Sports Psychology Programs in Washington

Sports Psychology Programs in Washington

Sports psychology students in Washington will unfortunately only find one program available in-state — the M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology Option offered by Western Washington University. However, if Washington students are aiming for bachelor’s degree programs or doctorate degree programs, they may find one that suits their needs online (see more below). Here is a complete list of programs offered to sports psychology students:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Washington universities and colleges do not currently offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology, but they do exist. 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 additional training. Students can pursue a 2-year Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, acquiring the necessary skills to work with athletes in diverse settings.
• Graduate Certificate: Designed for those who hold a master’s (or sometimes even a bachelor’s) in a related field, Sports Psychology graduate certificate programs can be completed in about one year, allowing professionals to specialize in this niche area of psychology.
• 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, preparing graduates for leadership roles and academic positions in sports psychology.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Washington?

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. Unfortunately, aspiring sports psychologists in Washington don’t have online programs offered in-state, but students in Washington are able to seek these programs based in other states to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Washington

Washington state offers some of the most dynamic sports psychology programs in the United States, providing aspiring professionals with cutting-edge training and exceptional academic experiences. At sportspsychology.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the top educational institutions that excel in preparing students for careers in sports mental performance. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, clinical training, and student outcomes. These programs equip future sports psychologists with the skills needed to help athletes optimize mental performance, manage stress, and achieve peak psychological conditions. Our rankings reflect the most comprehensive review of sports psychology education in Washington, offering valuable insights for students seeking top-tier academic paths. More details about our evaluation process can be found at https://www.sportspsychology.org/ranking-methodology/.

#1

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA - Public 4-Year - wwu.edu

Bachelor's - Kinesiology — Sport Psychology specialization

Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Washington University's Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Sport Psychology specialization offers an interdisciplinary approach blending psychological principles with kinesiology. The program prepares students for dynamic careers in coaching, personal training, and athletic performance enhancement. Students engage in comprehensive coursework exploring human movement's physiological and psychological dimensions, complemented by 360-hour internship opportunities and two 90-hour field experiences. The curriculum emphasizes professional development, research engagement, and mentorship, providing a robust foundation for graduates seeking careers in sport performance or pursuing advanced graduate studies in sport psychology.

• BS in Kinesiology - Sport Psychology
• Interdisciplinary psychology-kinesiology curriculum
• Prepares for coaching careers
• Graduate school preparation
• Performance enhancement focus
• 360-hour internship option
• Two 90-hour field experiences
• Research and mentorship opportunities
• Professional experience emphasis

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology - Sport and Exercise Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Washington University's Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology provides an advanced research-driven curriculum targeting professionals passionate about understanding human performance psychology. Located in Bellingham, the 46-49 credit program develops expertise in designing and evaluating psychological components of exercise and sport interventions. Students benefit from research-focused training, faculty mentorship, and comprehensive insights into performance optimization. The program requires three recommendation letters, with a detailed statement of purpose, and maintains a selective admission process targeting candidates committed to advancing psychological strategies in athletic and exercise domains.

• Master of Science degree
• Located in Bellingham, WA
• 46-49 total credits
• Fall admission odd years
• Application deadline Jan 15
• Requires 3 recommendation letters
• Two faculty recommendations needed
• Detailed statement of purpose
• $100 application fee
• Research-focused program

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#2

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - spu.edu

Bachelor's - Psychology: Sports Psychology Track (BA)

Concentration: Sports Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle Pacific University's Sports Psychology Track within the Bachelor of Arts program offers a distinctive approach to understanding athlete performance and mental dynamics. Students dive deep into psychological assessment techniques, human motivation, and leadership principles while gaining practical insights through research and internship opportunities. With a comprehensive 72-credit curriculum, the program integrates Christian faith perspectives and prepares graduates for advanced studies or careers in sports performance coaching, mental health, and athlete development. The track emphasizes personalized faculty mentorship, advanced research methodologies, and holistic understanding of psychological factors influencing athletic excellence.

• BA in Psychology with Sports Track
• 72 total credits required
• Internship opportunities available
• Focuses on athlete performance
• Advanced research methods courses
• Prepares for graduate studies
• Multiple research track options
• Minimum 2.0 GPA required
• Christian faith integrated curriculum
• Personalized faculty advising

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

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Washington

To practice as a sports psychologist in Washington, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Washington State Department of Health. The licensure process involves several steps:

• Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Washington 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: As part of their doctoral program, students must gain supervised clinical experience. This involves working under the supervision of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to acquire real-world skills in the field.
• Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the required educational and clinical requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Washington State Department of Health. This exam assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

In addition to licensure, sports psychologists may also wish to pursue certifications to demonstrate specialized expertise. Two main certifications in the field of sports psychology incjude 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.

With licensure requirements met and certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) obtained, sports psychologists in Washington are well prepared to find success in the field. Their expertise in understanding and enhancing the psychological aspects of sports performance can significantly contribute to the success of sports teams and athletes everywhere.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Washington

Washington grads can find many career opportunities in sports psychology. Employment is found in diverse settings, including collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Sports organizations in Washington include:

• University of Washington Athletics
• Washington State University Athletics
• Seattle Seahawks (National Football League)
• Seattle Mariners (Major League Baseball)
• Seattle Sounders FC (Major League Soccer)

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Washington

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