Undergraduate Prerequisite – Introduction to Psychology
Students who have not completed the prerequisites prior to admission are required to do so during the first year of graduate study.
Ways to Learn
Program Length
- 2 Years Full-Time
- 3 Years Part-Time
- 77 Units
This Program is Now Available at NU
The MA in Sport Psychology program has been relocated to JFK School of Psychology at NU. To learn more, visit the new program page.
Overview
Sport psychology employs a combination of evidence-based performance enhancement techniques, sport science, and counseling skills to help clients maximize their potential by honing their mental approach to high-leverage situations. In the MA in Sport Psychology program, you’ll learn from faculty who are pioneers in the field and push the boundaries in an ongoing effort to improve sport psychology through both research and practice. This program is offered on campus and online in a structured format with weekly deadlines across each quarter-long course.
Program Highlights
- Experienced faculty of pioneers in the field
- Dual degree PsyD/MA Sport Psychology option
- Extensive fieldwork and a focus on experiential learning
- AASP exam prep included in the price of tuition
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon graduation, students will be able to demonstrate competence in these areas:
Application/intervention. The students will be able to describe, explain, synthesize, and apply performance enhancement techniques with individual performers and teams.
Theory. The students will be able to describe, explain, synthesize, and apply theoretical perspectives from Sport Psychology and related fields.
Assessment. The students will be able to describe, explain, synthesize, and apply various assessment tools in a continuous and evolving process to create effective action plans. Students will be able to screen clinical issues.
Counseling skills. The students will be able to identify, describe and explain how to use counseling skills to develop a working relationship with the client. Students will be able to identify, describe, explain, and apply how the self impacts the client-consultant relationship.
Diversity. The students will be able to identify sources of bias within themselves, integrate concepts and adapt their skills to work with a diverse range of populations.
Ethics and professionalism. The students will be able to identify, explain, synthesize, and critically analyze ethical principles in a professional and culturally appropriate manner. Students will be able to utilize decision making principles and explain choices made relating to ethical situations.
Research. The students will be able to summarize, critique, and conduct research in the field of Sport Psychology. Students will assess and apply both established and current research findings to their scope.
Program Relocation Information
The Masters in Sport Psychology program will continue without substantive changes in its academic or fieldwork curriculum. The same is true of the MA/PsyD dual degree program. The principal change is evidenced in the operational aspects of the program (financial aid, registration, advising will be managed under the auspices of National University. This will be a positive change given that NUS has a much more robust operational infrastructure. The Dual Degree with the PsyD program will also remain in place. The fieldwork team continues to work with students on creating internship projects that will reflect a simulated internship, along with individual and group supervision.
Students who are graduating by December 31, 2020 will receive a John F. Kennedy University degree. Students finishing after this date may have an option of receiving either a JFKU degree or an NU degree; these details are still under consideration. All JFKU students also have the option of transferring to another university if they choose not to continue with the JFK School of Psychology at National University. Students may transfer directly by contacting another university individually, or they may transfer through an articulation agreement established between JFKU and the articulating university. The primary advantage of the transfer through the articulation agreement is that students will know exactly what courses will transfer over to the receiving local institutions.
JFKU’s WASC accreditation, which is in good standing, provides protections for students; and National University is similarly a WASC-accredited institution. WSCUC has approved the administrative relocation to National University. All students who remain within the National University System and choose to transfer to National University will receive a 20% discount off of NU’s current tuition rates if they remain continuously enrolled and in good academic standing.
MA Sport Psychology/ PsyD dual degree Option
For individuals interested in sport psychology and in working in a clinical setting and/or using clinical psychology skills in working with clients, John F. Kennedy University is pleased to offer an innovative program that enables individuals to work toward earning an MA in Sport Psychology and a PsyD degree concurrently. This program provides a unique opportunity to train to work with both clinical clients and athletes and prepare to apply the skills and knowledge developed from both the fields of sport and clinical psychology.
Curriculum
Year 1 - Fall
Units
PSP 5800A Sport Psychology A
3
This is one of the main introductory courses in the Sport Psychology Program. It covers the main theoretical approaches in this area. The course will encourage students to begin to think critically about the research presented and how it relates to working in the field with performers.
