Sports Psychology Programs in Georgia

Sports Psychology Programs in Georgia

Students looking for sports psychology programs specifically in the state of Georgia will only have a handful of options to choose from, however, universities and colleges in neighboring states state offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs specifically designed to equip students with a thorough comprehension of the psychological aspects that impact sports performance, injury rehabilitation, and the overall well-being of athletes. Here is some basic info on each degree:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Some 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 offer advanced coursework and practical training. Students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to work with athletes in diverse settings.
• Graduate Certificate: Designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, sports psychology 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 a 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.

A few examples of sports psychology programs available in Georgia include the Master of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Psychology concentration at Georgia Southern University and the Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Georgia. These programs provide students with an advanced education in sports psychology principles and practical skills to work with athletes and sports teams effectively.

2025 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Georgia

Georgia offers some of the best sports psychology programs, designed for those passionate about athlete performance and mental health. 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 a deeper dive into how we rank these programs, check out our ranking methodology.

#1

Georgia Southern University

Statesboro, GA - Public 4-Year - georgiasouthern.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

Concentration: Sport and Exercise Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Georgia Southern University's Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology is tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the psychological aspects of sports performance. This 36-credit program, offered on the Statesboro Campus, is structured around a fall entry term and requires a 3.0 GPA for admission. It features both thesis and internship tracks, allowing students to either focus on research or gain practical experience in the field. The program is designed to meet the certification requirements of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), offering graduate assistantships and requiring a personal statement, three recommendation letters, and an application deadline of February 1. Highlights include 'Requires GRE', '36 credit hours', 'In-person Statesboro Campus', 'Fall entry term', 'Thesis and internship tracks', 'GPA requirement: 3.0', 'Application deadline: Feb 1', 'Three recommendation letters', 'Personal statement required', 'Graduate assistantships available', and 'Aligned with AASP certification'.

• 36 credit hours
• In-person Statesboro Campus
• Fall entry term
• Thesis and internship tracks
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Application deadline: Feb 1
• Three recommendation letters
• Personal statement required
• Graduate assistantships available
• Aligned with AASP certification

#2

Toccoa Falls College

Toccoa Falls, GA - Private 4-year - tfc.edu

Bachelor's - Counseling Psychology

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Toccoa Falls College offers a specialized Counseling Psychology program with a concentration in Sport Psychology, designed for those passionate about enhancing athletic performance through psychological principles. This campus-based program integrates a biblical perspective with rigorous academic training, focusing on mental health, human motivation, and the psychological dynamics behind individual and team success. Students gain practical intervention methods and explore career paths in coaching, therapy, and working with athletes across all ages. The program requires 126 hours for degree completion, including 18 hours dedicated to sport psychology and 69 hours of general education courses. It prepares students for graduate studies and diverse professional settings, emphasizing motivation psychology and performance enhancement.

• 126-hour comprehensive degree
• 18 hours sport psychology concentration
• 69 hours general education courses
• Biblical values integration
• Prepares for graduate studies
• Focus on motivation psychology
• Career paths: coaching, therapy
• Featured courses in performance
• Work with athletes of all ages

*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Georgia?

Nationwide, online sports psychology programs have experienced a surge in popularity due to their flexibility, catering to students and professionals with existing commitments. Georgia students, in particular, can take advantage of online programs offered by esteemed universities in other states. This allows them to pursue their studies remotely, accommodating individuals with various obligations or those residing within Georgia.

Engaging in online sports psychology programs presents numerous benefits, including the freedom to learn at one’s preferred pace, access to a wealth of resources and materials from any location, and the opportunity to connect with professionals and fellow students from diverse backgrounds. Aspiring sports psychologists in Georgia can explore the option of online programs to expand their expertise and skills in this field.

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Georgia

To practice as a sports psychologist in Georgia, professionals must meet specific licensure requirements established by the Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The licensure process typically involves the following steps:

• Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Georgia 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 acquire supervised sports psychology clinical experience under the direction and guidance of a licensed psychologist. Minimum hour requirements vary by state and program.
• Licensing Examination: After fulfilling all educational and clinical requirements, candidates must pass a licensing exam administered by the Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

Beyond licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications to enhance their credentials further. 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 typically 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 Georgia 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 Georgia

Georgia 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 Georgia can find employment in various settings, including:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
• Atlanta Braves (MLB)
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
• University of Georgia Athletics Department
• Georgia Tech Athletics Department

In Georgia, sports psychologists can engage directly with athletes, offering personalized counseling, performance enhancement strategies, and valuable mental health support. They can forge collaborative partnerships with coaches, trainers, and medical experts to develop comprehensive athlete support initiatives. As the significance of mental well-being in sports gains greater recognition, sports psychologists in Georgia are presented with many opportunities to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of athletes.

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Georgia

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