Sport and Performance Psychology (M.S.)

Sport and Performance pSYCHOLOGY overview

The Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology provides students an education based on current best practices stemming from empirical research and applied work. Psychosocial determinants of performance and mental skills training are emphasized throughout the program providing students with strong experiential and research-based learning activities in an inclusive and equitable environment.  

Our values reflect

• Evidence informed best practice based on research and applied work
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Flexibility for the traditional and non-traditional learner 
• Emphasis on enhancing the quality of life of clients, coaches, parents, and others 
• Emphasis on real-world learning experiences

Career options associated with this program include:

• AASP Certified Consultant educating coaches, athletes, officials, and parents about sport and performance  psychology and performance enhancement techniques
• College Athletic Department - Mental Health/Wellness/Academic Advisor
• Army Center for Performance Enhancement
• Fitness Consultant or Lifestyle Coach

The application of sport and performance psychology principles in settings other than sport and performance has also been growing steadily. Graduates, therefore, may also work in non-sport settings.

Certification: Courses have been approved by the Certification Council for certification through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

 Required Coursework (21 credits)

• SPPP500 Research Methods in Sport and Performance Psychology
• SPPP503 Mental Health in Sport and Performance Settings
• SPPP510 Foundations of Sport and Performance Psychology
• SPPP512 Sport Psychology for Performance Enhancement
• SPPP513 Psychology of Athletic Injury and Recovery
• SPPP516 Professional Ethics in Sport and Performance Psychology
• SPPP530 Capstone in Sport and Performance Psychology
• Electives (9 credits)
• SPPP504: Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
• SPPP511: Sport and Performance Psychology Across the Lifespan
• SPPP514: Stress Management for the Physically Active
• SPPP515: Seminar in Sport and Performance Psychology
  (content varies - may fit a knowledge area)
• SPPP517: Cultural and Ethnic Diversity for Sport Psychology Consulting
• SPPP518: Counseling Skills for Sport and Performance Psychology
• SPPP519: Gender and Sport
• SPPP531: Mentored Experience in Sport/Perf Psychology

CURRICULUM MAP (2023 - Present)

CURRICULUM MAP (PRIOR TO SUMMER 2023) 

AASP Certification Course Requirements (* = must be graduate level)	CourseS
K1. Professional Ethics and Standards*	SPPP516: Professional Ethics in Applied Sport Psychology
K2. Sport Psychology*	SPPP510: Foundations of Sport & Performance Psychology SPPP512: Sport Psych for Performance Enhancement SPPP513: Psychological Aspects of Injury & Recovery SPPP514: Stress Management for the Physically Active
K3. Sport Science	SPPP519: Gender and Sports
K4. Psychopathology	SPPP503: Mental Health in Sport and Performance Settings
K5. Helping Relationships*	SPPP518: Counseling Skills for Sport Psychology
K6. Research Methods and Statistics*	SPPP500: Research Methods in Sport Science
K7. Psychological Foundations of Behavior	SPPP515: Seminar in Sport Science (if topic appropriate – individual course outline must be reviewed by AASP) SPPP504:  Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
K8. Diversity and Culture*	SPPP517: Cultural & Ethnic Diversity for Sport Psych Consulting
Mentored Experience in Sport and Exercise Psychology	SPPP531: Mentored Experience in Sport and Performance Psychology

 

APPLICATION PROCESS AND DEADLINES

To complete the admissions process, students must submit:

• Online application
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Psychology, Health and Physical Education, Athletic Training, Health Science, Sports Administration, etc)
• Overall GPA of a 3.0 or higher
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of professional goals

* Students wishing to apply to this program who do not have a 3.0+ GPA, can apply for conditional admission if their undergraduate GPA falls between 2.75-2.99. Students accepted as conditional admit must earn and maintain a minimum of 3.0 or higher throughout the program. Failure to earn a B or better could result in probation or removal from the program.

Application materials may be sent electronically to gradadmissions@commonwealthu.edu or mailed directly to the following address:

Commonwealth University - Lock Haven
Office of Graduate Admissions
401 N Fairview Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745

*Commonwealth University graduates do not need to request transcripts; the Office of Admissions will do this on your behalf.

Students also have the option of registering for up to three courses as a non-degree seeking student and have those courses automatically transfer to degree seeking status upon official enrollment in the program.  If you would like to register for courses as a non-degree student please complete the Non Degree application. 

Note:  Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for state or federal financial aid.

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Kutztown University Agreement

Any student enrolled in the BS in Psychology at Kutztown who has earned junior standing (completed at least 60 credits) and a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher will be provisionally accepted into the MS in Sport and Performance Psychology /Commonwealth. Provisionally accepted students may enroll in up to 12 graduate credits in the MS in Sport and Performance Psychology program at Commonwealth prior to the completion of their undergraduate program. Upon graduation from Kutztown University with a BS in Psychology, provisionally accepted students will be admitted into the MS in Sport and Performance Psychology at Commonwealth University.