PSP 5819 Social & Historical Issues in Sport
2
The course examines selected topics within the sociology and history of sport. Particular emphasis will be given to issues related to the potential of sport to benefit society and its potential to reinforce existing social problems. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences within sport and to explore in detail one area of special interest within the history and sociology of sport. The course offers an analysis of sport as a social institution and the interrelations between sport and societal subsystems, as well as a consideration of the attitudes, values, and behaviors associated with sport. Analysis of contemporary problems associated with sport will be made, with ties made to their historic origins; such problems include race relations, the traditional and emergent role of women, aggression and violence, and political and economic concerns.
PSP 5815 Performance Enhancement A
3
Theory and practice of optimal performance are explored in the realm of sport behavior. Includes motivation theory, stress management, visualization, and mental rehearsal.
PSP 5803A Ethics and Professional Issues in Sport Psychology A
2
Examines ethical issues that impact the field of applied sport psychology. Through reading, lecture, and interaction with an experienced professional, students learn how ethical issues influence consultation and develop ways to deal with ethical dilemmas that may arise in sport psychology.
PSP 9020 Town Hall Meeting
0
PSP 5002 Writing Workshop
0
No Fee
Year 1 - Winter
Units
PSP 5811 Counseling Skills A
3
Introduction to basic counseling skills and techniques relevant to sport psychology consulting in a safe and supervised environment. Included are tools for building rapport, empathy, listening and life-development skills, treatment versus consulting, ethics, closure, and termination. Students will also develop skills in presenting sport psychology intervention material.
PSP 5816 Performance Enhancement B
3
Prereq: PSP5815
Focus is on individual and team consultation. Features role-play, case study, and videotaping. Coursework includes introduction to external field placement opportunities. Second half of a two-quarter sequence with PSP5815.
PSP 5805 Psychopathology Assessment
4
Addresses psychological disorders from a clinical standpoint while emphasizing their relation to consulting with teams, athletes, and the field of sport psychology. Students gain a working knowledge of psychopathology in order to identify cases requiring referral. Online or in residence.
Year 1 - Spring
Units
PSP 5822 Team Building
3
The course examines selected topics within the social psychology and sociology of sport. Particular emphasis will be given to issues related to group behavior and dynamics, leadership, interpersonal communication, the potential of sport to benefit society, and its potential to reinforce existent social problems. The course offers and analysis of sport as a social institution and the interrelations between sport and societal subsystems, as well as a consideration of the attitudes, values, and behaviors associated with sport. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences within sport. Analysis of contemporary problems associated with sport will be made; such problems include race relations, the traditional and emergent role of women, aggression and violence, and political and economic concerns. Additionally, students will learn team building and communication skills and strategies that will enable them to effectively work within the current framework of sport in society. The course will examine the practical and theoretical application of group process and social psychology in relation to working in the field of sport psychology. The students will gain an understanding of group behavior and dynamics and will be able to use this knowledge with diverse populations. Students will learn to recognize ethical issues in relation to working with groups and will examine their interpersonal and professional style.
PSP 5826 Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
4
This course is designed to offer students an overview of the biological, cognitive, and affective bases of behavior in youth sport. Specifically, students will be exposed to the current research related to the bio-physio and psychosocial models of development. Students will gain an understanding of how motor learning, and motor development impacts youth sport. Students will also gain knowledge in the developmental sequences associated with cognitive development, emotional development, and moral development. Students will then be required to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical strategies and interventions appropriate for youth and adolescent athletes.
PSP 5804 Assessment Strategies
3
Examines a variety of assessment methods used to gain information from athletes, coaches, or teams utilizing sport psychology professionals. Topics to be covered include the role of assessment in the initial stages of work with athletes, methods of informal assessment, sport-specific assessment tools, issues of reliability and validity with instruments, and the ethical use of measures in the practice of sport psychology. Online or in residence.
PSP 5054A Research Methods A: Quantitative & Qualitative
2
Research methods allows a brief introduction to various forms of research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, with particular attention to qualitative methods. The course will address issues around data collection, interviewing, and data analysis. The course will encourage students to focus on research that has been used in their appropriate fields. It will help prepare students for the MA research project process and aid understanding of research once working as a practitioner.
