Sports Psychology Programs in California

Sports psychology plays a vital role in enhancing athlete performance and well-being. By understanding the psychological aspects of sports, athletes can improve their mental resilience, focus, and overall athletic results. California, a state known for its passion for sports and home to various athletic programs, offers exciting prospects for aspiring sports psychologists. Below, we will explore the sports psychology programs available in California, including degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career opportunities.

Sports Psychology Degree programs in the State of California

SportsPsychology.org Staff Writer | Updated/Verified: Feb 21, 2025

Sports Psychology Programs in California

California provides a range of degree programs in sports psychology, depending on the educational background of the student. Universities in the state offer bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate certificates in sports psychology (however, there are currently no doctorate degrees). These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors influencing sports performance, injury recovery, and overall athlete well-being.

Bachelor’s Degree: California universities offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology. These undergraduate programs establish a foundation for comprehending the psychological factors that impact sports performance and prepare students for further specialization in the field.
Master’s Degree: Master’s programs in Sports Psychology provide advanced coursework and practical training. Students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to work with athletes in diverse settings.
Graduate Certificate: Designed for individuals with a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field, graduate certificate programs offer focused training in sports psychology, allowing professionals to enhance their expertise in the field.
Doctorate Degree: Doctoral programs in Sports Psychology, such as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), provide the highest level of education in the field. These programs emphasize research, advanced coursework, and clinical practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles and academic positions in sports psychology.

Notable sports psychology programs available in California include the Master of Arts in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology offered by the Dominican University of California, and the Master of Arts in Sport Psychology at California State University, Fullerton. These programs provide students with a solid foundation in sports psychology principles and practical skills to work with athletes and sports teams effectively.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in California?

In response to the growing demand for flexible education, online sports psychology programs have gained popularity nationwide. California offers specific online sports psychology programs through various state universities, such as the Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Performance Psychology offered by California Baptist University. These online programs enable students to pursue their studies remotely, providing flexibility for those with other commitments or residing outside the state.

Online sports psychology programs provide several advantages, including the ability to study at one’s own pace, access resources and materials from anywhere, and connect with professionals and students from diverse backgrounds. Aspiring sports psychologists in California can explore online programs offered by renowned universities within the state or in other states to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.

2025 Best Sports Psychology Program's in California

California Baptist University

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

Sport and Performance Psychology, BS

Bachelor's - 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

Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology

Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website

California Baptist University's Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology offers a comprehensive program designed to train mental performance consultants across diverse domains. Students gain advanced skills in psychological strategies to enhance performance in sports, exercise, surgical skills, performing arts, and combat contexts. The curriculum prepares professionals to apply evidence-based techniques for improving mental and physical performance, meeting certification requirements from the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. Graduates develop expertise in counseling, performance enhancement, and psychological interventions.

Master of Science degree
43 total program units
Certification preparation
Broad performance domains
Multiple practicum experiences
Prerequisites include Psychology
Anatomy/Physiology recommended
Statistics course required
Professional ethics focus
Advanced research methodology

Show More 1 Programs ˅

National University

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

Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology

Bachelor's - 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

Master of Science in Sport Psychology

Master's - Online Learning - Visit Website

Elevate athletic performance with National University's cutting-edge Master of Science in Sport Psychology. This comprehensive 36-credit program equips professionals to enhance mental wellness and performance across diverse athletic environments. Designed for aspiring mental performance consultants, the curriculum meets certification standards and prepares students for roles in youth, collegiate, and professional sports. Completed in just 18-21 months, the fully online program offers flexible weekly start dates and provides advanced training in psychological principles, research methods, and performance enhancement techniques.

100% Online Master's Program
36 Total Credit Hours
12 Total Courses
18-21 Months Completion Time
Weekly Course Starts
CMPC Certification Aligned
FastForward PhD Pathway
Focuses on Performance Enhancement
Career Opportunities in Multiple Industries

Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology

Concentration: Applied Mental Performance - Master's - Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology offers a cutting-edge program designed for professionals seeking to excel in mental performance consulting. Students can complete this rigorous online degree in as little as 14-22 months, gaining comprehensive skills in performance enhancement, counseling, and psychological assessment. The program is certified by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and provides extensive practical training, including over 200 direct client contact hours. With no GRE requirement and flexible online coursework, students can develop advanced techniques for supporting athletes, performers, and teams across diverse settings.

Online Master's degree program
14-22 months completion time
No GRE required for admission
AASP certification pathway
200+ direct client contact hours
Two specialization tracks available
Comprehensive mentored training
Performance psychology focus
Ethical practice emphasis
Multicultural competence training

Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology

Concentration: Theoretical Mental Performance - Master's - Online Learning - Visit Website

Dive into the cutting-edge field of Sports Psychology with National University's dynamic Master's program. This comprehensive 14-22 month online degree equips professionals with advanced mental performance techniques across diverse settings. Designed for aspiring performance consultants, coaches, and mental health professionals, the program offers flexible learning, no GRE requirement, and practical training aligned with Association for Applied Sport Psychology certification standards. Students gain hands-on experience through mentored practicums, developing skills in performance enhancement, counseling, and multicultural approaches.

