Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois

Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois

If you’re looking to enroll in a sports psychology master’s degree program, Illinois has several to choose from. However, if you’re interested in bachelor’s degrees, doctorate degrees, or graduate certificates in sports psychology, you’ll have to look for them in other states. Fortunately, online sports psychology programs exist, so if you can’t relocate, you can have your sports psychology degree program delivered right to your laptop. For more info see the sections below:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Online or out-of-state 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.

Esteemed sports psychology programs available in Illinois include the Master’s in Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity program offered at Illinois State University and the Master of Science in Applied Exercise Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago. 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 Illinois?

While only one online sports psychology program exists within the State of Illinois (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville), students in Illinois can also enroll in sports psychology programs of all levels from across the country. Online sports psychology programs are quite advantageous for those who wish to study at their own pace and work from the comfort of their own homes. Today’s online programs also allow students to connect with professors and fellow students remotely. Aspiring sports psychologists in Illinois can consider online programs offered in-state, which sometimes comes with a tuition break, or in any state across the nation, provided it is properly accredited.

2025 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois

Looking for top sports psychology programs in Illinois? You're in the right place. At sportspsychology.org, we've ranked the best. Our list helps you find schools that stand out for their quality, faculty, and resources. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these programs offer the tools you need to succeed. Ready to see who made the list? Check out our rankings below. For details on how we ranked these programs, visit our ranking methodology page.

#1

Illinois State University

Normal, IL - Public 4-Year - illinoisstate.edu

Master's - Master’s in Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity

Campus Based - Visit Website

Illinois State University's Master of Science in Kinesiology delivers a transformative sports psychology program that goes beyond traditional academic boundaries. Students dive deep into psychological mechanisms underlying athletic performance, exploring intricate dynamics of mental resilience, motivation, and team dynamics. The meticulously crafted curriculum blends rigorous research methodology with practical intervention strategies, preparing graduates to become innovative sports psychology practitioners. Through comprehensive coursework spanning athlete development, performance enhancement, and leadership psychology, students gain nuanced insights into mental skills training, psychological assessment, and performance optimization techniques across diverse sporting contexts.

• 33-credit master's program
• Psychology of Sport sequence
• Research and practical experience
• Flexible culminating options
• Online and campus learning
• 6-hour research core
• 9 hours core sport psychology courses
• Individual study plan
• Practicum and independent study
• Faculty-student advisement

#2

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL - Public 4-Year - siue.edu

Master's - MS in Kinesiology

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

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's MS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise and Sport Psychology stands out for its hybrid format, combining online flexibility with the depth of in-person learning. This program is tailored for those aiming to delve into the psychological aspects of sports and exercise, offering a curriculum that spans mental training, performance enhancement, and well-being. With a completion time of 12-22 months, it caters to working professionals through evening and asynchronous courses. Highlights include preparation for CMPC certification, a career-focused curriculum, and mentorship from experienced faculty, paving the way for diverse career opportunities in sports psychology.

• 100% Online Program
• 12-22 Months Completion
• Evening/Asynchronous Courses
• CMPC Certification Preparation
• Career-Focused Curriculum
• Mentorship from Faculty
• Multiple Career Pathways
• Research Opportunities
• Professional Development Focus
• Personalized Career Advising

#3

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL - Public 4-Year - uic.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

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

UIC's Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Performance, Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration offers an intensive two-year program designed for aspiring mental performance professionals. Students dive deep into psychological assessment techniques, cultural competence, and advanced consulting strategies through immersive experiences. The curriculum strategically prepares graduates for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification, enabling them to work effectively with athletes, teams, and organizations. Robust practical training includes 400 hours of mentored experience, ensuring students develop comprehensive skills in performance psychology across diverse athletic and organizational settings.

• Two-year full-time study option
• CMPC certification pathway
• 400 hours mentored experience
• Hands-on consulting opportunities
• Practical skills development
• Diverse performance environments
• Practicum and internship included
• Nine credit hours per semester
• Core and recommended classes
• Professional ethics training

#4

Adler University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - adler.edu

Master's - M.S. in Sport and Human Performance

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's M.S. in Sport and Human Performance is a 38-credit program designed for those passionate about enhancing athletic and human performance. It uniquely combines clinical mental health counseling with sport psychology, offering students the chance to work with athletes and performers while accumulating certification hours. The program emphasizes a socially responsible approach and provides practical experience through externships, preparing graduates for careers in youth sports, professional organizations, coaching, and mental performance consulting. Highlights include AASP certification opportunities, mentorship from leading practitioners, and a 200-hour social justice practicum.

• 38-credit Master's program
• AASP certification opportunities
• Externship field placements
• Socially responsible approach
• Mentorship from practitioners
• Multiple career pathway options
• Chicago campus location
• Recommended 3.0 GPA
• Dual degree option available
• 200-hour social justice practicum

Master's - M.S. in Sport and Human Performance / M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University offers a dual-focused M.S. in Sport and Human Performance / M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, blending advanced mental skills training with clinical mental health principles. This 38-credit program prepares students for diverse career paths, emphasizing performance enhancement and psychological well-being. Through externships and a socially responsible practice focus, students gain hands-on experience in various performance contexts. The program also offers AASP certification opportunities, mentorship from certified professionals, and a 200-hour social justice practicum, making it ideal for those aiming to work with athletes and performers in clinical settings.

• 38-credit hour program
• AASP certification opportunities
• Externship field placements
• Mental performance consultant training
• Socially responsible practice focus
• Recommended 3.0 GPA requirement
• Professional development emphasis
• Multiple career pathway options
• Mentorship from certified professionals
• 200-hour social justice practicum

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Based on: IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Illinois

To practice as a sports psychologist in Illinois, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The licensure process involves several steps:

• Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Illinois 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: Programs will also require that students complete a certain amount of supervised clinical experience hours. This means working under the guidance of professional sports psychologists. Your state an program will dictate how many clinical hours will be needed.
• Licensing Examination: Once the educational and supervised experience hours are completed, candidates must pass a licensing exam administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This examination will test the student on psychology principles, ethics, and the application of sports psychological techniques.

Aside from licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications and credentials to demonstrate specialized expertise. Two popular sports psychology certifications include 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 exam.

By fulfilling licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Illinois 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.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Illinois

Illinois offers various 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:

• Chicago Bulls (NBA)
• Chicago Bears (NFL)
• University of Illinois Athletics Department
• Northwestern University Athletics

Sports psychologists in Illinois 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 mental health’s significance in sports, sports psychologists are poised to make a big impact on the lives and success of athletes.

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Illinois

Related Articles about Sports Psychology

See the latest articles on sports psychology below, covering career insights, specializations, and the impact of mental training on athletic performance.

• From Athlete to Sports Psychologist: How Former Competitors Can Build a Career in Performance Psychology
• Cheapest Sports Psychology Programs in 2025
• Leveraging Your Mental Health Background for a Career in Sports Psychology
• Professional Organizations for Sports Psychology Professionals: A Student's Guide to Career Success
• How Hard is it to Become a Sports Psychologist?
• See all Articles