PSP 9090 Comprehensive Written Examination
0
$75 Fee
Comprehensive written examination covering material of Phase I, to be taken at the end of Phase I. Further guidelines are available in the Sport Psychology office.
PSP 5279 Fieldwork Orientation
0
No fee
PSP 9085 Fieldwork Exam
0
$75 Fee
PSP 9020 Town Hall Meeting
0
Year 1 - Summer
Units
PSP 5054B Research Methods B: Quantitative & Qualitative
2
Research methods allows a brief introduction to various forms of research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, with particular attention to qualitative methods. The course will address issues around data collection, interviewing, and data analysis. The course will encourage students to focus on research that has been used in their appropriate fields. It will help prepare students for the MA research project process and aid understanding of research once working as a practitioner.
PSP 5280 Supervised Field Experience: Fieldwork I
3
Year 2 - Fall
Units
PSP 5817 Performance Enhancement C
3
Prereq: PSP5816, PSP5280(also available each spring, OL only)
This advanced optimal-performance course emphasizes sport psychology skill development and addresses different styles of consulting. Students will be challenged by case studies and will role-play actual consulting scenarios in which they can develop and refine their own consulting style with feedback from their peers.
PSP 5812 Counseling Skills B
3
Prereq: PSP5811
This course goes into more depth in scope of practice, ethics, dual relationships, and the referral process for sport psychology consultants. Students acquire consulting role-play and vignette experience, explore how a consultant works with the dynamics of team and group issues, and examine in-depth sport psychology cases for individuals and teams.
PSP 9020 Town Hall
0
Year 2 - Winter
Units
PSP 5280 Supervised Field Experience: Fieldwork II
3
PSP 5814 Comprehensive Exploration of Diversity in Sport
4
(Also offered in SU). This course is designed to offer students an overview of historical and current topics relevant to the understanding of diversity in sport. Students will be exposed to the historical context of how diversity issues have impacted the development of sport. Students will understand the complex nature of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, and disability as it relates to current sport practices. Students will also be exposed to practical strategies for facilitating acceptance of diversity within individual and team sports.
PSP 5803B Ethics and Professional Issues in Sport Psychology B
2
Prereq: PSP 5803A, 5280 (I).
This is an advanced course in ethics and professionalism in the field of sport psychology. Students will explore ethical issues that occur while working as a consultant in sport psychology. Students will critically analyze research and newspaper articles that are pertinent to working in the field. Common ethical challenges will be discussed and ways of handling these situations will be addressed.
Year 2 - Spring
Units
PSP 5800B Sport Psychology B
3
Prereq: PSP 5800A, 5280 (I)
This is an advanced course that is the second in a two-part series. The main theoretical approaches in the field of sport psychology will be revisited and addressed from an integrated perspective. The students will be expected to synthesize the various theoretical perspectives and research findings and show how this integrated perspective can help their work with performers. The course will continue to engage students to think critically about the research presented and how it relates to their work in the field as a practitioner.
PSP 5280 Supervised Field Experience: Fieldwork III
4
PSP 5895A Applied Project A
2
Prereq: PSP 5280 I
Required of students taking the extra internship option. This sequence typically takes two quarters and involves effective, appropriate, and professional communication issues. Topics addressed will include ethics and professionalism in writing and the publication process. The final product will be an applied paper that will be of publishable quality in a form that does not necessarily require collection and presentation of data. This sequence is under the supervision of the research director. The research proves begins at least two quarters before anticipated graduation. A maximum of two units may be applied to the degree.
PSP 9020 Town Hall Meeting
0
*PSP 5280 Supervised Field Experience: Fieldwork IV
4
*Note that if you are not finished with Fieldwork after Fieldwork IV then you will need to register for Supplemental Fieldwork
PSP 5895B Applied Project B
2
Prereq: PSP 5895A, PSP 9031
Required of students taking the extra internship option. This sequence typically takes two quarters and involves effective, appropriate, and professional communication issues. Topics addressed will include ethics and professionalism in writing and the publication process. The final product will be an applied paper that will be of publishable quality in a form that does not necessarily require collection and presentation of data. This sequence is under the supervision of the research director. The research proves begins at least two quarters before anticipated graduation. A maximum of two units may be applied to the degree.