Online Master's Degree
No GRE Required
14-22 month completion
AASP certification track
Mentored practicum experience
200 direct client contact hours
Specializations in Applied/Theoretical Mental Performance
$0 application fee
Comprehensive Written Exam required
Quarterly unit-based program

PhD Specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology

Concentration: Sport and Performance Psychology - Doctorate - Online Learning - Visit Website

Dive into the dynamic world of Sport and Performance Psychology with National University's cutting-edge PhD program. Designed for aspiring professionals, this 100% online doctorate provides unparalleled flexibility and personalized mentorship. Students gain advanced skills in mental performance coaching, leadership strategies, and ethical practices. The comprehensive curriculum explores critical topics like sports injury rehabilitation, motivation techniques, and cultural diversity. With 60 credit hours and an estimated 48-month completion time, this program equips passionate individuals to excel in sports psychology research, coaching, and performance enhancement.

100% Online PhD Program
New Start Date Every Monday
60 Total Credit Hours
20 Total Courses
48 Months to Complete
No Scheduled Lecture Hours
Weekly Course Assignments
One-to-One Faculty Engagement
Doctoral Faculty Mentorship
Specialization in Sport Psychology

Show More 4 Programs ˅

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA - Public 4-Year - sjsu.edu

Sport Psychology

Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website

San Jose State University's Sport Psychology program provides a comprehensive graduate-level experience blending research and applied training. Students gain flexibility to customize their studies across interdisciplinary domains, preparing for diverse career paths in coaching, doctoral studies, teaching, and private practice. The nationally recognized faculty offers robust mentorship, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a rich historical legacy in sport psychology dating back to the 1940s.

Interdisciplinary graduate program
Customizable research focus
Qualitative research lab available
Nationally recognized faculty
Diverse career preparation paths
Historical roots since 1940s
Graduate research methods courses
Mentorship from experienced professors

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA - Public 4-Year - fresnostate.edu

Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology

Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website

California State University-Fresno's Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology is a comprehensive 30-unit graduate program designed for professionals seeking advanced training in mental performance. Students gain expertise in sport psychology interventions, coaching psychology, injury psychology, and exercise psychobiology. The curriculum meets Association for Applied Sport Psychology core competencies and prepares students for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant designation. Graduates develop skills to work with athletes, coaches, and performers across competitive levels, supported by specialized research methods and practical experience.

30-unit Master's degree
AASP core competency aligned
Thesis or project option
Sport Psychology Lab
CMPC certification preparation
Research methods focus
Internship opportunities available
Graduate Teaching positions
Advanced sport psychology courses
Counseling techniques elective

Northcentral University

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

Master of Science in Sport Psychology

Master's - Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's Master of Science in Sport Psychology is a comprehensive 36-credit online program designed for professionals seeking advanced training in mental performance consulting. In just 18-21 months, students gain expertise in performance enhancement techniques, psychological principles, and ethical practices across diverse athletic settings. The curriculum aligns with certification requirements and provides practical skills for working with athletes at youth, collegiate, and professional levels. Ideal for career-driven individuals, the program offers flexible weekly course starts and a potential pathway to doctoral studies.

100% Online Degree
36 Total Credit Hours
12 Total Courses
18-21 Months Completion
New Course Start Every Monday
CMPC Certification Aligned
FastForward PhD Pathway
Flexible Learning Schedule

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Concentration: Sport and Performance Psychology - Doctorate - Online Learning - Visit Website

Embark on a transformative journey in Sport and Performance Psychology with National University's comprehensive PhD program. Designed for ambitious professionals, this 100% online doctoral degree equips you with advanced research skills, critical thinking abilities, and cutting-edge performance enhancement strategies. Dive deep into motivation, leadership, ethics, and psychological principles that drive athletic excellence. The flexible program allows you to balance personal and professional commitments while pursuing your academic goals, with weekly course starts and personalized mentoring from doctoral-level faculty.

100% Online PhD-PSY
New Start Date Every Monday
48 Months Program Length
20 Total Courses
60 Total Credit Hours
No Scheduled Lecture Hours
Weekly Course Assignments
Doctoral Faculty Mentorship
One-to-One Faculty Engagement
Specialization in Sport Psychology

Show More 1 Programs ˅

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in California

To practice as a sports psychologist in California, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the California Board of Psychology. The licensure process involves several steps:

Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in California typically need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution. This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
Supervised Clinical Experience: Alongside completing their doctoral program, individuals must gain supervised clinical experience. This entails working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists and acquiring practical training in providing counseling and mental performance enhancement techniques to athletes.
Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the educational and clinical requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the California Board of Psychology. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

In addition to licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications to enhance their credentials further and demonstrate specialized expertise. Two popular certifications in the field of sports psychology are the Board Certified in Sport Psychology (BCS) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credentials. These certifications require a combination of education, supervised practice, and passing a certification examination.

By meeting licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in California can establish themselves as qualified professionals in the field. Their expertise in understanding and enhancing the psychological aspects of sports performance can significantly contribute to athletes’ success and overall well-being.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in California

California offers a wide range of career opportunities in sports psychology. Graduates can find employment in diverse settings, including professional sports organizations, college athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. Common employers in the state include:

Sports psychologists in California can work directly with athletes, providing individual counseling, performance enhancement techniques, and mental health support. They can collaborate with coaches, trainers, and medical professionals to develop comprehensive athlete support programs. With the increasing recognition of the significance of mental health in sports, numerous opportunities exist for sports psychologists to make a profound impact on athletes’ lives and athletic performance.