What Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Psychology?

A bachelor’s degree in sports psychology is a traditional undergraduate program that typically requires around 120 credit hours. Various types of educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and online learning platforms offer these programs. The average length of a bachelor’s degree program in sports psychology is typically four years of full-time study.

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology may choose this path for several reasons. A bachelor’s degree provides a solid foundation in the field, offering a broad understanding of the psychological aspects that influence sports performance and athlete well-being. It can serve as a stepping stone for further education at the master’s in sports psychology or Ph.D. in sports psychology levels, leading to specialized career opportunities in sports psychology or related fields.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Bachelor's Programs

Choosing the right sports psychology bachelor's program can set the foundation for an exciting career helping athletes perform at their peak. At sportspsychology.org, we understand the critical importance of selecting an academic path that provides comprehensive training in understanding athlete performance, mental resilience, and psychological strategies. Our experts have carefully evaluated and ranked the top undergraduate programs across the United States that offer students cutting-edge curriculum, experienced faculty, and opportunities for hands-on learning. These programs prepare future sports psychologists to work with athletes, coaches, and teams across various competitive levels, from high school sports to professional athletics. Whether you're passionate about helping athletes overcome mental barriers or want to understand peak performance psychology, our rankings highlight the most exceptional programs in the field.
#1

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA - Private 4-year - calbaptist.edu

Bachelor's - Sport and Performance Psychology, BS

Online Learning - Visit Website

California Baptist University's online Sport and Performance Psychology Bachelor's program offers a comprehensive approach to understanding human potential through psychological principles. Students explore cognitive psychology, exercise physiology, and ethical practices across a rigorous 49-unit curriculum. The fully online degree provides flexibility with classes starting every 8 weeks and can be completed in just 16 months. Applicants should note standard undergraduate entrance exam requirements, including SAT or ACT submissions. The program's faith-integrated approach distinguishes it, preparing graduates for diverse careers in athletic coaching, mental performance consulting, and sports psychology support roles.

  • 100% Online Degree
  • 49 Total Program Units
  • 16 Months to Complete
  • $520 Per Unit Cost
  • Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
  • Three Semesters Annually
  • Transfer-Friendly Program
  • WSCUC Accredited Degree
  • Multiple Career Pathways
  • Faith-Integrated Curriculum
#2

Kent State University

Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Kent State University's online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology provides a comprehensive exploration of psychological principles driving athletic success. Students delve into mental training strategies, performance enhancement techniques, and motivation dynamics. The 120-credit hour program offers flexible online learning, preparing graduates for diverse careers supporting athlete development. Key program features include practical skills training, ethical practice principles, and research-driven interventions. Students gain insights into psychological performance across sports and exercise domains, with curriculum designed to cultivate advanced understanding of mental performance strategies. SAT or ACT entrance exams are typically required for admission, making this program accessible to motivated students seeking to understand the intricate psychological foundations of athletic excellence.

  • 100% online degree program
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Graduate in 4 years
  • Focuses on performance psychology
  • Tuition ~$52,200 for Ohio residents
  • Multiple career pathway options
  • Psychological performance focus
  • Practical skills development
  • Ethical practice principles
  • Research and intervention training
#3

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of South Carolina's Bachelor of Science in Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling offers a groundbreaking interdisciplinary approach to understanding athlete performance and mental wellness. Students explore comprehensive psychological strategies through integrated coursework combining psychology, social work, and physical education. The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in professional sports, athletic departments, and mental health sectors. Admission typically requires standard undergraduate entrance exams like SAT or ACT. With expert faculty guidance and an accelerated advanced degree pathway, students develop critical skills in performance optimization, mental health support, and interprofessional collaboration, positioning themselves at the forefront of sports psychology innovation.

  • Unique state-only sports psychology degree
  • Accelerated advanced degree pathway
  • Expert faculty collaboration
  • Interdisciplinary course approach
  • National leader in program offering
  • Potential careers in sports psychology
  • Multiple workplace settings available
#4

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ - Public 4-Year - asu.edu

Bachelor's - Counseling and Applied Psychological Science

Concentration: Sport and Performance Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website

Arizona State University's Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science offers a specialized Sport and Performance Counseling concentration that equips students with cutting-edge psychological techniques for athletic performance enhancement. The fully online program spans 120 credit hours, divided into 40 classes with 7.5-week course modules. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop skills in athlete motivation, stress management, and mental resilience. The program includes a mandatory internship in sport and mental health settings, providing practical experience. While not a direct sports psychologist pathway, the degree prepares graduates for diverse careers in coaching, wellness, and performance optimization. Prospective students should note the next start date is 03/17/2025.

