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 Sport 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 15 months and under $18,000.*
*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
Show all descriptions
PSY6110
Learning Theories in Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners analyze psychological and learning theories and their principles and concepts and identify how these apply to learning processes. Learners present research designs and methodologies from current research studies and investigate the connection between theories and research processes. Additionally, learners apply theories and research findings to case studies. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and 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
Learners acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to apply fundamental sport psychology concepts to their chosen profession. Learners consider ethical issues, their personal approach to sport psychology practice, and ways to use research to inform their work. Learners 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
Learners in this course examine the mechanisms athletes use to exceed their perceived physical and mental limitations. In addition, learners 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
Learners acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to apply fundamental sport psychology concepts to their chosen profession. Learners consider ethical issues, their personal approach to sport psychology practice, and ways to use research to inform their work. Learners 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, learners critically analyze the research, theories, and practices of sport psychology. Learners 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 11 months
$21,525
TYPICAL PACE 19 months
$33,825
SLOWER PACE 28 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts and how quickly you complete courses. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format assume average number of credits and are based on:
- "Accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students)
- “Typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students)
- “Slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students)
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
- 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
- $525 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 58 total quarter credits
- 15 max transfer credits
$30,450
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 27 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment specialist.
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.
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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.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
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.
Job titles to explore*
- Assistant strength and conditioning coach
- Athletic training assistant
- Performance coach
- Sports psychology consultant
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Elementary and secondary schools
- 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.