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.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Sports Psychology

SportsPsychology.org Staff Writer | Updated/Verified: Sep 18, 2025

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

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 Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology equips students with essential psychological skills to help individuals enhance human potential. This comprehensive program blends strategic thinking, communication techniques, and character development, preparing graduates to excel in mental health and performance optimization. Students gain a robust foundation in cognitive psychology, exercise physiology, and ethical practices, positioning them for impactful careers in athletic coaching, mental health, and performance consulting.

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

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

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Dive into the fascinating world of sports psychology with Kent State's innovative online Bachelor of Science program. Designed for aspiring athletes, coaches, and performance professionals, this degree explores the psychological dynamics that drive athletic excellence. Students gain deep insights into motivation, mental training, and performance enhancement across sports and exercise settings. With a comprehensive curriculum balancing theory and practical skills, graduates are prepared for diverse careers supporting athlete development and mental performance. The program offers flexible online learning, making advanced psychological training accessible to motivated students nationwide.

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

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

Unlock the power of psychological science in sports with Arizona State University's Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science. This innovative degree concentration explores the mental dynamics of athletic performance, preparing students for diverse careers in sports, wellness, and organizational settings. Learn to enhance motivation, manage stress, and understand human behavior across various high-pressure environments. The program offers practical skills through a required internship, providing real-world experience in sport and mental health settings.

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

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 provides a comprehensive introduction to the dynamic field of sports psychology. This innovative program prepares students to explore the psychological factors influencing athletic performance, motivation, and physical activity participation. Designed for aspiring coaches, performance analysts, and future graduate students, the curriculum delves into mental skills training, cultural influences, and performance enhancement techniques. Students gain practical insights into the intricate relationship between mental processes and athletic achievement, positioning themselves for diverse career opportunities in sports, wellness, and performance optimization.

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

Faulkner University

Montgomery, AL - Private 4-year - faulkner.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Sports Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Discover the exciting world of sports psychology at Faulkner University, where aspiring professionals learn to support athletes' mental and emotional performance. This comprehensive online Bachelor of Science program prepares students for diverse career opportunities in athletic support, coaching, and fitness industries. With an affordable tuition of $325 per semester hour and flexible online learning, students gain in-depth knowledge and skills to help athletes overcome mental challenges. The program offers personalized education with small class sizes and a supportive Christian worldview, making it an ideal pathway for those passionate about understanding the psychological aspects of athletic performance.

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

University of St Thomas

Houston, TX - Private 4-year - stthom.edu

Bachelor's - B.A./M.A. in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology

Concentration: Applied Sports and Performance Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Discover an innovative pathway in sports psychology at the University of St. Thomas, offering a unique 5-year Bachelor's and Master's integrated program. This comprehensive curriculum equips students with advanced skills and knowledge to excel in sport and performance psychology careers. Students gain deep insights into mental skills training, professional ethics, and research methodologies, preparing them for diverse professional opportunities in athletic performance enhancement and psychological support.

5-year BA/MA combined program
No longer enrolling new students
Total program credits: 70
Includes practicum and internship
Sport Psychology course available
Requires minimum 2.0 GPA
Multiple psychology electives
Professional certification preparation
Comprehensive mental skills training
Research and evaluation focus

Parker University

Dallas, TX - Private 4-year - parker.edu

Bachelor's - Sport Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Dive into the dynamic world of sport psychology with Parker University's comprehensive Bachelor of Science program. This innovative degree equips students with cutting-edge insights into athletic performance, psychological theory, and holistic athlete development. Perfect for aspiring sports professionals, the program blends scientific research with practical skills in coaching, counseling, and performance enhancement. Ideal for students seeking flexible, online learning that prepares them for advanced graduate studies and diverse career paths in sports science, health promotion, and athlete support.

Fully online degree program
Dedicated sport psychology focus
9% industry growth rate
Median income $81,040
Prepares for graduate studies
Courses in psychological theory
Exercise physiology included
Biomechanics curriculum
Injury rehabilitation training
Supports coaching careers

Kent State University at Trumbull

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

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Unlock the potential of human performance with Kent State's innovative Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology bachelor's degree. This unique online program dives deep into the psychological factors driving athletic success, exploring motivation, mental training, and stress management. Students gain comprehensive skills applicable across sports, exercise science, and wellness fields. Perfect for aspiring performance professionals, coaches, and those seeking advanced psychology study, the program prepares graduates for dynamic careers supporting athlete development and mental performance.

100% online degree program
120 total credit hours
Graduate in 4 years
Ohio residents: $52,200 total tuition
Non-Ohio residents: $53,400 total tuition
Focuses on psychological performance
Prepares for diverse sport careers
Mental skills performance enhancement
Ethical practice training included
Multiple career pathway options

Kent State University at Stark

North Canton, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Dive into the fascinating world of Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology with Kent State University's dynamic online Bachelor's degree. This cutting-edge program explores the psychological factors driving athletic performance, offering students comprehensive insights into motivation, mental training, and stress management. Designed for aspiring sports professionals, the degree prepares graduates for diverse careers in performance enhancement, providing a robust foundation in psychological principles and practical skills. With a competitive per-credit tuition rate and flexible online learning, students can transform their passion for sports psychology into a rewarding professional pathway.

100% online degree program
120 total credit hours
Graduate in 4 years
Ohio resident tuition: $594.78/credit
Focus on psychological performance processes
Wide range of sport-related careers
Unique psychological performance focus
Prepares for advanced graduate studies
Multiple career pathway options
Competitive admission requirements

#10

Kent State University at Tuscarawas

New Philadelphia, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Dive into the fascinating world of sports psychology with Kent State's innovative online Bachelor of Science program. Explore the psychological dynamics that drive athletic performance, mental resilience, and human potential. This comprehensive degree equips students with cutting-edge skills in motivation, mental training, and performance enhancement. Designed for aspiring sports professionals, coaches, and psychology enthusiasts, the program offers a flexible online format with competitive tuition rates around $52,200 for Ohio residents. Students gain practical insights into mental skills, research methodologies, and ethical practices, preparing them for diverse careers in sports performance and personal development.

100% online degree program
120 total credit hours
4-year graduation timeline
Ohio resident tuition: $52,200
Competitive program with 7% job growth
Focuses on performance psychology
Multiple career pathway options
Flexible admissions requirements
Practicum in sport performance
Prepares for graduate studies

*Data accessed from: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

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 (including a bachelor’s degree). Online bachelor’s programs in sports psych 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 a sports psychology degree program accredited and approved by organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Researching institutions and programs is essential when considering an online program. Be sure yours is reputable and accepts students from your state.

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.