Sports Psychology Programs in Texas

If you’re looking for sports psychology bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs, you will find a wide variety available in Texas. However, if you already have your master’s degree and are looking to get your doctorate or graduate certificate, you’ll need to look outside of the state or online to apply to these types of programs.

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Texas universities and colleges offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology. These 4-year programs provide a solid 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 more advanced coursework and practical training to deepen students’ understanding. They are typically offered as Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees.
  • Graduate Certificate: If you already hold a bachelor’s or master’s in a related field, graduate certificate programs in Sports Psychology offer shortened focused training in sports psychology to allow professionals with relevant backgrounds the opportunity to specialize without the need to complete a longer full degree program.
  • Doctorate Degree: Doctoral programs in Sports Psychology, such as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), are the highest degree levels available in the subject. These programs emphasize research, advanced coursework, and clinical practice.

For bachelor’s degree applicants in Texas, check out the University of St. Thomas’ B.A./M.A. in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology. For Master’s degree students, there are many programs to choose from–one great example is the MS in Kinesiology with emphasis in Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Exercise offered at the University of North Texas.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Texas?

Though numerous on-campus sports psychology programs are available in Texas, there are currently none offered online. If none of these on-campus options appeal to you, you may want to check out online sports psychology programs in other states. These programs offer several advantages, including the ability to study at one’s own pace, access to resources and materials from anywhere, and connect with professionals and students from diverse backgrounds.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Texas

Texas stands out as a powerhouse for aspiring sports psychologists, offering some of the most comprehensive and innovative programs in the United States. At sportspsychology.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the top sports psychology degree programs across the Lone Star State, considering factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, clinical training, and student success rates. These programs prepare students to work with athletes at all levels, from high school teams to professional sports organizations, helping athletes develop mental resilience, overcome performance challenges, and achieve peak psychological performance. Our rankings provide an essential guide for students seeking top-tier education in this dynamic and impactful field.

Our team at sportspsychology.org has developed a comprehensive ranking system to evaluate these exceptional programs. We've analyzed multiple factors to ensure a fair and thorough assessment. For a detailed breakdown of our methodology, please visit our https://www.sportspsychology.org/ranking-methodology/.

#1

University of St Thomas

Houston, TX - Private 4-year - stthom.edu

Bachelor's - B.A./M.A. in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology

Concentration: Applied Sports and Performance Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of St. Thomas presents an innovative 5-year integrated B.A./M.A. program in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology, providing a seamless educational journey for aspiring sports psychology professionals. Although no longer accepting new enrollments, this 70-credit program offers comprehensive mental skills training with extensive practicum and internship opportunities. Students explore advanced psychological techniques, professional certification preparation, and research methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to performance enhancement, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications across athletic and performance contexts.

  • 5-year BA/MA combined program
  • No longer enrolling new students
  • Total program credits: 70
  • Includes practicum and internship
  • Sport Psychology course available
  • Requires minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Multiple psychology electives
  • Professional certification preparation
  • Comprehensive mental skills training
  • Research and evaluation focus

Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of St. Thomas offers a transformative Master of Arts in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology designed to elevate psychological performance across athletic and performing arts domains. With 36 credit hours and comprehensive coursework, students prepare for CMPC certification through an intensive curriculum emphasizing mental skills training, intervention strategies, and professional consulting. The program uniquely focuses on cultural competency, professional ethics, and research evaluation, enabling graduates to support athletes, coaches, and performers effectively. Requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA, students benefit from diverse elective pathways and practical capstone experiences.

  • 36 total credit hours
  • CMPC certification preparation
  • Diverse performance domains
  • 3.0 minimum GPA required
  • Eight core psychology courses
  • Practicum and capstone options
  • Multiple elective pathways
  • Professional ethics emphasis
  • Research evaluation focus
  • Cultural competency training
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, TX - Private 4-year - lcu.edu

Bachelor's - Sport and Exercise Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lubbock Christian University's Sport and Exercise Psychology program offers a dynamic exploration of mental performance in athletic environments. Students delve deeply into psychological principles that drive athletic success, mastering techniques for stress management, motivation, and performance enhancement. The curriculum provides comprehensive training in understanding individual and team psychological dynamics, emphasizing practical skills in goal-setting and mental preparation. Designed for aspiring sports psychologists, this program equips students with nuanced insights into the complex mental processes underlying athletic achievement. Students learn to support athletes' mental health, develop performance strategies, and analyze psychological factors that contribute to competitive excellence.

