• About JFKU
  • The JFKU Story
  • Mission
  • Institutional Information
  • Campuses and Directions
  • Community Involvement
  • Office of the President
  • Directories
  • Accreditation
  • Employment at JFKU
• Admission
  • Future Students
  • Learn About Our Programs
  • Student Resources
  • Admission Requirements
  • Tuition and Fees
  • Apply Now
  • Visit Us
  • Contact Admission Counselors
• Programs and Courses
  • Programs
  • Careers
  • Options
  • Programs by Location Matrix
  • Online Programs
  • Student Resources
  • Admission Events
  • Visit Us
• Continuing Education
  • Course Calendar
  • Program Areas
  • Online Courses
  • Faculty Bios
  • Registration
  • Request Catalog
• Schools and Libraries
  • School of Education and Liberal Arts
  • School of Holistic Studies
  • School of Law
  • School of Management
  • Graduate School of Professional Psychology
  • Libraries
  •   · Career Library
  •   · Law Library
  •   · University Libraries
  • Visit Us
  • Student Resources

• MA in Sport Psychology
• MA in Sport Psychology
• Degree Requirements
• Fieldwork
• Internship Sites
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Linked MA in Sport Psychology/Clinical PsyD
• Exercise and Sport Performance Certificate
• Sport Management Certificate
• LEAP
• Sport Psychology Speaker Series
• Events

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sport Psychology?
The field of sport psychology concerns the psychological factors that influence human performance. Applied sport psychology involves assessment and intervention strategies that enhance an individual's performance and personal growth. The field focuses on all persons striving for optimal performance and also explores the use of sport psychology techniques as life skills.

Are performance enhancement techniques only used with athletes?
No, in fact the techniques are life skills and beneficial in a variety of disciplines such as: in academics, developing time management skills and overcoming test anxiety; in work settings, developing team cohesion and dealing with daily stress; in work with inner-city children and adults, helping develop skills to overcome barriers, to build confidence through setting goals and for offering support and guidance; in work with individuals who are physically challenged, implementing skills to build confidence both in and outside of sport settings; and in work with injured athletes and non-athletes, on pain-management techniques and setting goals to increase adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

What kind of training is required to enter the profession of sport psychology? What job opportunities are available in sport psychology?
Individuals interested in entering the profession of sport psychology should refer to the brochure, "Graduate Training and Career Possibilities in Exercise and Sport Psychology." This brochure was published by Division 47 (Exercise and Sport Psychology) of the American Psychological Association (APA), Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), and the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity.

Traditionally career options include work as a clinician, counselor, consultant, teacher or researcher in sport psychology. Proper training is required for each track, and professionals are expected to practice within their scope of training. Before entering a graduate program, it is important to explore the different programs and evaluate which track best meets your personal and professional goals. If you are interested in becoming a sport psychologist, a Ph.D. or PsyD in Psychology is required. If your interest is in teaching and research, a Ph.D. in the Sport Sciences or Psychology is required.

With an M.A. in Applied Sport Psychology, job opportunities are available within and outside of the sport arena. For example, with proper training in applied sport psychology, individuals can work as consultants with athletes and coaches on performance enhancement or in schools providing life skills training in order to guide youth in a positive direction.