Sports Psychology Programs in Virginia

Sports Psychology Programs in Virginia

While Virginia has plenty of opportunities for sports psychology professionals to seek employment, there is currently only one sports psychology program available in the state. This program is the B.S. in Psychology: Sport Psychology offered by Liberty University. Below are a few other types of degrees offered in other states or online.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Students may wish to start with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Sports Psychology. This 4-year program lays the foundation for comprehending the psychological factors that impact sports performance and prepares students for further specialization in the field.
• Master’s Degree: Master’s programs in Sports Psychology deepen students’ knowledge with advanced coursework and practical training. Students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree.
• Graduate Certificate: For those who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, graduate certificate programs in Sports Psychology are often available and provide a focused, shorter curriculum to allow psychology professionals 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 most advanced level of education in the subject. These programs emphasize research, advanced coursework, and clinical practice, leading to high-level academic and clinical roles.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Virginia?

Recognizing the demand for flexible education, online sports psychology programs have gained popularity nationwide; however, Virginia does not currently offer these options to residents of other states. Luckily for Virginians, students looking to enter sports psychology programs in other states are able to do so online. These online programs enable students to pursue their studies remotely, providing flexibility for those with other commitments or residing outside the state.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Virginia

Virginia offers exceptional sports psychology programs that help athletes optimize mental performance and achieve peak potential. Sportspsychology.org has carefully analyzed and ranked the top academic institutions in the state, providing comprehensive insights into their curriculum, faculty expertise, and training opportunities. These programs prepare students to work with athletes across various competitive levels, from high school teams to professional sports organizations. By focusing on mental skills training, psychological resilience, and performance enhancement strategies, these Virginia-based programs stand out as leaders in sports psychology education. Our rankings consider factors like research opportunities, clinical experiences, and graduate success rates. Learn more about our comprehensive evaluation process. https://www.sportspsychology.org/ranking-methodology/

#1

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu

Bachelor's - B.S. in Psychology: Sport Psychology

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Liberty University's Bachelor of Science in Psychology: Sport Psychology equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand and enhance athletic performance. This program combines behavioral science with practical applications in sports and exercise, offering courses like Human Nutrition and Sport and Exercise Psychology. Students benefit from small class sizes, study abroad opportunities, and internships for real-world experience. Accredited by SACSCOC, this program prepares graduates for careers in sports coaching, health promotion, and more. With a Christian worldview, Liberty provides a supportive environment for students to grow academically and spiritually.

• 120 Credit Hours
• Study Abroad Opportunities
• Transfer up to 75% credits
• Average class size: 25
• SACSCOC Accredited
• Internship opportunities
• Christian worldview teaching
• Courses: Human Nutrition
• Courses: Group Dynamics
• Courses: Sport Psychology

#2

Eastern Mennonite University

Harrisonburg, VA - Private 4-year - emu.edu

Bachelor's - Sports Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Eastern Mennonite University's Sports Psychology concentration equips students with comprehensive skills in psychology and sports management. Perfect for aspiring professionals seeking graduate education or careers in coaching, athletic training, and team consulting. Students gain critical insights into human performance, psychological principles, and practical leadership strategies. The program blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing graduates for dynamic roles in sports psychology and performance enhancement.

• Sports Psychology concentration offered
• Prepares for graduate programs
• Combines psychology and sports management
• 6-9 semester hours total
• Includes leadership and coaching courses
• Career paths: coaching, athletic training
• Optional counseling and biomechanics electives

*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Virginia

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

• Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Virginia 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 the degree component, individuals must gain supervised clinical experience. This means working under experienced licensed or sports psychologists’ supervision to gain real-world training.
• Licensing Examination: Once the educational portion is complete, candidates must pass a licensing exam administered by the Virginia Board of Psychology. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

Sports psychologists may also wish to pursue certifications to further enhance their credentials and demonstrate expertise. Two of the most popular certifications in the field of sports psychology are 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.

By fulfilling all of the licensure requirements and obtaining certifications through trusted organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Virginia can establish themselves as valued sports psychologists. Their expertise in understanding the psychological aspects of sports performance can contribute greatly to athletes’ success, health, and well-being.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Virginia

There are many career opportunities in sports psychology in Virginia. Recent grads can find employment in places including collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Some of the notable sports organizations in Virginia include:

• University of Virginia Athletics
• Virginia Tech Athletics
• George Mason University Athletics

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Virginia

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