Sports Psychology Programs in Florida
Sports psychology is pivotal in enhancing athlete performance and well-being in Florida. Known for its vibrant sports culture and numerous professional sports teams, Florida offers exciting opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists to make a significant impact. In this article, we will explore the sports psychology programs available in Florida, including degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career opportunities.
Sports Psychology Programs in Florida
There is currently only one type of sports psychology degree available in Florida — a master’s degree. Two Florida schools currently offer this degree option; the Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, MS offered at Barry University and the Master’s in Sport Psychology offered at Florida State University. These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors influencing sports performance, injury recovery, and overall athlete well-being. If you’re interested in applying to a bachelor’s, doctorate, or graduate certificate program in sports psychology, check out the information below.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Sports Psychology will help 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.
Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Florida?
Online sports psychology programs have grown in popularity due to their flexibility for students and professionals with other commitments. Currently, there are no specific online programs in sports psychology available within the state.
Online sports psychology programs are popular for many reasons: allowing students to study at their own pace, access resources and materials from anywhere, and connect with other students from diverse backgrounds. Though there are none available within the state, aspiring sports psychologists in Florida can explore online programs offered by renowned universities outside of the state.
2025 Best Sports Psychology Program's in Florida
Florida is home to some of the best sports psychology programs in the country. At sportspsychology.org, we've ranked these programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our rankings consider factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student success rates. Explore our list to discover where you can pursue your passion for sports psychology. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a major in Sport Psychology
Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University offers a Master of Science in Educational Psychology with a major in Sport Psychology, designed for those aiming to excel in the field of sports psychology. This program emphasizes a research-driven approach, providing students with a solid foundation in athlete psychology and mental skills training. With a curriculum that includes hands-on experiences and the opportunity to accumulate direct contact hours, graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in academia, athletic departments, and professional sports organizations. The program also supports students in pursuing CMPC certification, enhancing their professional credentials.
- Master's and PhD programs available
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- January 15th application deadline
- 40-120 contact hours possible
- Research-focused curriculum
- Sport Psychology Laboratory
- Mentorship for CMPC certification
- Hands-on athlete experience
- Multiple career pathway options
- International student friendly
Doctoral degree program in Sport Psychology
Doctorate - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Doctoral degree program in Sport Psychology at Florida State University is tailored for individuals seeking advanced expertise in the psychological aspects of athlete performance and well-being. This rigorous program combines in-depth scientific research with practical experiences, offering students the chance to work directly with athletes at various levels of competition. Graduates are equipped for leadership roles in academia, professional sports, and performance enhancement, with the program also providing mentorship for those aiming for CMPC certification. This doctoral track is ideal for those committed to making a significant impact in the field of sports psychology.
- PhD and Master's programs available
- PhD requires 3.5 GPA
- PhD application deadline: December 1st
- GRE required for PhD
- Mentorship for CMPC certification
- Sport Psychology Laboratory
- Research opportunities with athletes
- Career paths: academia, sports, military
- 40-120 contact hours for master's
- International student options available
Barry University
Miami, FL - Private 4-year - barry.edu
Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Master's in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (SEPP) delivers a transformative educational experience that bridges psychological theory with athletic performance enhancement. Students engage in immersive learning environments, working directly with NCAA athletes and gaining advanced mental skills training techniques. The program's STEM-powered curriculum prepares professionals for diverse career paths, including mental performance coaching, sports psychology consulting, and research-driven performance optimization. Distinguished by certified faculty and flexible track options, graduates emerge equipped with comprehensive psychological strategies to support athletic excellence across various performance domains.
- STEM-powered psychology program
- Certified Mental Performance Consultants faculty
- Hands-on experience with athletes
- Multiple program track options
- AASP certification preparation
- Priority application deadline March 1
- 15 seats per cohort
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- GRE score optional
- Dual degree SEPP/MBA available
Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Concentration: Applied Track - Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Applied Track in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology offers an innovative pathway for aspiring performance professionals. Students navigate a dynamic curriculum designed to develop practical psychological interventions for athletes, coaches, and high-performance individuals. The program's hands-on approach emphasizes real-world skill development, integrating NCAA athlete experiences with advanced mental training techniques. With multiple track options and certification preparation, students gain comprehensive tools to address psychological challenges in competitive environments, preparing them for impactful careers in sports psychology and performance enhancement.
- STEM-powered master's program
- 4 unique track options
- Certified faculty
- NCAA athlete experience
- AASP certification preparation
- 15 student cohort annually
- March 1 application deadline
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Competitive tuition rates
- Graduate assistantships available
Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS)
Concentration: Thesis Track - Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Thesis Track in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology provides a research-intensive approach for students passionate about advancing psychological understanding in athletic contexts. This academically rigorous program empowers students to conduct original investigations, exploring complex mental performance dynamics. Graduates develop advanced research methodologies, critical analysis skills, and deep psychological insights while preparing for potential doctoral studies or specialized research roles. The program combines scholarly exploration with practical training, enabling students to contribute meaningful psychological knowledge to sports performance disciplines.
- SEPP faculty are Certified Consultants
- AASP certification preparation
- Multiple program track options
- NCAA DII athlete experience
- STEM-powered curriculum
- 15-seat cohort program
- Priority deadline March 1st
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Hands-on mental skills training
Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (MS) / MBA
Concentration: Dual Degree - Master's - Campus Based - Visit Website
Barry University's Dual Degree MS/MBA program represents a strategic educational pathway for professionals seeking comprehensive skills in sport psychology and business management. This innovative curriculum integrates psychological performance expertise with advanced business acumen, creating versatile professionals ready to lead in sports organizations, performance consulting, and entrepreneurial ventures. Students gain nuanced understanding of mental performance strategies while developing critical leadership and organizational skills. The program's holistic approach prepares graduates to navigate complex professional landscapes, bridging psychological science with strategic business perspectives.
- Dual Degree: MS and MBA
- 60-69 total credits
- Sport psychology certification track
- Southeast Florida sports environment
- Applied and research tracks
- Professional ethics focus
- Hands-on experience opportunities
- Multiple elective options
- Combines theory and practice
Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Florida
To practice as a sports psychologist in Florida, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Florida Board of Psychology. The licensure process involves several steps:
- Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Florida 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 involves providing counseling and utilizing mental health techniques for athletes under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists.
- Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the educational and clinical requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Florida Board of Psychology. This exam 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 Florida 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 Florida
Florida offers a wide range of career opportunities in sports psychology. With numerous professional sports teams, colleges and universities with strong athletic programs, and a vibrant sports culture, sports psychologists in Florida can find employment in various settings, including:
- Miami Dolphins (NFL)
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Florida Gators Athletics Department (University of Florida)
- Florida State University Athletics
- University of Miami Athletics Department
Florida sports psychologists 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 importance of mental health in sports, numerous opportunities exist for sports psychologists in Florida to profoundly impact athletes’ lives and athletic performance.
List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Florida
Miami Shores, FL
Barry University
Miami Shores, FL 33168
Tallahassee, FL
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1037
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.