  • Online Bachelor of Science program
  • 120 total credit hours
  • 40 total classes
  • 7.5 weeks per class
  • Next start date: 03/17/2025
  • Concentration in Sport Performance
  • Internship in sport/mental health
  • No direct sport psychologist path
  • Prepares for advanced studies
  • Career paths in coaching, wellness
#5

National University

San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's online Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology offers a rigorous academic pathway for students passionate about understanding athletic performance psychology. The program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, exploring mental skills training and performance enhancement techniques. Designed for flexible learning, the curriculum features four-week course formats and year-round enrollment opportunities. Students engage with multidisciplinary coursework covering performance psychology, cultural influences, and research design. With 13 major requirement courses spanning 180 total quarter units, the program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in sports performance, coaching, and potential graduate studies. Entrance exam requirements for admission are standard, and the program welcomes both online and in-person learners.

  • Four-week course format
  • Year-round enrollment available
  • Online and in-person options
  • 13 major requirement courses
  • 180 total quarter units needed
  • Upper division electives offered
  • Focuses on performance psychology
  • Prepares for graduate studies
  • Multidisciplinary curriculum
  • Research design component included
#6

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV - Public 4-Year - wvu.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology BS

Campus Based - Visit Website

West Virginia University's Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology BS offers an innovative undergraduate program uniquely positioned as the sole sports psychology degree in West Virginia. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum exploring psychological dynamics across sports, business, military, and performing arts domains. The program emphasizes experiential learning with a capstone experience, equipping students with practical mental performance consulting skills. An accelerated bachelor's to master's pathway allows efficient degree completion. Admission requires a 2.0 GPA, and the interdisciplinary approach prepares graduates for diverse professional opportunities. With 120 total credit hours, the program provides rigorous training in understanding performance psychology, making it an exceptional choice for aspiring sports psychology professionals seeking versatile career pathways.

  • Unique undergraduate sports psychology program
  • Accelerated bachelor's to master's option
  • 120 total credit hours
  • Admission requires 2.0 GPA
  • Capstone experiential learning required
  • Prepares for multiple career paths
  • Only program in West Virginia
  • Covers sport, exercise, performance domains
  • Career exploration courses included
  • Interdisciplinary curriculum approach
#7

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA - Public 4-Year - wwu.edu

Bachelor's - Kinesiology — Sport Psychology specialization

Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Washington University's Sport Psychology specialization in Kinesiology offers a cutting-edge program bridging psychological principles with physical performance dynamics. Students explore complex interactions between mental processes and athletic achievement through an interdisciplinary curriculum. The program uniquely emphasizes performance enhancement techniques, preparing graduates for diverse careers in coaching, personal training, and sports wellness. With comprehensive field experiences including 360-hour internships and two 90-hour research opportunities, students develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Standard undergraduate admission requirements include SAT/ACT scores, with a strong focus on research mentorship and professional development in sport psychology applications.

  • BS in Kinesiology - Sport Psychology
  • Interdisciplinary psychology-kinesiology curriculum
  • Prepares for coaching careers
  • Graduate school preparation
  • Performance enhancement focus
  • 360-hour internship option
  • Two 90-hour field experiences
  • Research and mentorship opportunities
  • Professional experience emphasis
#8

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY - Public 4-Year - wku.edu

Bachelor's - Psychology

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Kentucky University's Sport Psychology Concentration within its Bachelor of Arts in Psychology delivers a robust academic experience targeting students seeking comprehensive understanding of psychological dynamics in athletic performance. Designed for aspiring sport psychology professionals, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning with core coursework exploring motivation, human development, and advanced psychological techniques. Students benefit from a structured curriculum requiring a minimum of 53 semester hours, with clear admission criteria including an ACT score of 20 or a 2.5 GPA. The program uniquely bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in sport psychology, performance coaching, and research-oriented roles.

  • Sport Psychology Concentration (B.A.)
  • Minimum 53 semester hours
  • No additional major required
  • ACT 20 or 2.5 GPA admission
  • Core courses in psychology
  • Interdisciplinary coursework included
  • Career paths in sport psychology
  • Research and application focus
  • Comprehensive psychology training
#9

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA - Private 4-year - liberty.edu

Bachelor's - B.S. in Psychology: Sport Psychology

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Liberty University's Sport Psychology bachelor's program offers a comprehensive exploration of athletic performance through a Christian worldview lens. Students dive into specialized courses like Sport Psychology, Human Nutrition, and Group Dynamics, gaining insights into behavioral science and performance enhancement techniques. The program's 120-credit curriculum emphasizes practical experience, featuring internship opportunities and study abroad options. SACSCOC-accredited and maintaining an average class size of 25, students benefit from personalized learning environments. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in sports coaching, health promotion, and performance analysis. The program integrates technological resources, faculty field experience, and a holistic approach to understanding athlete motivation and psychological development. Standard ACT or SAT entrance exams are required for admission.

