Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology
Online Courses
GRE not required for admission.
Finish in as little as 14 months, to 22 months
Average completion time
240K+ Alumni Worldwide
Become a member of NU’s global community
Take the first step in your National University Journey
Explore the Intersection of Performance and Psychology
Degree:
Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology Degree
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
The Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology program provides rigorous training to facilitate students’ growth in becoming knowledgeable, effective mental performance practitioners and professionals. Experiential training is guided by theory, evidence-based practice, ethical, and professional standards.
Students who complete this unique program can integrate the core elements of assessment, counseling skills, research methods, performance enhancement, and multicultural humility while developing their philosophy of practice across the disciplines of sport and performance psychology, business, coaching, counseling, fine arts, combat, military psychology, and sport sciences.
Following the completion of the first nine courses in the program, all students must pass the Comprehensive Written Exam (CWE). Following the successful completion of the first nine courses and passing the CWE, students will move on to the specialization requirements.
The coursework that has been identified as appropriate by the Certification Council of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).
Degree Requirements
To receive a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology degree, students must complete at least 67.5 quarter units. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and provided the units were not used in earning another advanced degree. Students should refer to the section on graduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Core Requirements
11 Courses
Sport/Performance Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
This course examines the history, purpose, discipline, and basic techniques of sport and performance psychology. Students will examine how foundational principles in psychology were applied to performance and sport settings, and how current practices are shaped by ongoing research, inquiry, and application.
Ethics Sport & Perform Psych
4.5 Quarter Units
This course examines the professional laws and ethics pertaining to the practice of counseling and psychotherapy, with an emphasis on the laws and ethics pertaining to therapy and consulting with individuals and groups in a wide variety of settings. The content of various relevant legal and ethical codes will be reviewed, and the similarities and differences in ethical practice between the contexts of psychotherapy and performance psychology consulting will be explored in depth.
Performance Enhancement
4.5 Quarter Units
This course will provide a foundation of knowledge in the field of sport and performance psychology relevant to specific performance enhancement techniques.Students will examine ethical issues, explore being professional in the field, and enhance competence in performance enhancement skills and techniques for use in Sport and Performance Psychology, consulting with athletes in a variety of diverse settings. Through theoretical research of the techniques, students will create a binder of Sport and Performance Psychology- based handouts to prepare for their work with a diverse population of clients.
Counseling in Sprt & Perf Psy
4.5 Quarter Units
This course offers an overview of major theoretical counseling orientations and techniques and their application in performance psychology settings. Emphasis is on basic interviewing, assessment, and counseling skills that facilitate the helping process through integration of various theoretical models.
Assessment Strategies
4.5 Quarter Units
The course encompasses the purpose, implementation and utility of assessment strategies within sport and performance settings. Topics include the use of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured interviews, performing behavioral observations, theoretical foundations of assessment measures, test construction and the administration, scoring and interpretation of objective psychological measures applicable to the sport/performance setting. This course will emphasize synthesizing information gleaned from multiple methods to assist in accurate initial assessment, intervention planning, and evaluating changes in performance. The course will also highlight the importance of keeping case notes and accurate record keeping. Templates will be developed for informed consent and case notes. Finally, this course will discuss how to make referrals and how to assess for suicide in non-clinical settings.
Mindful Performance
4.5 Quarter Units
This is a course that introduces the concept of mindfulness. Students will gain basic knowledge in mindfulness meditation practices. The course will focus on the historical background, define concepts, present research, and enable opportunities for students to practice a wide variety of techniques. In-class participation and assignments will foster experience and familiarity with theories, strategies, and techniques, thereby allowing students to accumulate an applied knowledge of mindfulness that can be integrated into their personal and professional practices.
Leadership & Team Building
4.5 Quarter Units
The focus of this course is to learn how to facilitate leadership and team building, through interactive experiences, in an effective way. Students will learn ways of working with a team in order to build necessary skills including cohesion, communication, trust, and respect. Emphasis will be placed on activities, skills and strategies that will enable students to effectively work with teams and groups of many kinds. The students will gain an understanding of group behavior and dynamics and will be able to use this knowledge with diverse populations. Students will learn to recognize ethical issues in relation to working with groups and will examine their interpersonal and professional style through hands-on application of ideas.
Benchmark Written Exam
0.0 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 602; PSY 607; PSY 644; PSY 648; PSY 637A; PSY 614; PSY 647; PSY 649; PSY 656
Comprehensive written examination covering material from year one, to be taken after successfully completing PSY 602, PSY 607, PSY 644, PSY 648, PSY 637A, PSY 614, PSY 647, PSY 649, and PSY 656.
Research Methods
4.5 Quarter Units
This course sequence is designed to present an overview of research designs and methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. Additionally, ethics in research, issues of diversity and multicultural competence relevant to the research process, and an introduction to the process of publishing within journals and other outlets will be covered.
