Sports Psychology Programs in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, 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 strong sports culture and a wide range of athletic programs, Wisconsin offers opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists. This article explores the sports psychology programs available in Wisconsin, including degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career prospects. Whether you're a student interested in pursuing a degree or a professional seeking career advancement in sports psychology, Wisconsin provides educational paths and avenues for professional growth. Let's delve into the world of sports psychology in Wisconsin and discover the exciting possibilities it holds.

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.
2025 Best Sports Psychology Program's in Wisconsin
Wisconsin stands out as a hub for exceptional sports psychology education. Our experts at sportspsychology.org have carefully analyzed and ranked the state's top programs, highlighting institutions that excel in preparing future mental performance professionals for the competitive world of athletics.
Carroll University
Waukesha, WI - Private 4-year - carrollu.edu
M.S. in Sport Physiology and Performance Coaching
Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website
Carroll University's Master of Science in Sport Physiology and Performance Coaching delivers an immersive academic journey into advanced athletic performance strategies. Blending scientific rigor with practical coaching techniques, this 24-month program transforms students into elite sports science professionals. The comprehensive 40-credit curriculum explores human physiology, performance optimization, and advanced training methodologies. Students engage directly with campus athletes, translating theoretical knowledge into real-world applications. Prerequisites include a bachelor's degree, foundational anatomy coursework, and professional certifications like CPR. Graduates emerge equipped to excel in strength conditioning, athletic training, and sports performance consulting, bridging cutting-edge research with transformative coaching practices.
- 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
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu
MS Rehabilitation Science and Technology Intervention and Consultation in Performance Psychology (MS-RST ICPP)
Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's MS in Rehabilitation Science & Technology Performance Psychology track provides a comprehensive education for aspiring performance psychology professionals. Students explore advanced psychological techniques supporting athletes and performers through dynamic coursework and mentored experiences. The program's unique curriculum emphasizes mental skills development, injury rehabilitation strategies, and professional credentialing preparation. Graduates gain robust training in psychological performance optimization, with flexible thesis and capstone options enabling personalized academic pathways. Strategic mentorship and faculty expertise create opportunities for students to potentially pursue the prestigious CMPC® certification while building specialized competencies in performance intervention and consultation.
- 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
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, WI - Public 4-Year - uwgb.edu
Master of Science in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology
Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website
Nestled in Green Bay, this innovative Master's program transforms aspiring performance psychologists through a dynamic curriculum blending theoretical foundations and practical applications. Students engage in specialized tracks that cultivate advanced mental performance skills, leveraging community partnerships and research opportunities. The program's unique approach prepares graduates to support athletes, performers, and professionals in achieving peak mental states. With expert faculty holding CMPC® certification and a student-driven environment, learners receive personalized guidance toward comprehensive performance psychology expertise. Tailored coursework and experiential learning create pathways for certification and impactful careers in mental performance enhancement.
- 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.
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
Green Bay, WI
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, WI 54311-7001
Madison, WI
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI 53706-1380
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