  • Explores psychology in sports
  • Focuses on motivation, performance
  • Develops goal-setting skills
  • Analyzes stress management
  • Addresses team dynamics
  • Learn mental training techniques
  • Understand ethical behaviors
  • Part of Science/Health Professions

Bachelor's - Psychology

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Lubbock Christian University's Psychology degree with a Sports Psychology emphasis delivers a robust academic pathway for students passionate about understanding athletic mental performance. This specialized program integrates rigorous psychological theory with practical community-based learning, offering 120 supervised practicum hours. Students explore critical domains including physiology, motor learning, and exercise psychology, preparing for advanced graduate studies. The curriculum emphasizes developing comprehensive skills in analyzing athletic mental processes, understanding performance motivations, and applying psychological principles across competitive settings. Small class sizes ensure personalized learning experiences and targeted skill development for future sports psychology professionals.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Sports Psychology Emphasis Offered
  • Practicum with 120 supervised hours
  • Prepares for graduate school
  • Courses include physiology, motor learning
  • Community experience included
  • Small class sizes
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Texas A & M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX - Public 4-Year - tamuk.edu

Bachelor's - B.S. in Kinesiology

Concentration: Exercise Science/Performance Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

The B.S. in Kinesiology at Texas A&M University-Kingsville featuring a Performance Psychology concentration delivers a comprehensive undergraduate experience for students interested in human performance dynamics. Requiring a psychology minor, the program prepares students for diverse career opportunities in coaching, rehabilitation, and therapy systems. Graduates develop versatile skills applicable to sport psychology, health psychology, and occupational therapy fields. The curriculum strategically combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, positioning students for successful career paths or advanced graduate studies in performance-related disciplines.

  • B.S. in Kinesiology with Performance Psychology
  • Requires Psychology Minor
  • Multiple Career Path Options
  • Graduate School Preparation
  • Diverse Professional Opportunities

Master's - M.S. in Kinesiology

Concentration: Performance Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas A&M University-Kingsville's M.S. in Kinesiology with Performance Psychology concentration offers a cutting-edge program for aspiring sports psychology professionals. Students can choose from course-only, research project, and thesis tracks, providing flexible pathways to advanced learning. The curriculum emphasizes mental performance consulting preparation, enabling graduates to develop specialized skills in athletic performance enhancement. With opportunities to pursue Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification, students gain comprehensive training in sport psychology principles, research methodologies, and practical intervention strategies for optimizing athlete mental wellness and performance.

  • Performance Psychology Concentration
  • 36 or 30 credit hours
  • Traditional face-to-face format
  • Research project option available
  • Thesis track offered
  • CMPC exam preparation
  • Multiple degree plan options
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX - Private 4-year - tcu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Christian University's Master of Science in Kinesiology with Sport Psychology concentration represents an innovative academic pathway blending rigorous scientific training with applied performance psychology. Students engage in a distinctive scientist-practitioner model that explores psychological dynamics in athletic performance, developing advanced research competencies and intervention strategies. The program uniquely prepares graduates for diverse professional opportunities, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding athletic mental conditioning. While GRE requirements are standard for graduate admission, the curriculum distinguishes itself through comprehensive training that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical performance enhancement techniques across competitive sports environments.

  • Master of Science in Kinesiology
  • Sport Psychology Emphasis Available
  • Scientist-Practitioner Training Model
  • Interdisciplinary Research Methods
  • Career/Doctoral Study Preparation
  • Performance Psychology Focus
  • Research-Intensive Program
#5

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

Concentration: Motor Behavior and Exercise and Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Sport Psychology concentration offers a dynamic two-year program designed for aspiring performance enhancement professionals. Students engage in comprehensive training focused on motor behavior and psychological dynamics of exercise, gaining advanced research methodologies and practical experience. The curriculum emphasizes applied sport psychology techniques, preparing graduates for academic research, professional consulting, or doctoral studies. With 36 credit hours, flexible elective options, and robust faculty mentorship, students can customize their academic journey. Competitive scholarships and travel stipends enhance the program's appeal, providing unique opportunities for professional development in sport psychology.