PSP 9091 Comprehensive Oral Examination
0
$75 Fee.
Comprehensive oral examination covering material in all phases of the program to be taken in the student’s last quarter. Further guidelines are available in the Sport Psychology office.
PSP 9100 Exit Meeting
0
No fee.
Year 2 - Summer
Units
*PSP 5280 Supervised Field Experience: Fieldwork IV
4
PSP 5895B Applied Project B
2
Prereq: PSP 5895A, PSP 9031
Required of students taking the extra internship option. This sequence typically takes two quarters and involves effective, appropriate, and professional communication issues. Topics addressed will include ethics and professionalism in writing and the publication process. The final product will be an applied paper that will be of publishable quality in a form that does not necessarily require collection and presentation of data. This sequence is under the supervision of the research director. The research proves begins at least two quarters before anticipated graduation. A maximum of two units may be applied to the degree.
PSP 9091 Comprehensive Oral Examination
0
$75 Fee
Comprehensive oral examination covering material in all phases of the program to be taken in the student’s last quarter. Further guidelines are available in the Sport Psychology office.
PSP 9100 Exit Meeting
0
No fee.
Year 1 - Winter
Units
PSP 5811 Counseling Skills A
3
Introduction to basic counseling skills and techniques relevant to sport psychology consulting in a safe and supervised environment. Included are tools for building rapport, empathy, listening and life-development skills, treatment versus consulting, ethics, closure, and termination. Students will also develop skills in presenting sport psychology intervention material.
PSP 5816 Performance Enhancement B
3
Prereq: PSP5815
Focus is on individual and team consultation. Features role-play, case study, and videotaping. Coursework includes introduction to external field placement opportunities. Second half of a two-quarter sequence with PSP5815.
PSP 5805 Psychopathology Assessment
4
Addresses psychological disorders from a clinical standpoint while emphasizing their relation to consulting with teams, athletes, and the field of sport psychology. Students gain a working knowledge of psychopathology in order to identify cases requiring referral. Online or in residence.
Year 1 - Summer
Units
PSP 5054B Research Methods B: Quantitative & Qualitative
2
Research methods allows a brief introduction to various forms of research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, with particular attention to qualitative methods. The course will address issues around data collection, interviewing, and data analysis. The course will encourage students to focus on research that has been used in their appropriate fields. It will help prepare students for the MA research project process and aid understanding of research once working as a practitioner.
PSP 5280 Supervised Field Experience: Fieldwork I
3
Year 2 - Winter
Units
PSP 5280 Supervised Field Experience: Fieldwork II
3
PSP 5814 Comprehensive Exploration of Diversity in Sport
4
(Also offered in SU). This course is designed to offer students an overview of historical and current topics relevant to the understanding of diversity in sport. Students will be exposed to the historical context of how diversity issues have impacted the development of sport. Students will understand the complex nature of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, and disability as it relates to current sport practices. Students will also be exposed to practical strategies for facilitating acceptance of diversity within individual and team sports.
PSP 5803B Ethics and Professional Issues in Sport Psychology B
2
Prereq: PSP 5803A, 5280 (I).
This is an advanced course in ethics and professionalism in the field of sport psychology. Students will explore ethical issues that occur while working as a consultant in sport psychology. Students will critically analyze research and newspaper articles that are pertinent to working in the field. Common ethical challenges will be discussed and ways of handling these situations will be addressed.
Year 2 - Summer
Units
*PSP 5280 Supervised Field Experience: Fieldwork IV
4
PSP 5895B Applied Project B
2
Prereq: PSP 5895A, PSP 9031
Required of students taking the extra internship option. This sequence typically takes two quarters and involves effective, appropriate, and professional communication issues. Topics addressed will include ethics and professionalism in writing and the publication process. The final product will be an applied paper that will be of publishable quality in a form that does not necessarily require collection and presentation of data. This sequence is under the supervision of the research director. The research proves begins at least two quarters before anticipated graduation. A maximum of two units may be applied to the degree.
PSP 9091 Comprehensive Oral Examination
0
$75 Fee
Comprehensive oral examination covering material in all phases of the program to be taken in the student’s last quarter. Further guidelines are available in the Sport Psychology office.
PSP 9100 Exit Meeting
0
No fee.