Sports Psychology Programs in Texas
In Texas, sports psychology plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance and well-being of athletes. By understanding the psychological aspects of sports, athletes in the state can improve their mental resilience, focus, and overall mental health. With a vibrant sports culture and numerous collegiate athletic programs, Texas offers excellent opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists. Whether you're a student interested in pursuing a degree or a professional seeking career advancement in sports psychology, Texas provides a range of educational paths and avenues for professional growth. Keep reading to learn more about sports psychology degree options, online programs, licensure requirements, and much more.

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
Lubbock Christian University
Lubbock, TX - Private 4-year - lcu.edu
Bachelor's - Sport and Exercise Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lubbock Christian University offers a Sport and Exercise Psychology degree program that explores psychological concepts applied to sports, exercise, and performance. The program focuses on motivation, stress management, personality theory, performance enhancement, goal-setting, team cohesion, and group dynamics. Students learn to develop goal-setting programs, recognize factors affecting stress and anxiety, and understand ethical behaviors in sports. The program is designed for those interested in applying psychology to athletic and exercise contexts.
- Sport and Exercise Psychology degree
- Explores psychology in sports
- Focus on motivation and performance
- Covers stress management techniques
- Includes goal-setting programs
- Team cohesion and dynamics
- Ethical behaviors in sports
- Degree plan available in catalog
Bachelor's - Psychology (Sport Psychology)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lubbock Christian University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Sport Psychology. This program prepares students to apply psychological principles to sports, competition, and physical performance. It includes courses in physiology, motor learning, and exercise. Students complete a 120-hour practicum for hands-on experience. The degree prepares graduates for entry-level positions or graduate studies in sport psychology. Admissions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Tuition and fees vary based on residency status. The program follows a traditional semester structure with in-person classes.
- Bachelor of Arts degree
- Emphasis in Sport Psychology
- Prepares for graduate school
- Includes physiology courses
- Motor learning coursework
- Exercise psychology included
- 120-hour practicum required
- Community experience gained
- Small class sizes
- Faculty invested in students
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
Kingsville, TX - Public 4-Year - tamuk.edu
Bachelor's - B.S. in Kinesiology (Exercise Science/Performance Psychology)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a B.S. in Kinesiology with a Performance Psychology concentration. This undergraduate program prepares students for careers in coaching, marketing, human services, or therapy systems. It also provides a foundation for graduate studies in sport psychology, health psychology, or rehabilitation. The degree requires a minor in psychology. The program is campus-based and includes specific course requirements. Students work with a dedicated program coordinator for guidance.
- B.S. in Kinesiology degree
- Performance Psychology concentration
- Undergraduate program level
- Requires psychology minor
- Campus-based delivery format
- Prepares for coaching careers
- Prepares for marketing careers
- Prepares for human services careers
- Prepares for therapy systems careers
- Foundation for graduate studies
Master's - M.S. in Kinesiology (Performance Psychology)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a Performance Psychology concentration within its M.S. in Kinesiology program. This graduate program provides specialized training in sport, exercise, and performance psychology. Students can choose from three degree options: a 36-credit hour course-only plan, a 36-credit hour plan with a research project or internship, or a 30-credit hour thesis option. The curriculum prepares graduates for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) examination through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. The program features some required face-to-face courses in a traditional format. Admission requirements and program details are available through the program coordinator.
- Performance Psychology concentration
- M.S. in Kinesiology degree
- 36-credit hour options
- 30-credit hour thesis option
- Research project or internship available
- Face-to-face courses required
- Traditional format delivery
- Prepares for CMPC examination
- Association for Applied Sport Psychology aligned
- Sport psychology focus
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX - Private 4-year - tcu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology (Sport Psychology)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Christian University offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Kinesiology with a specialized Sport Psychology emphasis. This cutting-edge program follows a scientist-practitioner model, exploring the intricate relationship between athletic performance and psychological well-being. Students gain advanced research skills, interdisciplinary training, and practical knowledge applicable across performance-related fields. The curriculum prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities or further doctoral studies, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and applied interventions in sport psychology.
- 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
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology (Motor Behavior and Exercise and Sport Psychology)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Tech University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Motor Behavior and Exercise and Sport Psychology. This two-year program requires 36 credit hours and includes courses in applied sport psychology, behavioral aspects of exercise, motor control, and motor learning. Students work with academic advisers and can access teaching and research opportunities. The program prepares graduates for careers in sport psychology and motor behavior fields.
- Master of Science degree
- 36 credit hours required
- Two-year completion time
- Motor Behavior and Exercise and Sport Psychology concentration
- Academic adviser partnership
- Teaching opportunities available
- Research opportunities available
- Scholarships available
- Travel stipends for conferences
- 18 hours required coursework
University of North Texas
Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - unt.edu
Doctorate - PhD in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise (Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of North Texas offers a PhD in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise. This program focuses on research design, applied sport psychology, and practical experience in sport and exercise settings. It requires 63 semester hours for students with a related master's degree, including coursework in advanced sport psychology and supervised research. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and non-profit agencies. Admissions requirements include a master's degree in a related field, and costs vary based on residency and other factors. The program is campus-based, providing hands-on practicum opportunities through the Center for Sport Psychology.
- PhD degree level
- Specialization in Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise
- 63 semester hours required
- Campus-based program
- Related master's degree needed
- Courses in advanced sport psychology
- Supervised research and practice
- Dissertation required
- Practicum opportunities available
- Focus on research and academia
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:
- University of Texas Athletics
- Texas A&M University Athletics
- Dallas Cowboys (National Football League)
- Houston Rockets (National Basketball Association)
- Texas Rangers (Major League Baseball)
- Houston Dynamo (Major League Soccer)
List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Texas
Dallas, TX
Parker University
- Bachelor's - Sport Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Bachelor of Science degree
- Sport Psychology program
- Fully online format
- Flexible scheduling
- Psychological theory focus
- Scientific research emphasis
- Practical skills training
- Exercise physiology courses
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
- PhD degree level
- Specialization in Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise
- 63 semester hours required
- Campus-based program
- Related master's degree needed
- Courses in advanced sport psychology
- Supervised research and practice
- Dissertation required
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 degree
- Performance Psychology concentration
- Undergraduate program level
- Requires psychology minor
- Campus-based delivery format
- Prepares for coaching careers
- Prepares for marketing careers
- Prepares for human services careers
- Master's - M.S. in Kinesiology
Concentration: Performance Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Performance Psychology concentration
- M.S. in Kinesiology degree
- 36-credit hour options
- 30-credit hour thesis option
- Research project or internship available
- Face-to-face courses required
- Traditional format delivery
- Prepares for CMPC examination
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock Christian University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts degree
- Emphasis in Sport Psychology
- Prepares for graduate school
- Includes physiology courses
- Motor learning coursework
- Exercise psychology included
- 120-hour practicum required
- Community experience gained
- Bachelor's - Sport and Exercise Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Sport and Exercise Psychology degree
- Explores psychology in sports
- Focus on motivation and performance
- Covers stress management techniques
- Includes goal-setting programs
- Team cohesion and dynamics
- Ethical behaviors in sports
- Degree plan available in catalog
Texas Tech University
- Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology
Concentration: Motor Behavior and Exercise and Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Master of Science degree
- 36 credit hours required
- Two-year completion time
- Motor Behavior and Exercise and Sport Psychology concentration
- Academic adviser partnership
- Teaching opportunities available
- Research opportunities available
- Scholarships available
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