  • Two-year master's program
  • Sport Psychology concentration available
  • 36 credit hours required
  • Research and teaching opportunities
  • Scholarships and travel stipends
  • Courses in motor control/learning
  • Applied sport psychology focus
  • Preparation for Ph.D. studies
  • Academic adviser support
  • Flexible elective options
*Data derived from the 2023 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Texas

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

  • Educational Requirements: Obtaining a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution is typically required. This degree provides advanced knowledge in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practice.
  • Supervised Clinical Experience: Students must gain supervised clinical experience in sports psychology. This involves working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to acquire real-world skills in therapeutic techniques for athletes.
  • Licensing Examination: The last step is passing a licensing examination administered by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. This exam assesses graduates’ knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

Sports psychologists can pursue certifications in addition to licensure to enhance their credentials. Two of the main certifications in sports psychology include the Board Certified in Sport Psychology (BCSP) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credentials. These certifications require a combination of education, supervised practice, and passing a certification examination.

Graduates who fulfill the sports psychologist licensure requirements and obtain certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) can establish themselves as qualified professionals in Texas.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Texas

Texas offers a wide range of career opportunities in sports psychology. Graduates can find employment in many athletic settings, including collegiate athletic departments, professional sports teams, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Notable sports organizations in Texas that regularly hire sports psychologists include:

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Texas

Jump to City:

Dallas, TX

Parker University

  • Bachelor's - Sport Psychology

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online degree program
    • Dedicated sport psychology focus
    • 9% industry growth rate
    • Median income $81,040
    • Prepares for graduate studies
    • Courses in psychological theory
    • Exercise physiology included
    • Biomechanics curriculum

Denton, TX

University of North Texas

  • Doctorate - PhD in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise

    Concentration: Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise - Campus Based - Website

    • 63 semester hours required
    • Collaborative interdepartmental program
    • Practicum opportunities available
    • Focus on research methodology
    • Career paths in academia/research
    • Advanced sport psychology courses
    • Dissertation required component
    • Hands-on intervention experience

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

    Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Science in Kinesiology
    • Sport Psychology Emphasis Available
    • Scientist-Practitioner Training Model
    • Interdisciplinary Research Methods
    • Career/Doctoral Study Preparation
    • Performance Psychology Focus
    • Research-Intensive Program

Houston, TX

University of St Thomas

  • Bachelor's - B.A./M.A. in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology

    Concentration: Applied Sports and Performance Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 5-year BA/MA combined program
    • No longer enrolling new students
    • Total program credits: 70
    • Includes practicum and internship
    • Sport Psychology course available
    • Requires minimum 2.0 GPA
    • Multiple psychology electives
    • Professional certification preparation
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • 36 total credit hours
    • CMPC certification preparation
    • Diverse performance domains
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Eight core psychology courses
    • Practicum and capstone options
    • Multiple elective pathways
    • Professional ethics emphasis

Kingsville, TX

Texas A & M University-Kingsville

  • Bachelor's - B.S. in Kinesiology

    Concentration: Exercise Science/Performance Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • B.S. in Kinesiology with Performance Psychology
    • Requires Psychology Minor
    • Multiple Career Path Options
    • Graduate School Preparation
    • Diverse Professional Opportunities
  • Master's - M.S. in Kinesiology

    Concentration: Performance Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Performance Psychology Concentration
    • 36 or 30 credit hours
    • Traditional face-to-face format
    • Research project option available
    • Thesis track offered
    • CMPC exam preparation
    • Multiple degree plan options

Lubbock, TX

Lubbock Christian University

  • Bachelor's - Psychology

    Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
    • Sports Psychology Emphasis Offered
    • Practicum with 120 supervised hours
    • Prepares for graduate school
    • Courses include physiology, motor learning
    • Community experience included
    • Small class sizes
  • Bachelor's - Sport and Exercise Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • Explores psychology in sports
    • Focuses on motivation, performance
    • Develops goal-setting skills
    • Analyzes stress management
    • Addresses team dynamics
    • Learn mental training techniques
    • Understand ethical behaviors
    • Part of Science/Health Professions

Texas Tech University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

    Concentration: Motor Behavior and Exercise and Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year master's program
    • Sport Psychology concentration available
    • 36 credit hours required
    • Research and teaching opportunities
    • Scholarships and travel stipends
    • Courses in motor control/learning
    • Applied sport psychology focus
    • Preparation for Ph.D. studies
*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2023 data files.

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