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: Apr 4, 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 Programs in California

Looking for the best sports psychology programs in California? sportspsychology.org has you covered. Our rankings highlight top schools where you can study how the mind affects athletic performance. These programs stand out for their quality, expert faculty, and success in the field. Whether you're aiming to work with athletes or research performance, California offers excellent options. Find out how we rank these programs by checking our ranking methodology.

California Baptist University

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

Bachelor's - Sport and Performance Psychology, BS

Online Learning - Visit Website

The online Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology at California Baptist University provides a flexible and comprehensive education in psychological principles applied to sports and performance settings. This program emphasizes cognitive psychology, exercise physiology, and ethical practices, preparing students for diverse career paths in mental health and athletic coaching. With a faith-integrated curriculum and a transfer-friendly policy, it offers an accessible pathway to professionals seeking to enhance human potential through performance optimization. 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

Master's - Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

California Baptist University's Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology is a rigorous program tailored for aspiring mental performance consultants. It covers a wide range of performance domains, including sports, performing arts, and more, utilizing evidence-based psychological strategies. The curriculum is designed to meet the certification standards of the Association of Applied Sport Psychology, offering students a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills through multiple practicum experiences. With a focus on professional ethics and advanced research methodology, graduates are well-prepared for careers in performance enhancement and psychological counseling.

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

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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 delivers a comprehensive exploration of psychological dynamics in athletic performance. This four-week course format program prepares students to understand mental skills training, cultural influences, and performance psychology principles. Offering both online and in-person options, the curriculum requires 180 total quarter units and includes 13 major requirement courses. Students develop multidisciplinary insights into athletic motivation, performance enhancement, and research design, positioning themselves for future graduate studies and diverse career opportunities in sports and wellness sectors.

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's - Master of Science in Sport Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's Master of Science in Sport Psychology represents an innovative online program designed to transform aspiring mental performance consultants. Spanning 36 credits and completable in 18-21 months, the curriculum provides comprehensive training in psychological principles and performance enhancement techniques. Students gain advanced skills applicable across youth, collegiate, and professional sports environments, with flexible weekly start dates and a focus on mental wellness optimization. The program meets critical certification standards and offers a unique FastForward PhD pathway, positioning graduates for dynamic careers in sports psychology.

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's - Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology

Concentration: Applied Mental Performance - Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology provides a comprehensive online degree focusing on Applied Mental Performance. Completable in 14-22 months, the program offers extensive practical training with over 200 direct client contact hours. AASP-certified and requiring no GRE, students develop advanced techniques for supporting athletes and performers across diverse settings. The curriculum emphasizes performance enhancement, counseling skills, psychological assessment, and multicultural competence, preparing professionals for dynamic roles in sports psychology and mental performance consulting.

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's - Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology

Concentration: Theoretical Mental Performance - Online Learning - Visit Website

National University's Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology explores Theoretical Mental Performance through an innovative online platform. This 14-22 month program equips professionals with advanced mental performance techniques across diverse contexts. Aligned with AASP certification standards and requiring no GRE, students engage in mentored practicums developing comprehensive skills in performance enhancement and multicultural approaches. The curriculum provides hands-on experience, emphasizing theoretical foundations and practical applications in sports psychology, preparing graduates for impactful careers in performance consulting and mental health.

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

Doctorate - PhD Specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology

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

National University's PhD Specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology offers a cutting-edge online doctoral program designed for advanced professionals. Spanning 60 credit hours with an estimated 48-month completion time, the curriculum provides intensive training in mental performance coaching, leadership strategies, and ethical practices. Students explore critical topics including sports injury rehabilitation, motivation techniques, and cultural diversity, with personalized faculty mentorship and flexible weekly course assignments. The program prepares researchers and practitioners to excel in sports psychology research 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

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Northcentral University

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

Master's - Master of Science in Sport Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northcentral University's Master of Science in Sport Psychology offers a dynamic online learning experience tailored for professionals aiming to excel in mental performance consulting. This 36-credit program, completable in 18-21 months, delves into performance enhancement, ethical practices, and psychological strategies applicable across various sports levels. With weekly course starts, it's designed for flexibility, aligning with CMPC certification standards and offering a FastForward PhD pathway for those looking to advance further.

