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Psychology (Sport Psychology), MS

Psychology (Sport Psychology), MS

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Psychology (Sport Psychology), MS

ASU Health - 1 year, Coaching, Exercise and Wellness, Psychology, Sport Psychology

Do you have a passion for striving toward optimal well-being and performance? Learn about sport psychology from an interdisciplinary perspective, including psychology, health and communication.

Program description
Degree awarded: MS  Psychology (Sport Psychology)

The Master of Science program in psychology with a concentration in sport psychology prepares students to apply knowledge and skills to work toward the health and achievements of individuals in a sport setting along with more harmonious, equitable and inclusive societies.

Through an interdisciplinary lens that includes psychology, communication and health, the core coursework emphasizes multiple theoretical perspectives and applications of sport psychology, culture and diversity in sports, and the cultural significance of sport fandom. Electives provide students with the flexibility to focus on areas important to their professional interests. The faculty in the sport psychology concentration are committed to providing an engaging curriculum that fosters advanced writing, critical thinking and analytical skills, and promotes competence in understanding theoretical, methodological and statistical frameworks within psychology and sport psychology research.

This program is not designed to prepare students for clinical practice. Opportunities to prepare for licensure exams are not available through this program.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:


Acceptance to graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required capstone course (PSY 553)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
PSY 502 Professional Issues in Psychology (3)

Concentration (6 credit hours)
CMN 567 Sport, Media and Culture (3)
PSY 557 Perspectives in Sport Psychology (3)

Other Requirements (6 credit hours)
KIN 598 Topic: Performance Consulting Skills and Strategies (3)
PSY 598 Topic: Sport Fandom (3)

Research (3 credit hours)
PSY 500 Research Methods (3)

Electives (9 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
PSY 553 Capstone in General Psychology (3)

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of purpose
  4. one letter of recommendation
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

It is recommended that applicants have a background in psychology, sociology, communication, kinesiology, nutrition or a closely related field. It is strongly recommended that applicants have completed a statistics course or a research methods course.

The statement of purpose should be a concise and well-written response that describes the applicant's academic or career goals and how a master's degree in psychology with a concentration in sport psychology will help them achieve those goals.

It is preferred that the letter of recommendation come from a faculty member who knows the applicant's work well; if this is not possible, the recommendation should be from an individual in a supervisory or professional role.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 07/15 Final
Global opportunities
Global experience

Study abroad is possible for graduate students, and it enables students in the psychology program to stand out in many career fields. Students are exposed to unique differences in the human condition worldwide, are able to improve language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication, and are challenged to adapt under new social and cultural circumstances.

There are more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent. Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students. Taking courses over the summer or during academic breaks with ASU professors offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.

Career opportunities

Graduates leave this program with a broad understanding of sport psychology. They may pursue careers in psychology, education, business, consulting or various levels of athletics.

Careers in which the sport psychology concentration is beneficial include:

  • athlete career and education advisor
  • athletic coach
  • consultant
  • educator
  • mental training consultant
  • personal trainer
  • sport research specialist
  • wellness coach
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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