Sports Psychology Programs in Colorado

Sports Psychology Programs in Colorado

Colorado provides a range of degree programs in sports psychology, catering to students at different academic levels. Universities in the state offer bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate, and doctorate programs in sports psychology. 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: Colorado universities offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology. These undergraduate programs establish a foundation in 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 who hold 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. While no graduate certificates in sports psychology currently exist in Colorado, there are a variety of programs available online.
• 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.

Renowned sports psychology programs available in Colorado include the Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Denver and the Master of Science in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity at the University of Northern Colorado. These programs provide students with a solid foundation in sports psychology principles and practical skills to work with athletes and sports teams effectively.

2025 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Colorado

Colorado offers some of the best sports psychology programs, blending academic excellence with practical experience. At sportspsychology.org, we've ranked these programs to help you find the right fit. Our rankings consider factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student support. Explore our list to discover where you can start your journey in sports psychology. For more on how we rank, visit our methodology page.

#1

University of Denver

Denver, CO - Private 4-year - du.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Denver offers a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, a comprehensive two-year program designed for those passionate about enhancing performance in sports, performing arts, and health fields. This program stands out for its blend of rigorous academic coursework and practical, hands-on experience, including opportunities to work with the nonprofit consulting organization CPEX. Students gain expertise in applying psychological techniques to improve performance in high-pressure contexts, supported by specialized elective courses and a capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared to apply their skills in diverse professional settings, making a significant impact on individual and team performance.

• Two-year Master's degree program
• Nonprofit consulting organization CPEX
• Applied training opportunities
• Unique performance psychology focus
• Specialized elective courses
• Denver community networking
• Capstone project experience
• High-performance contexts training
• Multiple professional application areas

#2

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu

Master's - M.S. in Sport and Exercise Science: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity

Concentration: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Northern Colorado's M.S. in Sport and Exercise Science: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity is a comprehensive program designed for those looking to deepen their understanding of the social aspects of sports and physical activity. This 33-credit hour, research-focused curriculum spans two years and is based in Greeley, CO. It prepares students for doctoral studies or careers in health, education, and athletics through advanced kinesiology, research methodology, and data analysis. The program offers expert faculty mentorship, diverse career opportunities, and requires a thesis or comprehensive exam for completion.

• 33 total credit hours
• 2-year completion time
• Located in Greeley, CO
• Thesis or comprehensive exam
• Research-focused curriculum
• Prepares for doctoral programs
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Diverse career opportunities
• Advanced research techniques

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity

Concentration: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity - Campus Based - Visit Website

UNC's Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science: Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity is tailored for individuals aiming for academic and research careers. This selective program, requiring 64-67 credits, focuses on the social influences on sport and physical activity behaviors. It offers a blend of 51 credit hours of coursework, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research opportunities, preparing students for university faculty positions. Located in Greeley, Colorado, the program emphasizes advanced research skills and teaching expertise, though it is currently not accepting applications.

• Unique Social Psychology of Sport PhD
• 64-67 total credits required
• Located in Greeley, Colorado
• 51 credit hours of coursework
• Internationally recognized program
• Small, selective doctoral program
• Research-focused curriculum
• Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
• Preparation for university faculty positions
• Currently not accepting applications

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#3

Adams State University

Alamosa, CO - Public 4-Year - adams.edu

Bachelor's - Sport Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adams State University's Sport Psychology bachelor's program delves into the psychological aspects of human performance, offering students a robust foundation in mental performance techniques and research skills. This campus-based program emphasizes diverse psychological perspectives and health principles, preparing students for careers in sports performance and mental training. It's designed for those passionate about optimizing human potential through psychological strategies, with a curriculum that fosters a deep understanding of performance enhancement across various populations. Requires ACT/SAT.

• BA in Sport Psychology
• Focuses on human performance psychology
• Research-oriented curriculum
• Diverse psychological perspectives
• Mental performance techniques

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

Concentration: Applied Sport Psychology - Online Learning - Visit Website

Adams State University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with an Applied Sport Psychology concentration, tailored for those aiming to excel in the sport psychology field. This online program spans 36 credits over two years, blending theoretical knowledge with practical internship experiences. It emphasizes mental strength training, ethical practices, and culminates in a capstone project. Ideal for working professionals, it prepares graduates for careers in performance enhancement and sports counseling, supported by nine specialized sport psychology courses.

• Online 36-credit program
• Two-year completion timeline
• Applied Sport Psychology emphasis
• Practical internship experiences
• Comprehensive research methods
• Nine specialized sport psychology courses
• Mental strength training focus
• Ethical practice coursework
• Capstone project requirement
• Flexible for working professionals

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#4

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO - Public 4-Year - western.edu

Bachelor's - Exercise and Sport Science Comprehensive Major

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Colorado University offers a unique Exercise and Sport Science Comprehensive Major with a concentration in Sport Psychology, designed for students passionate about the psychological aspects of sports and athletics. This program stands out for its focus on mental training, motivation, and psychological interventions, preparing students for careers in coaching, performance enhancement, and sports counseling. With a curriculum that includes mental performance techniques and comprehensive psychological skills training, students are well-equipped for both professional practice and advanced graduate studies. The program also offers a Sport Psychology Minor, enhancing its appeal to those seeking a broad understanding of the field within the Exercise and Sport Science department.

• Sport Psychology Minor available
• Part of Exercise and Sport Science department
• Comprehensive psychological skills training
• Courses include mental performance techniques
• Prepares for advanced graduate studies

*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Colorado?

In response to the growing demand for flexible education, online sports psychology programs have gained popularity nationwide. Colorado offers specific online programs in sports psychology through various universities within the state, such as the online MS in Applied Sports Psychology at Adams State University. These online programs enable students to pursue their studies remotely, offering flexibility for those with other commitments or residing outside the state.

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

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Colorado

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

• Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Colorado 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 means working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to gain 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 Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

Sports psychologists can pursue certifications to become more attractive to employers and to demonstrate their expertise. Two common certifications in the field of sports psychology are the Board Certified in Sport Psychology (BCS) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credentials. Requirements for these certifications include 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 Colorado 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 Colorado

Colorado offers many career opportunities in sports psychology. Graduates can find employment in environments including professional sports organizations, college athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. Common employers in the state include:

• Denver Broncos (NFL)
• Colorado Rockies (MLB)
• University of Colorado Athletics Department
• Colorado State University Athletics

Sports psychologists in Colorado 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.

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Colorado

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