by Sarah L. Castillo, National University
With the rise in publicity and popularity of sport psychology, a number of institutions have created academic majors and minors in Sport and Exercise Psychology. In general, one can define an academic “major” as a program of in-depth study leading directly to a baccalaureate degree and an academic “minor” as a secondary field of study or specialization. An academic minor requires fewer courses and does not, in and of itself, lead to a bachelor’s degree. General Education and elective coursework is required by institutions in addition to the coursework requirements for the major and/or minor. The number of credit hours required to complete an academic major or minor depends both on institutional policy and on institutional structure (i.e., semester or quarter system). Given the unique demands and opportunities in the field, especially applied work in performance enhancement and AASP Certification, students may be best served to major in Psychology and minor in Sport and Exercise Psychology, or vice versa depending on your chosen university’s academic programs. Students should conduct careful research on programs of interest to determine which one best meets their needs.
The institutions below have established either majors or minors in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Institution | Major/Minor | Degree | Department | Contact Info | Comments |
Adams State College Alamosa, CO |
Major Minor |
BA |
Dept. of Psychology in collaboration with the Dept. of Human Performance and Physical Education |
Dr. Brian Zuleger |
|
Barry University |
Major |
BS |
Dept. of Exercise & Sport Science |
Dr. Duncan Simpson |
Major students will also get a minor in Psychology or Management (business) |
California State University, Long Beach |
Major |
BS |
Kinesiology |
Dr. Alison Wrynn |
Degree is in Kinesiology with an option in Sport Psychology and Leadership |
Ithaca College |
Minor |
|
Dept. of Exercise & Sport Sciences |
Dr. Greg Shelley Dr, Justine Vosloo |
Degree is a BS in Exercise Science |
Lock Haven University |
Minor |
|
Dept. of Sport Studies |
Dr. Patricia Lally |
|
Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, IA |
Minor Website |
Dept. of Psychology |
Dr. Matthew Bejar |
||
National University |
Major |
BA |
Dept. of Psychology |
Dr. Sarah Castillo |
Onsite and online courses approved to meet AASP Certification requirements |
Pacific Lutheran University |
Minor |
|
Dept. of Kinesiology |
Dr. Colleen Hacker |
|
Robert Morris University Pittsburgh, PA |
Major |
BS |
Social Sciences |
Dr. Samantha Monda |
Degree is in Psychology with a concentration in Sport Psychology |
The State University of New York at Fredonia |
Major |
BA |
Currently in Interdisciplinary Studies; possible change to Psychology |
Dr. Bruce Klonsky |
Course categories patterned after AASP Certification criteria |
Texas Christian University |
Major |
BS |
Dept. of Kinesiology |
Dr. Gloria Solomon |
Major in Sport Psychology; internship opportunities |
Texas State University |
Minor |
|
Dept. of Psychology |
|
|
University of Northern Iowa |
Major Website |
BA |
School of Health, Phys. Ed. & Leisure Services |
Dr. Mickey Mack |
Major in Movement and Exercise Science with a focus on Sport Psychology |
Washburn University |
Major |
BA |
Dept. of Kinesiology |
Dr. Park Lockwood Dr. Dave Provorse |
Degree is in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology |
West Virginia University |
Major
|
BS
|
College of Phys. Act. & Sport Sciences
College of Phys. Act. & Sport Sciences |
Dr. Damien Clement
|
Students are mentored by faculty and doctoral students. Provides an overview of the principles and theories of sport and physical activity. |
University of West Florida |
Minor |
BA |
Dept. of Psychology |
Dr. Robert Rotunda |
|
Western Washington University |
Major Website Minor Website |
BS
|
Health & Human Development |
Dr. Linda Keeler Dr. Jessyca Arthur-Cameselle |
Degree is in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport Psychology |