Online Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Psychology
Obtaining a bachelor's degree in sports psychology is a popular choice for individuals passionate about the intersection of psychology and sports and to become sports psychologists. This degree equips students with a foundational understanding of psychological principles as they apply to athletic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. In this article, we will explore what a bachelor's degree in sports psychology entails, discuss the curriculum and tuition costs, explore online options, and outline the typical prerequisites for admission.

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.
2025 Best Sports Psychology Bachelor's Programs
Finding the best sports psychology bachelor's programs can shape your future. At sportspsychology.org, we've ranked top schools to help you decide. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and career outcomes. Start your journey in sports psychology with confidence by choosing a program that stands out. Ready to see which schools made the cut? Check out our rankings below. For details on how we ranked these programs, visit our ranking methodology page.
Faulkner University
Montgomery, AL - Private 4-year - faulkner.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Sports Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Faulkner University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sports Psychology, designed for students eager to delve into the psychological aspects of athletic performance. This program stands out for its affordability at $325 per semester hour and its commitment to a faith-based curriculum, providing a unique blend of psychological training within a Christian worldview. Students benefit from small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. The flexible online format caters to diverse learners, including international students, and prepares graduates for careers in athletic support, coaching, and fitness. Requires ACT/SAT.
- Online Bachelor of Science offered
- Tuition $325 per semester hour
- Small class sizes (15 students)
- Faith-based curriculum
- Flexible online format
- Career paths in athletic support
- High school graduate requirement
- ACT/SAT score requirements
- Multiple campus locations
- International student diversity
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA - Private 4-year - calbaptist.edu
Bachelor's - Sport and Performance Psychology, BS
Online Learning - Visit Website
California Baptist University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology, designed to prepare students for careers in enhancing human potential through psychological skills. This program, which can be completed in as little as 16 months, provides a deep dive into cognitive psychology, exercise physiology, and ethical practices. With a curriculum that emphasizes strategic thinking, communication, and character development, graduates are well-equipped for roles in athletic coaching, mental health, and performance consulting. The program is transfer-friendly, starts classes every 8 weeks, and integrates faith into its curriculum, offering a comprehensive educational experience. Requires ACT/SAT.
- 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
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Kent State University's online Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology Bachelor of Science program offers a cutting-edge exploration of psychological principles driving athletic success. Students delve into intricate mental mechanisms that influence performance, gaining comprehensive insights into motivation, mental training, and psychological interventions. The curriculum strategically blends theoretical foundations with practical application, equipping graduates with advanced skills to support athletes' mental development. Designed for aspiring performance professionals, the program provides flexible online learning that enables students to understand complex psychological dynamics across sports and exercise domains. Graduates emerge prepared to contribute meaningfully to athletic performance enhancement and psychological support strategies.
- 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
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 Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology offers a robust online program that dives deep into the psychological aspects of sports performance and physical activity. With a curriculum that spans mental skills training, cultural influences, and performance enhancement, students are well-prepared for careers in coaching, performance analysis, or further graduate studies. The program's unique four-week course format and year-round enrollment options cater to students seeking flexibility. Highlights include a multidisciplinary approach, a focus on performance psychology, and a research design component, ensuring a comprehensive education in the field. Requires ACT/SAT.
- 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
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 delivers a comprehensive exploration of mental dynamics in athletics, blending psychological principles with performance enhancement strategies. Students delve into advanced techniques for understanding athlete motivation, stress management, and mental training. The curriculum meticulously examines individual and team psychological processes, equipping learners with sophisticated skills to support athletic mental health and peak performance. Graduates emerge with nuanced insights into the intricate psychological factors driving competitive excellence and personal athletic development.
- 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 offers an innovative pathway for understanding athletic performance through psychological lenses. This specialized program interweaves theoretical knowledge with practical community experiences, providing students robust training in physiological and psychological aspects of athletic excellence. Coursework strategically integrates motor learning, exercise science, and psychological principles, preparing graduates for advanced research and professional opportunities in sports psychology.
- 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
Arizona State University Campus Immersion
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 Campus Immersion offers a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science with a concentration in Sport and Performance Counseling, available online. This program delves into the psychological aspects of athletic performance, equipping students with the skills to boost motivation, handle stress, and analyze behavior in high-stress scenarios. It includes a mandatory internship for hands-on experience in sports and mental health environments. The program spans 120 credit hours over 40 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks, starting next on 03/17/2025. It prepares students for careers in coaching, wellness, and further studies, though it does not directly lead to becoming a sport psychologist. Requires ACT/SAT.
- 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
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL - Private 4-year - olivet.edu
Bachelor's - Sports Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Olivet Nazarene University offers a robust Sports Psychology bachelor's program designed to immerse students in the psychological strategies that enhance athletic performance. This program uniquely combines psychological theory with practical application, preparing students for diverse roles in coaching, wellness management, and rehabilitation. With a curriculum that delves into the psychological aspects of human movement, students are equipped to support both the mental and physical well-being of athletes. The program also offers opportunities for professional development through club participation, making it an ideal choice for aspiring sports psychology professionals. Requires ACT/SAT.
- Undergraduate Sports Psychology major
- Behavioral knowledge for performance enhancement
- Careers in coaching and rehabilitation
- Courses in psychology and sports
- Professional club opportunities
University of South Carolina-Columbia
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-Columbia offers a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling, a pioneering program that merges psychology, social work, and physical education to foster athlete performance and mental health. This program stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, preparing students for diverse roles in sports psychology, from performance optimization to mental health support. With a curriculum designed by expert faculty, students benefit from an accelerated pathway to advanced degrees and a broad spectrum of career opportunities in various settings. Requires ACT/SAT.
- 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
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 offers a pioneering Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology BS program, the sole undergraduate offering of its kind in West Virginia. This program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the psychological aspects affecting performance and exercise behaviors, preparing them for a variety of career paths in sports, business, military, and performing arts. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, culminating in a capstone project that hones practical skills in mental performance consulting. An accelerated pathway allows students to seamlessly transition from bachelor's to master's studies, enhancing their educational efficiency. Highlights include a comprehensive 120-credit hour curriculum, a minimum GPA requirement of 2.0 for admission, and an interdisciplinary approach that covers sport, exercise, and performance domains. Requires ACT/SAT.
- 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
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID - Private 4-year - nnu.edu
Bachelor's - Sports Psychology
Campus Based - Visit Website
Northwest Nazarene University offers a Bachelor's in Sports Psychology that uniquely integrates kinesiology and psychology, providing students with a robust foundation for careers in sports performance enhancement. This 52-credit program emphasizes research skills, coaching strategies, and the psychological aspects of athletic development. With a curriculum that includes 25 credits in kinesiology and 27 in psychology, students delve into human behavior, motor learning, and counseling theories. Practical experiences and field courses complement theoretical learning, preparing students for graduate studies and professional roles. The program also requires NFHS Coach Certification, ensuring students are well-prepared for the coaching aspects of sports psychology. Requires ACT/SAT.
- 52 total credit program
- Combines Kinesiology and Psychology
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Requires NFHS Coach Certification
- 25 Kinesiology credits required
- 27 Psychology credits required
- Includes field experience courses
- Research design training
- Experimental design focus
- Counseling theory component
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
Hope International University
Fullerton, CA 92831
Colorado
Adams State University
Alamosa, CO 81101
Indiana
Marian University
Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
Kentucky
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000
Michigan
University of Olivet
Olivet, MI 49076
Ohio
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH 44242-0001
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK 74078-1015
Vermont
Northern Vermont University
Johnson, VT 05656-9464
Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 24515
West Virginia
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV 26506
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.
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