework in sport science and psychology, and supervised mentoring hours, but the degree itself must come from an accredited institution. Think of AASP as a professional credentialing body, not an accreditor.
A Quick Checklist Before You Enroll
Visit the CHEA database to verify the school's institutional accreditation.
Check the program page for CACREP or APA accreditation if you are pursuing a counseling or clinical track.
Confirm that the program's coursework aligns with CMPC requirements if you plan to pursue that credential.
Be cautious of programs that advertise sports psychology degrees but lack recognized accreditation. Enrolling in one could leave you ineligible for licensure in North Dakota and unable to access federal financial aid.
Taking these steps upfront can save you years of frustration and thousands of dollars down the road.
How to Become a Licensed Sports Psychologist in North Dakota
North Dakota offers two distinct pathways into the sports psychology field, each with different education requirements, timelines, and scopes of practice. The clinical route leads to full psychologist licensure through the North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners, while the performance consulting route leads to a national credential through AASP. Understanding the differences helps you choose the path that fits your career goals and budget.
A licensed sports psychologist in North Dakota holds a doctorate and can diagnose and treat clinical disorders such as depression, eating disorders, and trauma in athletes. A Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) typically holds a master's degree and coaches mental skills like focus, confidence, and visualization, but cannot diagnose or treat clinical conditions. Know which career path you want before choosing a program.
Career Opportunities and Earnings for Sport Psychologists in North Dakota
North Dakota may be a smaller market, but the career landscape for sport psychologists here is more promising than you might expect. Between collegiate athletics, military installations, and a growing appreciation for mental performance services, graduates of online sports psychology programs can build meaningful careers while living in the state.
What Sport Psychologists Earn in North Dakota
Program-level earnings data for graduates of the online sports psychology programs featured on sportspsychology.org are not yet available for most of the programs we recommend. However, Bureau of Labor Statistics data provides useful context for what psychologists earn in the state.
According to BLS estimates from May 2023, psychologists classified under the broader "all other" category in North Dakota earned a median hourly wage of about $60.48, which translates to roughly $125,800 annually at full-time hours. The mean annual wage for this group was approximately $109,430.1 For comparison, the national median annual wage for the same category was $117,750, with a salary range stretching from about $47,450 to over $157,420.2 Clinical and counseling psychologists in North Dakota earned a median annual wage of approximately $109,110, with salaries ranging from about $60,460 to $148,610.3
Keep in mind that sport psychology is a specialized niche within these broader categories. Actual earnings depend heavily on your credential level, whether you pursue clinical licensure or focus on mental performance consulting, and how you structure your practice.
Where North Dakota Sport Psychologists Work
The state offers several distinct employment paths for sport psychology professionals:
University athletics: UND Athletics and NDSU Athletics both field Division I programs and have growing needs for mental performance support as the NCAA continues to expand mental health requirements for student-athletes.
Military installations: Grand Forks Air Force Base and Minot Air Force Base employ performance psychologists and mental performance consultants as part of military readiness and human performance optimization programs.
Health systems: Sanford Health, one of the largest rural health systems in the country, operates extensively across North Dakota and increasingly integrates behavioral health services that may include sport and performance psychology.
Community organizations: Wellness programs, youth sport organizations, and community health initiatives across the state represent additional opportunities for trained professionals.
Private Practice and Telehealth
With only about 30 psychologists in the broader "all other" category employed across North Dakota as of 2023, the market is small but not saturated.1 Many sport psychologists based in North Dakota build their caseloads through private practice and telehealth, serving clients regionally across the Upper Midwest and Great Plains. Professionals in similarly rural states like Wyoming face comparable dynamics and often adopt the same approach. If you complete your degree through an online program, that remote training experience translates directly into comfort with virtual service delivery, which is increasingly how clients in rural states access mental performance support.
Growing Demand
Two trends are fueling increased demand for sport psychologists in North Dakota. First, NCAA mental health mandates now require Division I, II, and III institutions to provide mental health resources for athletes, creating new staff positions and consulting contracts at universities statewide. Second, the Department of Defense continues to invest in performance psychology programs at military bases, recognizing the role of mental skills training in operational readiness.
While North Dakota will never rival major metro areas in sheer job volume, these converging forces mean that well-credentialed graduates of accredited online sports psychology programs are well-positioned to carve out rewarding careers here, whether through institutional roles, military contracts, or a telehealth-driven private practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Psychology Programs for North Dakota Students
Below are answers to the most common questions North Dakota students ask when exploring sports psychology education. Each answer draws on the information covered throughout this article, including degree options, costs, accreditation, and career paths.
