A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
Sport Psychology
MS in Psychology
Specialize in athletic performance and help athletes of all ages and abilities unleash their full potential. With Capella’s MS in Psychology, you’ll explore new ways to motivate athletes and teams, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Plus, you’ll learn to coach players through the psychological pressures of competition, practice and injuries using cutting-edge research findings on performance enhancement and stress management. Whether you’re running a parks and recreation department, coaching high school sports or training at a resort-based wellness program, you’ll learn new methods to bring out the best in amateur athletes.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- 4 Core courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 1 Integrative project
- 58 Total credits (15 max transfer)
With FlexPath, you can earn your master’s in psychology in 10 months and under $13,000.
Based on fastest 25% of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies and other fees apply.
Explore sport psychology courses
- This degree requires a total of 29 program points in FlexPath or 58 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, seven specialization courses and one integrative project
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PSY6110
Learning Theories in Psychology
5 quarter credits
Students analyze psychological and learning theories and their principles and concepts and identify how these apply to learning processes. Students present research designs and methodologies from current research studies and investigate the connection between theories and research processes. Additionally, students apply theories and research findings to case studies. Prerequisite(s): Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option students must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY6830
Applied Sport Psychology
5 quarter credits
Students acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to apply fundamental sport psychology concepts to their chosen profession. Students consider ethical issues, their personal approach to sport psychology practice, and ways to use research to inform their work. Students also examine the significance of working with various populations and expanding their areas of expertise. Prerequisite(s): PSY6820 or PSY8841.
5 quarter credits
PSY6820
Performance Enhancement in Sports
5 quarter credits
Students in this course examine the mechanisms athletes use to exceed their perceived physical and mental limitations. In addition, students apply performance enhancement theories and techniques to help clients improve athletic performance. Topics include strategies such as visualization, meditation, hypnosis, autogenic training, biofeedback, and progressive relaxation. Prerequisite(s): PSY6810 or PSY8840.
5 quarter credits
PSY6830
Applied Sport Psychology
5 quarter credits
Students acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to apply fundamental sport psychology concepts to their chosen profession. Students consider ethical issues, their personal approach to sport psychology practice, and ways to use research to inform their work. Students also examine the significance of working with various populations and expanding their areas of expertise. Prerequisite(s): PSY6820 or PSY8841.
5 quarter credits
PSY6840
Current Issues in Sport Psychology
5 quarter credits
In this course, students critically analyze the research, theories, and practices of sport psychology. Students examine current issues in sports and determine ways to ethically and professionally apply sport psychology practices to educate sports participants and to improve the performance of athletes. Prerequisite(s): PSY6820 or PSY8841.
5 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our FlexPath Trial Course, you will explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you'll learn
The MS in Psychology, Sport Psychology teaches current theories and research methods for performance enhancement, individual and team motivation, injury recovery, and stress management for amateur athletes. You’ll learn how to apply these principles in professional settings, including: schools, recreation departments, fitness clubs, sports camps, and resort-based wellness programs. The curriculum is not intended to prepare you for licensure as a professional counselor or psychologist.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate the foundations of psychology and their application to sport psychology practice
- Utilize sport psychology theory and research to customize working models that fit specific populations
- Apply principles of sport psychology to one’s chosen profession (e.g., coaching, performance enhancement, athletic training, or consulting)
- Demonstrate ethical principles in the application of sport psychology
- Recognize, value, respect, and embrace individual differences in the application of sport psychology
- Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the psychological professions
How much does the MS in Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session
- $3,075 per 12-week billing session
- $160 resource kit
- 29 total program points
- 8 max transfer points
$12,300*
ACCELERATED PACE 10 months
$21,525*
TYPICAL PACE 18 months
$27,675*
SLOWER PACE 24 months
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $540 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 58 total quarter credits
- 15 max transfer credits
$31,320*
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 27 months
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
What are the MS in Psychology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the Master of Science in Psychology, Sport Psychology must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
What is sport psychology?
Learn more about the field of sport psychology and possible areas to pursue your professional goals.
Financing Guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
Helping Professions Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
What can you do with an MS in Sport Psychology degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Psychology, Sports Psychology.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct psychology instructors
- Assistant professors of exercise science
- Assistant professors of kinesiology
- Assistant professors of psychology
- Assistant professors of sport management
- Associate professors of psychology
- Faculty lecturers
- Open rank tenure track faculties
- Performance coaches
- Psychology adjunct faculties
- Psychology faculties
Employment settings to explore*
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Junior colleges
- Sports teams and clubs
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.