Multicul Iss Sprt/Prfrm Consul
4.5 Quarter Units
An exploration of the role of culture in concepts of sport and performance psychology consultation and intervention. Students will examine how their own cultural background frames their understanding of themselves and others. Family heritage culturally informed assessment and intervention, and the limitations of the dominant Eurocentric psychological worldview to diverse populations are explored.
Counseling Skills
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 614A
Counseling Skills course introduces and develops the skills needed to assess, counsel, and provide an intervention plan as a mental performance coach. This course will explore the aspects of facilitating client development in a multicultural society. Students will gain an understanding of listening skills, the key concepts and core skills of communication. Emphasis will be placed on identifying which theories should be used for different patterns of behavior, situations and cultural groups. Students will practice those skills and discuss how to handle ethical dilemmas in a counseling relationship. Students are expected to integrate skills with their personal style and theory.
Specialization in Applied Mental Performance
11 Courses
Students taking the Applied Mental Performance Specialization will complete seven additional courses, including extensive mentored training, comprehensive oral exam, and the culminating 2-month Applied Project. The Applied Mental Performance Specialization is designed to meet the academic requirements and mentored experience hours (minimum 200 direct client contact hours) for the CMPC certification (administered by AASP – Association for Applied Sport Psychology). Enabling students to complete the 72-quarter unit program in 22 months.
Mentored Appl Training Exp A
1.5 Quarter Units
Covers first practicum placement along with weekly individual and group mentorship. The internship-placement aspect requires students to intern at a site working with performers and applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Individual and group mentorship involves one-on-one meetings, discussions, case presentations, role-playing, and covers ethical issues. The combined mentorship provides students with a supportive environment for discussions exploring issues which pertain to their fieldwork experience. The Applied Training Handbook is a reference source for all matters related to being a Student-Intern.
Adv Performance Enhancement
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 644
This is an advanced course for the Sport and Performance Psychology Program. It covers a more in-depth approach to using the performance enhancement techniques and troubleshooting issues that clients may be presenting to the consultant. The students will address professional and ethical issues of consulting in the field and in relation to their own personal consulting style. They will be able to apply these skills to diverse populations. Students will work on going more in-depth in individual consulting sessions.
Mentored Applied Training Exp
1.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 659A
Covers second practicum placement along with weekly individual and group mentorship. The internship-placement aspect requires students to intern at a site working with performers and applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Individual and group mentorship involves one-on-one meetings, discussions, case presentations, role-playing, and covers ethical issues. The combined mentorship provides students with a supportive environment for discussions exploring issues which pertain to their fieldwork experience. Prior to internships, students will complete the first internship course. The Fieldwork Handbook is a reference source for all matters related to being a Student-Intern.
Psychopathology Assessment
4.5 Quarter Units
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the major classifications of psychopathology and their impact upon individual performance. Psychopathology Assessment will introduce students to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5TR). Emphasis will be placed on assessing mental health conditions that require referrals to appropriate treating professionals. Psychopathology Assessment focuses on recognizing the classification of mood and anxiety disorders, impulse control disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, organic brain disorders, thought disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders.
Mentored Appl Training Exp C
1.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 659B
Covers third practicum placement along with weekly individual and group mentorship. The internship-placement aspect requires students to intern at a site working with performers and applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Individual and group mentorship involves one-on-one meetings, discussions, case presentations, role-playing, and covers ethical issues. The combined mentorship provides students with a supportive environment for discussions exploring issues which pertain to their fieldwork experience. The Applied Training Handbook is a reference source for all matters related to being a Student-Intern.
Advanced Sport Psychology
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 602
This is an advanced course in sport and performance psychology. The main theoretical approaches in the field of Sport and Performance Psychology will be revisited, updated and addressed from an integrated perspective. The students will be expected to synthesize the various theoretical perspectives and current research findings and show how this integrated perspective can help their work with performers. The students will be encouraged to think and work from an evidence-based perspective. The students will develop their own philosophy of practice. The course will continue to encourage students to think critically about the research presented and how it relates to their work in the field as a practitioner.
Mentored Appl Training Exp D
1.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 659C
Covers fourth practicum placement along with weekly individual and group mentorship. The internship-placement aspect requires students to intern at a site working with performers and applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Individual and group mentorship involves one-on-one meetings, discussions, case presentations, role-playing, and covers ethical issues. The combined mentorship provides students with a supportive environment for discussions exploring issues which pertain to their fieldwork experience. The Applied Training Handbook is a reference source for all matters related to being a Student-Intern.
Applied Project
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 657; PSY 682; PSY 658; PSY 684
The Applied Project involves effective, appropriate, and professional communication issues. Topics addressed will include ethics and professionalism in writing and the publication process. The final product will be an applied paper or project that will be of a publishable quality incorporating evidence-based research in a form that does not necessarily require collection and/or presentation of data. The project must be agreed upon by the instructor and student. At the end of the Applied Project, students will present their work to their peers and the Sport and Performance Psychology department.