Are there any sports psychology programs in North Dakota?
As of 2026, no North Dakota college or university offers a dedicated sports psychology degree at any level. However, North Dakota students have strong options through accredited online programs offered by universities in other states. These programs allow you to earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree entirely from home while remaining in North Dakota and potentially gaining local practicum experience.
What degree do you need to become a sports psychologist in North Dakota?
If you want to use the title 'psychologist' in North Dakota, you will need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and a license from the North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners. If your goal is to work as a mental performance consultant instead, a master's degree in sport psychology or a closely related field is typically sufficient, paired with a certification such as the CMPC from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
How much does an online sports psychology degree cost?
Tuition for online sports psychology programs varies widely. Master's programs generally range from roughly $20,000 to over $50,000 in total tuition depending on the institution, residency classification, and credit requirements. Doctoral programs cost more. Many online programs charge a flat per credit rate regardless of where you live, so North Dakota students should compare net costs after factoring in financial aid, employer tuition benefits, and any military or veteran education benefits.
What is the difference between a sports psychologist and a mental performance consultant?
A sports psychologist holds a doctoral degree and a state license, which allows them to diagnose and treat clinical mental health conditions in athletes. A mental performance consultant (MPC) typically holds a master's degree and a certification like the CMPC. MPCs focus on performance enhancement, including skills such as goal setting, visualization, and managing competitive anxiety, but they do not provide clinical therapy or diagnose disorders.
Can you complete a sports psychology degree entirely online?
Yes, several accredited universities offer fully online master's degrees in sport psychology or closely related concentrations. Some doctoral programs are also offered in a primarily online format, though they may require brief on campus residencies or in person practicum hours. For North Dakota students, fully online programs eliminate the need to relocate and often provide flexible scheduling that works well for those balancing work or athletic commitments.
What accreditation should I look for in a sports psychology program?
Look for programs housed at institutions holding regional accreditation (now called institutional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education). For doctoral programs leading to licensure, APA accreditation from the American Psychological Association is the gold standard. At the master's level, check whether the curriculum aligns with AASP coursework requirements for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential, which is widely recognized in the field.
What jobs can you get with a master's in sports psychology in North Dakota?
With a master's degree, North Dakota graduates can pursue roles as mental performance consultants working with collegiate or high school athletic programs, coaches, or individual athletes. Other career paths include positions in athletic departments at universities like UND or NDSU, roles in community wellness organizations, private consulting practices, and human performance roles within corporate or military settings. Earning the CMPC credential strengthens your competitiveness for these positions.
More Online Sports Psychology Programs Available to North Dakota Students
Beyond the top-ranked programs, these additional schools offer quality online sports psychology degrees that welcome North Dakota students. Each program holds appropriate accreditation and provides flexible remote learning options to fit your schedule.
Faulkner University
Faulkner University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sports Psychology with a Christian worldview, small class sizes, and affordable tuition of $335 per semester hour.
Parker University's online Bachelor of Science in Sport Psychology blends psychological theory, scientific research, and practical skills, covering exercise physiology, biomechanics, and injury rehabilitation.
This online Master of Science in Sports Psychology prepares students for coaching, mentoring, and teaching careers, focusing on team dynamics, performance enhancement, and injury recovery.
Northern Michigan University's online Master of Science in Applied Sport Psychology offers tracks for Mental Performance Consultant certification or limited psychologist licensure, with asynchronous flexibility.
The 100% online Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology aligns with CMPC certification, offers flexible start dates, and requires no GRE for admission.
East Central University's online Master of Science in Sport Psychology prepares students for CMPC certification, offering a 45-credit curriculum with a supervised internship.
UWA's online Master of Science in Experimental Psychology with a Sports Psychology concentration covers advanced sports psychology and health psychology, with thesis or comprehensive exam options.
Kent State's online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology focuses on motivation, mental training, and stress management, with a practicum in sport performance.
This online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology covers motivation, mental training, and sport injury psychology, preparing students for coaching or graduate study.
Kent State's online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology emphasizes mental skills training, injury psychology, and ethics, with a practicum component.
This online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology focuses on psychological factors in performance, including motivation, stress management, and ethics.
Kent State's online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology covers motivation, mental training, exercise psychology, and sport injury psychology.
This online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology includes a practicum and prepares graduates for careers as mental performance coaches or graduate studies.
Kent State's online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology features courses in coaching psychology, mental training, and a practicum for hands-on experience.
