Master's in Kinesiology - Applied Sport Psychology

The Master’s in Kinesiology-Applied Sport Psychology Program at UNCG prepares students to enhance human development and function by acquiring cutting edge knowledge in the area of sport psychology. This field employs evidence-based performance enhancement techniques, sport science, and counseling skills to help athletes maximize their potential and obtain optimal enjoyment from their sport and performance experiences.

Graduate students in Applied Sport Psychology typically come from kinesiology or psychology undergraduate programs. If you enjoy helping athletes and performers achieve their full sporting and exercise potential, solving complex problems and working as part of a team, this field might be an ideal match for you.

Master’s in Kinesiology-Applied Sport Psychology Program Distinctions

This master’s degree in Applied Sport Psychology is designed specifically to help students meet the coursework and field experience requirements for certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). This certification is the gold standard for sport psychology practice, developed by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). It is not a thesis program.

• This is the only program in North Carolina that offers this unique curriculum to gear students for certification.
• Students will learn through an interdisciplinary education and hands-on clinical experience.
• The program is cohort based, with students taking classes together throughout the program. This cohort model emphasizes collaboration, communication, connection, and camaraderie.
• Students will take classes and learn from faculty with a broad range of expertise in the field of sport and exercise psychology, as well as from faculty in other departments across campus, including:
  • Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Social work.
• Local, national, and international professionals come into the classroom to share their expertise and experiences with students.

The Master’s in applied sport psychology Student Experience

For over a century, the Department of Kinesiology has been a cornerstone department of the University. Twenty students are enrolled in the Master’s in Applied Sport Psychology program annually.

• Students must complete 400 hours of mentored experience in a variety of sports and performance settings during their second year. Of these, 200 hours must involve providing direct, face-to-face services to athletes, performers, and those involved in their training, such as coaches and parents.
• Faculty in our program have ongoing collaborations with other Kinesiology sub-disciplines. This may include Exercise Physiology, Applied Research, or Neuromechanics. They also work with other departments, such as Human Development, Family Studies and Psychology.
• Faculty and students collaborate with the UNCG Center for Athlete Well-being and the UNCG Center for Women’s Health and Wellness.
• You will progress through the degree based on an individual plan of study designed to meet the CMPC course requirements, developed in consultation with your advisor.

After Graduating with your master’s in Kinesiology- applied sport psychology

The Master’s in Kinesiology-Applied Sport Psychology Program curriculum is designed to prepare students to pursue a career in:

• Coaching
• Teaching
• Sports medicine
• Athletic training
• Health and fitness
• Performance enhancement consulting
• Doctoral degrees in sport psychology, clinical or counseling psychology, social work
• Certification in sport psychology consulting as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

Apply to the master’s of applied sport psychology Program

Students interested in the Applied Sport Psychology program should complete the UNCG Graduate School application. Applications received by Jan. 15 receive priority consideration. Applications submitted through July 1 will be considered if capacity allows. Read full application details here: Process and Requirements.

FAQs about the Master’s of Applied Sport Psychology Program