  • 120 Credit Hours
  • Study Abroad Opportunities
  • Transfer up to 75% credits
  • Average class size: 25
  • SACSCOC Accredited
  • Internship opportunities
  • Christian worldview teaching
  • Courses: Human Nutrition
  • Courses: Group Dynamics
  • Courses: Sport Psychology
#10

Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, TX - Private 4-year - lcu.edu

Bachelor's - Sport and Exercise Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lubbock Christian University's Sport and Exercise Psychology program offers an immersive academic experience focused on understanding psychological dynamics in athletic performance. Students explore complex mental training techniques, stress management strategies, and performance enhancement principles across competitive environments. The curriculum provides comprehensive insights into individual and team psychology, emphasizing practical skills in motivation, goal-setting, and psychological factors affecting athletic success. Designed to cultivate mental health support for athletes, the program prepares students to develop advanced understanding of psychological principles in sports settings. The program offers opportunities to analyze ethical behaviors and develop critical competencies in sports psychology.

  • Explores psychology in sports
  • Focuses on motivation, performance
  • Develops goal-setting skills
  • Analyzes stress management
  • Addresses team dynamics
  • Learn mental training techniques
  • Understand ethical behaviors
  • Part of Science/Health Professions

Bachelor's - Psychology

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Lubbock Christian University's Psychology degree with a Sports Psychology emphasis delivers a robust academic pathway for students passionate about understanding mental dynamics in athletic performance. This comprehensive program integrates rigorous coursework in physiology, motor learning, and exercise psychology, providing students with nuanced insights into psychological factors influencing athletic development. With a practicum offering 120 supervised hours and small class sizes, students gain practical community experience while preparing for potential graduate studies. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning, enabling students to develop sophisticated understanding of psychological principles essential for supporting athletes' mental and performance goals.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Sports Psychology Emphasis Offered
  • Practicum with 120 supervised hours
  • Prepares for graduate school
  • Courses include physiology, motor learning
  • Community experience included
  • Small class sizes
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*Postsecondary data from: IPEDS 2023, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online Bachelor’s in Sports Psychology Curriculum & Tuition

The curriculum of a bachelor’s degree program in sports psychology covers various topics related to psychology and sports. While specific course offerings may vary between institutions, typical subjects covered in a bachelor’s in sports psychology program include:

  • Introduction to Sports Psychology
  • Sports Performance Enhancement
  • Exercise and Health Psychology
  • Psychological Aspects of Coaching
  • Sport and Exercise Physiology
  • Applied Sport Psychology
  • Psychological Issues in Sport Injury and Rehabilitation
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology Research Methods
  • Psychopathology in Sports

Tuition costs can vary significantly depending on the institution and whether the program is delivered online or on campus. On average, tuition for a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology can range from $20,000 to $40,000 per year at traditional universities. However, it’s important to note that tuition rates may fluctuate, and financial aid options, scholarships, and grants may be available to help offset the costs.

Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Psychology Online?

Yes, there are online options available for individuals interested in pursuing a degree in sports psychology. Online programs offer the flexibility of studying from anywhere, at any time, making them an attractive choice for those with other commitments or limited access to campus-based programs. Here’s what to know about online sports psychology bachelor’s degree programs:

  • Online bachelor’s in sports psychology programs mirror on-campus curriculum.
  • Course materials, lectures, and assignments are accessed through a virtual platform.
  • Online programs offer virtual discussions, interactive exercises, and collaboration opportunities.
  • Accreditation is crucial for ensuring quality education and meeting industry standards – always choose an accredited sports psychology degree program.
  • Researching institutions and programs is essential when considering an online program. Be sure yours is reputable and accredited.

Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Psychology Program Prerequisites

Admission requirements for bachelor’s degree programs in sports psychology can vary between institutions. However, common prerequisites include:

  • High school diploma or equivalent, with official transcripts
  • Completed application form and payment of any applicable fees
  • Official transcripts from previous educational institutions
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement or essay
  • SAT or ACT scores (in some cases)

It’s important to review the specific requirements of the institutions you are interested in to ensure a complete and accurate application.

Overall, a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology provides a strong foundation in the field, combining psychological principles with sports-related applications. By understanding the curriculum, exploring online options, and meeting the typical prerequisites for admission, individuals can embark on a fulfilling educational journey in sports psychology.

List of Sports Psychology Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Browse our state-by-state list of sports psychology bachelor’s degrees to find a program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

California

Colorado


Alamosa, CO 81101

Indiana

Bachelor's Programs

Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997

Kentucky

Bachelor's Programs

Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000

Michigan

Bachelor's Programs

Olivet, MI 49076

Ohio

Oklahoma

Vermont

Virginia


Lynchburg, VA 24515

West Virginia

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