2023 Most Affordable Online Master's in Sports Psychology

Adams State University is a public institution offering an online Master of Science/Arts in Kinesiology - Applied Sport Psychology totaling 36 credit hours. It can take two years for full-time students to complete the program. This online degree allows students to work toward becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant.

Adams facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. This program uses a scientist-practitioner approach to help students become sports psychology professionals. Some required courses include Positive Psychology, Mental Strength and Conditioning, and Diversity and Equity in Sport. A capstone project course and practicum are also required for graduation. Potential career opportunities for graduates include primary and secondary school coaches, sports therapists, and head assistant coaches.

The University of the Southwest (USW) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution that offers an online Master of Science in Sports Psychology, which requires 36 credit hours. This degree plan includes 15 core psychology credit hours, with 21 credit hours of sports psychology concentration courses. Full-time students can expect to spend two years completing the program.

At USW, online students complete coursework delivered on Blackboard. A master’s in sports psychology examines the psychological and physical effects of playing sports. The program’s courses include Group Dynamics, Health and Human Behavior, and Physiological Basis of Human Performance. Graduates may go on to enter careers like facilities directors, sports administrators, and sports development officers.

At the United States Sports Academy (USSA) — a private, nonprofit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Master of Sports Science in Sports Coaching - Sports Psychology. Totaling 33 credit hours, students typically spend at least two years completing this degree program. However, they may choose to complete the program within 15 months with USSA's fast-track option.

USSA students complete online courses on Canvas, and students can work at their own pace. This program is designed for students who want to help athletes reach their full potential. The program’s courses include Sports Coaching Methodology, Exercise Physiology, and Contemporary Issues in Sports. Students must complete a thesis, directed individualized study, and an internship to graduate. Future careers are sports therapists, life coaches, and athletic scouts.

Northcentral University (NCU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian institution offering an online Master of Science in Sports Psychology requiring 36 credit hours. Full-time students can finish this program in approximately 18-21 months. NCU’s graduate application opens six times annually, so prospective students have several opportunities to apply.

At NCU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through the digital platform called D2L Brightspace. The online sports psychology program examines related theories and principles that help encourage athletic enhancement. Some courses include Kinesiology, Counseling Skills for Sports Psychology, and Team Building and Psychological Foundations of Human Behavior. Students must also complete an internship and a capstone course. Alumni can work in various settings, like colleges and universities, law enforcement, and businesses.

The University of Western States (UWS) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology totaling 36 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend up to two years completing the full-time program, which has two possible concentrations: (1) Applied Practice and (2) Positive Coaching.

UWS facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via the learning management system Canvas. The sport and performance psychology program helps students sit for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant exam. Some of the courses include Human Growth and Development, Sport in Society, and Sports Nutrition. Additionally, a capstone course is required. Alumni may become sports research specialists, sports psychologists, and physical rehabilitation assistants.