Sports Psychology Programs in Wisconsin

Sports Psychology Programs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers degree programs in sports psychology to cater to students at master’s degree and doctorate degree academic levels. For master’s degrees, students will have their choice of a Master’s in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology offered by the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay or the M.S. Kinesiology in Exercise Psychology offered at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. For students interested in doctorate programs, check out the Kinesiology, Ph.D. in Exercise Psychology offered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. These programs equip students with an understanding of the psychological factors that influence sports performance, injury recovery, and overall athlete well-being.

• Bachelor’s Degree: The entryway degree in the field is the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Sports Psychology. This traditional 4-year program introduces the concept of psychological factors that impact sports performance and prepares students for further education.
• Master’s Degree: The next step is enrolling in a Master’s program in Sports Psychology, which provides advanced coursework and practical training. Students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree to take their knowledge to the next level.
• Graduate Certificate: If you already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, you may wish to pursue a graduate certificate in Sports Psychology. These shortened programs offer focused training in sports psychology, allowing professionals to specialize in the field without having to complete a lengthy full degree program.
• Doctorate Degree: Doctorate programs in Sports Psychology, such as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), are the highest degree levels available. They emphasize research, advanced coursework, and clinical practice for students who want to take their sports psychology careers to new heights.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Wisconsin?

Online sports psychology programs offer advantages such as studying at one’s own pace, accessing resources and materials from anywhere, and connecting with professionals and students from diverse backgrounds. Aspiring sports psychologists in Wisconsin may not find online options offered to them by their own state, but they will find them available online through other states.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers exceptional sports psychology programs that help athletes transform mental challenges into peak performance opportunities. At sportspsychology.org, we've carefully evaluated academic institutions across the state to highlight the most comprehensive and innovative educational pathways in this dynamic field. Our research considers factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, clinical training, and student success rates. These programs prepare future sports psychologists to work with athletes at various levels, from high school teams to professional organizations, providing critical mental skills training and performance enhancement strategies. Learn more about our comprehensive analysis and ranking approach https://www.sportspsychology.org/ranking-methodology/.

#1

Carroll University

Waukesha, WI - Private 4-year - carrollu.edu

Master's - M.S. in Sport Physiology and Performance Coaching

Campus Based - Visit Website

Carroll University's M.S. in Sport Physiology and Performance Coaching stands out as an intensive two-year graduate program targeting sports science professionals. Spanning 40 credits, the curriculum meticulously develops advanced skills in human performance optimization and athletic training strategies. Students benefit from unique on-campus athlete interaction experiences, ensuring practical skill translation. Admission requires a baccalaureate degree, specific anatomy and physiology prerequisites, and professional certifications like CPR. The program's comprehensive approach prepares graduates for dynamic careers in strength conditioning, sports performance analysis, and athletic development, with a competitive 2.50 minimum GPA requirement and fall semester entry opportunities.

• 24-month graduate program
• 40-credit curriculum
• Baccalaureate degree required
• 2.50 minimum GPA
• Anatomy, physiology prerequisites
• CPR certification needed
• Professional certification required
• On-campus athlete interaction
• Fall semester start
• Case-by-case admission review

#2

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Green Bay, WI - Public 4-Year - uwgb.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's Master of Science in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology offers a comprehensive program uniquely designed to cultivate mental performance expertise. Students benefit from two specialized tracks—applied and course-based—allowing personalized educational paths. The curriculum emphasizes practical skill development through community partnerships and robust research opportunities. Prospective students passionate about performance psychology will find exceptional preparation for professional certification like CMPC®. With expert faculty holding advanced certifications and a student-driven approach, the program prepares graduates to excel in supporting athletes, performers, and professionals seeking peak mental performance. Scholarships and grants enhance accessibility, while the February 1st application review ensures competitive and motivated candidate selection.

• Two tracks: applied and course-based.
• Focus on mental performance enhancement.
• Community partnerships for practical experience.
• Admissions start review February 1.
• Opportunities for research and applied work.
• Preparation for CMPC® certification.
• Close-knit, student-driven program.
• Expert professors with CMPC® certification.
• Tailored curriculum for career goals.
• Scholarships and grants available.

#3

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu

Master's - MS Rehabilitation Science and Technology Intervention and Consultation in Performance Psychology (MS-RST ICPP)

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Master's in Rehabilitation Science & Technology with Performance Psychology concentration offers a robust academic pathway for aspiring performance psychology professionals. Uniquely structured with flexible thesis and capstone pathways, the 30-credit program equips students with advanced psychological performance optimization techniques. Students benefit from potential mentored experience hours and opportunities to pursue the CMPC® credential. The program features rolling admissions, requires a 2.75 undergraduate GPA, and offers optional GRE submission. Prerequisites include foundational coursework in statistics, sciences, and psychology. With faculty possessing national and international expertise, students receive comprehensive training in supporting athletes, performers, and professionals across diverse performance domains.

• 30-credit Master's degree program
• On-campus, thesis/capstone options
• Rolling admissions available
• 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Prerequisites: statistics, sciences, psychology
• Optional GRE submission
• AASP knowledge area training
• Mentored experience opportunities
• Faculty with national/international expertise

*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Wisconsin

To practice as a sports psychologist in Wisconsin, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The licensure process includes:

• Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Wisconsin usually must obtain a Ph.D. 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: Students must also complete a certain amount of supervised clinical hours. This means working under the supervision of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to acquire real-world practical training.
• Licensing Examination: The last step is to pass a licensing examination administered by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. This exam tests graduates’ knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

Sports psychologists in Wisconsin can also pursue certifications. The main 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.

Once licensure requirements are fulfilled and relevant certifications are obtained through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Wisconsin are ready to become valued members of sports organizations. Their expertise in understanding and enhancing the psychological aspects of sports performance can significantly contribute to athletes’ mental health and career success.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to many career opportunities in sports psychology. Employment in the state can be found in diverse settings such as collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Potential employers in Wisconsin may include:

• University of Wisconsin-Madison Athletics
• Marquette University Athletics
• Green Bay Packers (National Football League)
• Milwaukee Brewers (Major League Baseball)
• Milwaukee Bucks (National Basketball Association)
• Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA Division I)

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Wisconsin

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