What is sport psychology?

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Competitive sports test the strength and agility of the mind as well as the body.

If you’re interested in learning how different factors affect athletic performance, a degree in sport psychology can help you explore theories and research what influences athletes’ physical and mental states. Irene Nicolet, PhD, dean at the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Kara Sage, PhD, senior academic director of faculty affairs at Capella University share their insights into this growing field.

What is sport psychology?

While many sports professionals typically focus on the physical performance and well-being of athletes, those in the field of sport psychology focus on their minds and mental health. Dr. Nicolet describes the sport psychology field as being dedicated to “the mental preparation and motivation of individuals within active sports activities.”

Why pursue a master’s in sport psychology?

As you explore possibilities in the field of psychology, you may wonder which area of study is right for you.

Dr. Sage suggests that for some, personal interest or history could be a deciding factor in choosing the sport psychology field. “If you’re interested in athletics, or if you were an athlete yourself at some point, that often draws you in so you can better understand and help,” she says.

Whether you’re a former athlete looking for ways to remain involved or a sports enthusiast who hopes to combine your passion with helping others better their performance, a degree in sport psychology can help you pursue those goals.

A sport psychology program can teach theories and research methods around helping athletes enhance their performance, find motivation, manage stress and recover from injuries. Students can develop expertise in fundamentals of human behavior to analyze and uncover issues affecting sports performance.   

What can you do with a sport psychology degree?

Professionals in this field can help athletes enhance their performance with mental strategies, manage stress and anxiety faced in competition, recover from injuries, and stay motivated to keep up with exercise regimes and enjoy their sport.

Some possible areas of focus for sport psychology professionals include:

1. Coaching: Sport psychology professionals in this field can offer guidance and support to groups of athletes, examine player mechanics and help guide teams to success. Coaching may be an area of interest for those who are passionate about using group dynamics to positively impact performance.
   
   
2. Personal training: For those who want to help individual athletes improve their performance through optimizing their physical and mental methods, personal training may be an area to explore. Sport psychology professionals in this field can help individuals find routines to avoid injuries or work on activities designed to support specific nutrition plans.
   
   
3. Clinical psychology or counseling: Those who have a background in clinical counseling or therapy might be interested in working one-on-one with athletes to help them with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Note that some professional paths may require you to have previous experience, licensure,* certifications or other designations along with a degree.
   *It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
   
   
4. Research: Other possible applications for sport psychology professionals include opportunities outside of direct interaction with athletes. For example, in working with companies that design performance wear, sport psychology professionals could use their expertise to consult on designs – how to avoid injuries, what helps athletes feel motivated and other factors that could impact performance.

Take time to explore the area that is best suited to your professional goals and any requirements needed to pursue a specific career path.

Learn more about the MS in Psychology, Sport Psychology degree from Capella University.