Mentored Appl Training Exp E
1.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 659D
Covers fifth practicum placement along with weekly individual and group mentorship. The internship-placement aspect requires students to intern at a site working with performers and applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Individual and group mentorship involves one-on-one meetings, discussions, case presentations, role-playing, and covers ethical issues. The combined mentorship provides students with a supportive environment for discussions exploring issues which pertain to their fieldwork experience. The Applied Training Handbook is a reference source for all matters related to being a Student-Intern.
Comprehensive Oral Exam
0.0 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 685
Comprehensive oral examination covering materials in all phases of the program to be taken in the student’s last course.
Mentored Appl Training Exp F
1.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 659E
Covers sixth practicum placement along with weekly individual and group mentorship. The internship-placement aspect requires students to intern at a site working with performers and applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Individual and group mentorship involves one-on-one meetings, discussions, case presentations, role-playing, and covers ethical issues. The combined mentorship provides students with a supportive environment for discussions exploring issues which pertain to their fieldwork experience. The Applied Training Handbook is a reference source for all matters related to being a Student-Intern.
Specialization in Theoretical Mental Performance
3 Courses
Students taking the Theoretical Mental Performance Specialization will complete four additional courses, including the culminating 2-month capstone course. The Theoretical Specialization meets the academic requirements for the CMPC certification (administered by AASP – Association for Applied Sport Psychology). Enabling students to complete the 58.5-unit program in as little as 14 months.
Psychopathology Assessment
4.5 Quarter Units
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the major classifications of psychopathology and their impact upon individual performance. Psychopathology Assessment will introduce students to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5TR). Emphasis will be placed on assessing mental health conditions that require referrals to appropriate treating professionals. Psychopathology Assessment focuses on recognizing the classification of mood and anxiety disorders, impulse control disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, organic brain disorders, thought disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse disorders.
Motor Behavior
4.5 Quarter Units
This course examines the role of motor and biomechanical factors in performance situations. Course content includes the biomechanics of performance, linear and angular kinetics, the role of torque and force in performance, and the risks associated with biomechanical stress.
Capstone
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: PSY 657; PSY 658; PSY 606
The capstone provides practical application of sport and performance psychology principles in a professional setting. A thesis consisting of the written report of an in-depth research project is required. This project must be initiated, executed, and reported by the student under the mentorship of the faculty.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
The Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology degree will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Health Educators
- $62,600 avg. salary (USA)
- 7,462 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Health Education
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Health And Wellness Coaching
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Mental Health
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- YMCA
- Elevance Health
- Swift Safety Institute
- Gosvea
- IQVIA
- Wset Certification Classes
- Coaches and Scouts
- $45,435 avg. salary (USA)
- 44,610 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Sports Coaching
- Fundraising
- Working With Children
- Lesson Planning
- Public Relations
- Strength Training And Conditioning
- Life Coaching
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- YMCA
- National Collegiate Athletic Association
- State Of West Virginia
- Euro School Of Tennis
- Calex Sports
- Life Time
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of National University’s MA in Performance Psychology program, graduates will be able to:
- Describe, explain, synthesize, apply, and critique theoretical perspectives from Sport and Performance Psychology and related fields whilst demonstrating continuous development of their philosophy of practice to inform their work.
- Describe, explain, synthesize, apply, and critique professional ethical standards in a culturally appropriate manner whilst utilizing decision-making principles in relation to ethical considerations.
- Describe and explain potential sources of bias within themselves and clients, in addition, to synthesizing, applying, and critique concepts whilst adapting their skills to promote inclusive practice with a diverse range of populations, with an emphasis on continuing education.
- Describe, explain, synthesize, apply and critique various assessment tools whilst identifying potential clinical concerns and applying referral procedures appropriately in a continuous and evolving process to create effective action plans.
- Describe, explain, synthesize, apply and critique counseling skills to develop a working relationship with clients whilst demonstrating awareness and subsequent action of how the self may impact the client-consultant relationship.
- Describe, explain, synthesize, apply and critique performance enhancement skills with individuals and teams.
- Describe, explain, synthesize, apply and critique established and current research from Sport and Performance Psychology and related fields whilst demonstrating continuous development of their philosophy of practice to inform their work.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
Free Tutoring Sessions
Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online
Flexibility meets quality education with our online learning option.
24/7 Support
Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.
Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Additional Resources
- Center for Performance Psychology
- Program-Specific Course Information – Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology Specialization in Applied Mental Performance
- Program-Specific Course Information – Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology Specialization in Theoretical Mental Performance
- The Mental Health Crisis in Sports is Getting Long Overdue Attention
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
Additional Disclosure
The Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology program is currently operating using guidelines from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Students seeking certification must pass additional exams and have completed approved mentor hours. Please see the CMPC website for more details.
Students who obtain a CMPC may use the letters CMPC after their name and highest university degree. It does not designate the individual as a “sport psychologist.” Requirements for providing psychological services are determined by individual state, provincial, and territorial licensing boards.
For up-to-date information on program licensure eligibility requirements for a state, please visit: Licensure Disclosures
*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program-specific requirements. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.
Back to top