Sports Psychology Programs in Oklahoma

Sports Psychology Programs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers a variety of degree programs in sports psychology to cater to students at bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors that influence sports performance, injury recovery, and overall athlete well-being.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Oklahoma currently has a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Sports Psychology option offered at Oklahoma State University. 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 especially for individuals who hold a master’s degree and, in some cases, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, Sports Psychology graduate certificate programs offer focused training in sports psychology. This is ideal for professionals who want to specialize in sports psychology without completing a lengthy full degree program.
• 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 for those who want the reach the most advanced roles in sports psych.

Oklahoma State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Science for sports psychology students interested in enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program. For master’s degree students, check out East Central University’s Master’s Sport Psychology.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Oklahoma?

While 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, aspiring sports psychologists in Oklahoma will need to explore online programs offered by renowned universities in other states as currently, none exist in Oklahoma.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers exceptional sports psychology programs that help athletes and coaches enhance mental performance and well-being. As experts in athletic mental training, these programs prepare students to work with professional athletes, collegiate teams, and individual competitors across various disciplines. SportsPsychology.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the top educational institutions in the state, considering factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student outcomes. These programs provide comprehensive training in psychological strategies that support athletic excellence, mental resilience, and peak performance techniques. Our comprehensive analysis gives aspiring sports psychologists a clear roadmap for selecting the best educational path in Oklahoma. Full details of our ranking process can be found here.

#1

Oklahoma Baptist University

Shawnee, OK - Private 4-year - okbu.edu

Bachelor's - Sport Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Oklahoma Baptist University's Sport Psychology program stands out as a transformative academic journey that integrates psychological principles with athletic performance strategies. Students explore mental training techniques, athlete wellness, and performance enhancement through a unique faith-integrated curriculum. The program emphasizes hands-on learning with state-of-the-art exercise facilities and personalized faculty mentorship. With substantial freshman scholarships starting at $10,000 and small class sizes, students receive individualized attention while preparing for diverse careers in sports psychology. The holistic approach ensures graduates are equipped with comprehensive skills to support athletes' mental and emotional development across various competitive environments.

• Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology
• Holistic mental performance approach
• State-of-the-art exercise facilities
• Minimum $10,000 freshman scholarship
• Faith-integrated curriculum
• Small class sizes
• Career preparation emphasized
• Faculty mentorship focus
• Comprehensive sports psychology training

#2

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Alva, OK - Public 4-Year - nwosu.edu

Bachelor's - Psychology

Concentration: Sports Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Northwestern Oklahoma State University's Psychology program offers a specialized Sports Psychology minor that bridges theoretical understanding with practical performance enhancement techniques. Students explore psychological principles impacting athletic performance, learning advanced research methodologies and intervention strategies. The curriculum emphasizes cognitive and behavioral approaches to athlete mental conditioning, providing comprehensive training for aspiring sports psychology professionals. Bachelor's level applicants should prepare for standard undergraduate entrance exams, with potential scholarship opportunities available by the February 15th deadline. Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in sports performance consulting, athletic counseling, and human performance optimization.

• Bachelor's in Psychology offered
• Minor in Sports Psychology available
• Expert faculty in specialized areas
• Hands-on learning experiences
• Multiple career pathway options
• Scholarship opportunities available
• February 15 scholarship application deadline
• Evidence-based curriculum
• Potential graduate school preparation

#3

East Central University

Ada, OK - Public 4-Year - ecok.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Psychological Services

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

East Central University's Master of Science in Psychological Services offers a robust Sport Psychology concentration designed to cultivate advanced psychological interventions for athletic performance. Students delve into comprehensive research methodologies and practical strategies addressing mental wellness in sports environments. The program uniquely emphasizes developmental approaches to athlete psychology, preparing professionals to support athletes, coaches, and families through evidence-based techniques. Students explore performance optimization, psychological resilience, and mental skill enhancement. Located in the Lanoy Education Building, this graduate program provides specialized training under Dr. Beau Leaf's guidance, requiring 5 credit hours per semester. Graduates emerge equipped with sophisticated psychological tools to transform athletic mental health and performance strategies.

• Sport Psychology Concentration Available
• Focuses on Athlete Performance
• Advanced Psychological Skills Training
• Developmental Sports Psychology Approach
• Program Number: 0862
• Advisor: Dr. Beau Leaf
• Located in Lanoy Education Building
• Requires 5 credit hours/semester

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

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Oklahoma

To practice as a sports psychologist in Oklahoma, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The licensure process involves several steps:

• Educational Requirements: Sports psychologists in Oklahoma typically need to obtain a doctoral degree 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: Alongside their doctoral program, sports psych students must gain supervised clinical experience working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists.
• Licensing Examination: The last step is passing a licensing examination administered by the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. This test assesses the candidate’s knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

Aspiring sports psychologists can pursue certifications to further enhance their credentials and demonstrate specialized expertise. Two 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.

Meeting licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) are key elements for sports psychologists to establish themselves as qualified professionals.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, various career opportunities in sports psychology abound. Graduates can find employment in places such as collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Some common employers in the state include:

• University of Oklahoma Athletics
• Oklahoma State University Athletics
• University of Tulsa Athletics
• Oklahoma City Thunder (National Basketball Association)
• Oklahoma City Dodgers (Minor League Baseball)
• Oklahoma City Energy FC (United Soccer League)

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Oklahoma

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