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Sport Psychology
MS in Psychology
You can be a driving force to help athletes and teams reach their goals. With an online MS in Psychology, Sport Psychology from Capella University, you’ll develop expertise to guide people through the psychological pressures of practice, performance, recovery, coaching, and even business ventures. You’ll study fundamentals of human behavior, explore learning theory, and master analytical techniques to help athletes of all ages and abilities unlock their potential.
Classes start January 8
Use the code MSFALL to waive the $50 application fee.
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
| PSY6110 |
Learning Theories in Psychology
Learners investigate the concepts and principles of learning theory and its sub-processes, especially those associated with cognition. Learners evaluate and articulate major learning theories, practice applying these learning theories and their associated processes to teaching, and analyze the effects of various behavioral and cognitive sub-processes on learning. |
5 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY6810 * |
Principles of Sport Psychology
Learners in this course apply psychological theories to explain and improve sport performance. Learners evaluate the implications of new research for professional practice in sport psychology and explore the ways in which they can meet the unique needs of diverse participants through customized coaching strategies. In particular, learners examine personality, attention, anxiety, arousal and arousal adjustment strategies, cognitive-behavioral intervention, causal attribution, motivation, and self confidence. Prerequisite(s): PSY6110. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6820 * |
Performance Enhancement in Sports
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. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6830 * |
Applied Sport Psychology
Learners in this course 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 diverse populations and expanding their areas of expertise. Prerequisite(s): PSY6820. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6840 * |
Current Issues in Sport Psychology
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. |
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 diverse 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 diversity and 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
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
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*
$17,700
ACCELERATED PACE
$23,600
TYPICAL PACE
$35,400
SLOWER PACE
$2,950 per 12-week billing session, $160 resource kit fee, 29 total program points, 8 max transfer points
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- 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
$21,930
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$29,580
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$510 per credit, $160 resource kit fee, 58 total quarter credits, 15 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 10, 2023, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits, tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. FlexPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits and completed courses at the speed of a median FlexPath student, as quickly as the fastest 25% of FlexPath students, or as quickly as the fastest 75% of students. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for FlexPath.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include an application fee, travel expenses, and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50-$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
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. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
89%
of psychology master's degree alumni would recommend Capella to friends, family and colleagues.*
*Alumni Outcomes Survey 2021–2022
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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
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
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 2.8, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Step Into FlexPath is an option for those who don’t qualify for FlexPath. Start a program in our structured, online format, and then transition into FlexPath upon successful completion of one course at 2.8 GPA or higher.
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.
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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
- Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
- Instructor
- Athletic program manager
- Coach
- Fitness coach
- Sport development manager
- National sport program coordinator
- Sport psychology assistant
- Personal trainer
Employment settings to explore
- P–12 public or private school
- Community college
- Fitness club
- Youth sport organization
- Health care organization
- Military
- Corporation
- Parks and recreation organization
*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.