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

Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

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

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with a concentration in Sport and Performance Psychology at Northcentral University is a rigorous online program for those seeking to lead in the field. Focused on research, critical analysis, and performance strategies, this PhD prepares students for high-level roles in sports psychology. The program emphasizes motivation, leadership, and ethics, offering a flexible schedule with weekly starts and one-on-one faculty mentorship, making it ideal for working professionals.

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 1 More Programs ˅

Hope International University

Fullerton, CA - Private 4-year - hiu.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Hope International University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology, designed for students passionate about the psychological aspects of sports and athletic performance. This on-campus program delves into mental skills training, performance optimization, and the psychological dynamics that influence athletes. With a curriculum that emphasizes research, students gain hands-on experience through internships and study abroad opportunities, preparing them for graduate studies or careers in sports psychology. The program stands out for its comprehensive approach to understanding motivation, performance, and the application of psychological theories in sports settings. Requires ACT/SAT.

Bachelor of Arts degree
Prepares for graduate study
Covers mental performance skills
Multiple career opportunities
Focuses on sports psychology theory
Explore motivation and performance
Research-oriented curriculum
On-campus program
Study abroad options
Internship opportunities

San Jose State University

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

Master's - Sport Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

San Jose State University's Sport Psychology program stands out for its comprehensive graduate-level curriculum that merges theoretical knowledge with practical application. Offering students the flexibility to tailor their studies, the program supports a wide range of career aspirations from coaching to academic research. With a faculty renowned for their expertise and a program that boasts a legacy in sport psychology since the 1940s, students benefit from unparalleled mentorship and access to cutting-edge research facilities, including a qualitative research lab. This program is ideal for those seeking a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to sport psychology.

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

*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2023.

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.

2025 Affordable Sports Psychology Program Options

Finding affordable sports psychology programs is key for students in California looking to start their careers in 2025. The table lists options for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees, focusing on low-cost and cost-effective choices. It helps compare tuition ranges, making it easier to pick a program that fits your budget. Whether you're in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or elsewhere in CA, affordable education can open doors to opportunities in sports psychology without breaking the bank.

School Name	Highlights	Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees
California Baptist University Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology Sport and Performance Psychology, BS	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	$11,900 - $17,900 (Graduate) $31,800 - $47,700 (Undergraduate)
California State University-Fresno Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology	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	$6,700 - $10,100 (Graduate In-State) $14,300 - $21,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Hope International University Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology	Bachelor of Arts degree Prepares for graduate study Covers mental performance skills Multiple career opportunities Focuses on sports psychology theory Explore motivation and performance Research-oriented curriculum On-campus program	$29,000 - $43,500 (Undergraduate)

*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023.

2025 Shortest Sports Psychology Program Options

Finding the right sports psychology program can be tough. Shorter programs help students start their careers faster. The table lists options in California for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees. It shows graduation rate and retention to help you choose. Faster programs save time and money. This is key for students eager to enter the field. California offers many choices, from big cities to quieter areas. Pick a program that fits your goals and timeline.

School Name	Highlights	Retention & Grad Rates
California Baptist University Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology Sport and Performance Psychology, BS	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	Graduation Rate: 60% Retention Rate: 74% Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
National University Master of Science in Sport Psychology Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology PhD Specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology - Sport and Performance Psychology Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology - Applied Mental Performance Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology - Theoretical Mental Performance	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	Graduation Rate: 50% Retention Rate: 54% Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1
San Jose State University Sport Psychology	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	Graduation Rate: 65% Retention Rate: 86% Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1

*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023.

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in California

Jump to City:

Fresno, CA

California State University-Fresno

Master's - Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 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

Fullerton, CA

Hope International University

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts degree
- Prepares for graduate study
- Covers mental performance skills
- Multiple career opportunities
- Focuses on sports psychology theory
- Explore motivation and performance
- Research-oriented curriculum
- On-campus program

Pasadena, CA

Saybrook University

Master's - MS in Sport Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Two-year Master's Degree
- 40 Total Credits
- Virtual Learning Experience
- Optional Community Learning
- 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
- Professional Resume Required
- Personal Statement Needed