PhD in Sports Psychology Programs

What can you do with a Doctorate in Sports Psychology?

By pursuing a PhD in sports psychology, you could work on dissertation research, conduct and defend research, and complete courses in your concentration. A Doctorate in Sports Psychology aims to prepare students to work as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, a personal trainer, or a performance psychologist.

How long does it take to earn a Doctorate in Sports Psychology ?

It could take 3 to 4 years, but may take as long as 7 years of full time study depending on the focus and how much the student goes to school each year.

Is there a need for sports psychologists ?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an expected increase of 6 percent in the industry of  psychologists.

Who do sports psychologists work with?

Most often, they work with dedicated athletes at all levels of play. They may also work with entertainers who have mental performance concerns such as stage fright. Learn more about these advanced degrees through Sports Psychology Doctoral Programs.

What do sport psychology degree programs teach?

A psychology program in the field of sport generally focuses on the mental health. They could also teach people how to improve their performance by considering the psychological factors that impact performance. They work to help their clients to achieve optimal performance. And, they may also learn skills to provide counseling.

Who Could Pursue a PhD in Sports Psychology?

Often, to enter into a doctoral program like this, a student must complete a master’s degree. Many complete a four year bachelor’s degree in sports psychology. They then complete a master’s degree program to further their skills. A PhD is often a final degree. Students that complete it often have advanced education in the field. These students may already have licensure. That may come from taking a certification test. It may be from the American Psychological Association (APA). Some are through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).

Students often focus on a specific area of concentration. This may include kinesiology, exercise psychology, performance psychology, or social psychology as it applies to athletics.

What could a person with a PhD program degree pursue?

Some students may work in clinical practice. That means they work with patients who need support regarding physical activity. Many times, students want to teach others. They may work in academia to teach college courses. The curriculum selected should specifically fit the long term degree goals of the student. Some students may pursue other paths. That may include enhancing their current role.

Licensed psychologists may provide counseling on an individual basis. They may work with individuals who wish to pursue high level goals. These individuals, for example, may need to obtain a psychological edge over the competition.

Why earn a PhD in Psychology in This Area?

Pursuing a degree like this may help a person pursue a career as a sports psychologist. More commonly, students could choose a research project that interests them. This may help them get published. It may help them develop new ideas or formulate new strategies. Often, those who seek this advanced degree want to explore topics of special interest, too. Students may contribute to scholarship in the field.

There are other reasons to continue on this educational path. Some wish to pursue clinical practice in this field. That could be a very concentrated area. Examples include performance enhancement. This may allow them to drive their career as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).

Some complete this degree program to work in the sports field. They may wish to work as coaches or athletic directors. Some might want to be mentors to athletes. Some may want to kickstart their career as an expert in a field of sport. They may use this to train and support others in that sport. This includes providing support to improve mental health in all aspects of the sport.

Clinical psychology may be an area of interest for many sports psychologists. The course work often focuses on areas such as biological and cognitive behavior. It may include counseling psychology. Some students may pursue a research curriculum studying one facet of the industry. They may use quantitative and qualitative methods for that research.

The practicum for many students may involve clinical practice with supervision. Sometimes, that involves lab settings. Other times, students engage in undergraduate course instruction. Some may also participate in large scale research projects. The career path of the student dictates the practicum obtained.

Is there a dissertation in a Ph.D. in sports psychology?

Many graduate programs may require a dissertation. This is often the culmination of the doctoral program. Students may follow a methodology to create this final report. It often includes significant research. It may involve some type of psychology of sport focus. Students choose the theme most often, but it should relate to sport science in some way.

Where do those with a sport psychology degree work?

This relates to their education and career goals. Some may work as a faculty member in a college or university. They may teach those pursuing an undergraduate degree. Others may work in a related educational field. Some may work in a high school setting maybe with exercise science. Others work in private clinics. Some desire to open their own clinical practice. Other areas for licensed sports psychologists include gyms, rehabilitation centers, and sports enhancement programs within athletics.

Find Your Sports Psychology Doctoral Programs

GradSchools.com offers 8 PhD in Sports Psychology