Sports Psychology Programs in Massachusetts

Sports Psychology Programs in Massachusetts

Students looking for sports psychology programs in Massachusetts will be limited in their options as there are currently only two such programs offered in the state, both at Springfield College. While bachelor’s degrees, doctorate degrees, and graduate certificates are all offered at other colleges outside of the state, Springfield College only offers either a Master of Education or a Master of Science in this specific field.

• Bachelor’s Degree: While Massachusetts universities and colleges don’t currently offer any programs with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology, they are offered in many colleges across the country. These undergraduate programs lay 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 who hold a bachelor’s or, more commonly, a master’s 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 Massachusetts?

While no Massachusetts colleges currently offer online sports psychology programs, these programs offer several advantages, 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 Massachusetts can explore online programs offered by renowned universities in other states to expand their knowledge and skills in the field, without ever having to leave New England.

2026 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts stands out as a premier destination for aspiring sports psychology professionals, offering some of the most comprehensive and innovative academic programs in the country. At sportspsychology.org, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the top institutions that provide exceptional training in this dynamic field. These programs combine rigorous academic coursework with practical experience, preparing students to understand and enhance athletic performance, mental resilience, and psychological well-being in sports. Whether you're interested in working with professional athletes, collegiate teams, or exploring sports performance optimization, Massachusetts offers unparalleled educational opportunities that can launch your career in sports psychology. Learn more about our comprehensive evaluation process by visiting our ranking methodology.

#1

Springfield College

Springfield, MA - Private 4-year - springfield.edu

Master's - MEd/MS in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Springfield College's Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology provides a transformative graduate experience for professionals passionate about understanding psychological performance dynamics. This comprehensive 36-credit program offers students two distinct pathways: a research-focused thesis track and an applied consulting track. Aspiring sport psychologists benefit from interdisciplinary coursework, advanced skill development, and practical training in the Human Performance Lab. Students must complete prerequisite courses in Anatomy and Exercise Physiology, submit two recommendation letters, and meet the priority application deadline of January 10th. The program prepares graduates to enhance athletes' mental strategies and optimize performance across diverse settings.

• MEd and MS options available
• 36-credit graduate program
• Campus-based in Springfield, Mass
• Complete in 2 years
• Fall semester start
• Thesis and applied tracks
• Human Performance Lab
• Full-time course offerings
• Prerequisites: Anatomy, Exercise Physiology
• Priority deadline: January 10

Master's - MEd in Sport and Exercise Psychology Online

Online Learning - Visit Website

Springfield College's online Master of Education in Sport and Exercise Psychology delivers a flexible, comprehensive graduate program tailored for working professionals. The 36-credit curriculum is entirely asynchronous, allowing students to complete the degree full or part-time within 18 months. Participants engage in diverse 7 or 15-week courses and complete a 135-hour applied internship, gaining practical skills in performance optimization and mental health support. The program welcomes students from varied backgrounds, providing interdisciplinary training in sport psychology, coaching, and athlete performance strategies. This innovative online format enables students to advance their careers without disrupting current professional commitments.

• 36-credit MEd program
• 100% online asynchronous
• Start in September
• Full or part-time options
• Complete in 18 months
• 7 or 15 week courses
• 135-hour applied internship
• Diverse student backgrounds welcome

Doctorate - PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Springfield College's PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology is a rigorous 78-credit doctoral program designed to cultivate advanced research scholars and professional practitioners. With a selective cohort of only four students, the program offers highly personalized training that integrates psychological, sociological, physiological, and motor behavioral perspectives. Candidates must hold a master's degree and submit GRE scores for admission. The curriculum prepares students for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification through comprehensive research experiences, the Preparing Future Faculty Series, and intensive professional development. Applicants must provide a writing sample and three recommendation letters.

• 78-credit doctoral program
• Campus-based in Springfield, Mass
• 4-year full-time completion
• Cohort size of 4 students
• Prepares for CMPC certification
• Starts in September
• Master's degree required
• GRE required for admission
• Writing sample needed
• Three recommendation letters

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

Boston University

Boston, MA - Private 4-year - bu.edu

Master's - EdM in Counseling with a concentration in Sport/Performance Psychology

Concentration: Sport/Performance Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Boston University's EdM in Counseling with Sport/Performance Psychology concentration offers an intensive two-year program designed for aspiring mental performance professionals. Students receive comprehensive training in sport psychology, completing up to 400 hours of specialized internships. The curriculum prepares graduates for Mental Performance Consultant certification, equipping them to support athletes, performers, teams, and coaches across diverse settings. With a focus on clinical mental health training and a minimum of 700 clinical hours, students develop advanced skills in psychological performance enhancement. The program uniquely combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, emphasizing fall term entry and in-person learning formats.

• Two-year full-time program
• Sport/Performance Psychology concentration
• 74 total program units
• 400 hours sport psychology internships
• AASP certification preparation
• Fall term start only
• Clinical mental health training
• Minimum 700 clinical hours
• In-person program format
• Practicum every program term

*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2023 data files.

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Massachusetts

To practice as a sports psychologist in Massachusetts, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists. The licensure process involves several steps:

• Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Massachusetts 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 working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to gain practical training in providing athletes counseling and mental performance enhancement techniques.
• Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the required educational and clinical requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

In addition to sports psychology licensure, aspiring sports psychologists can pursue certifications to further enhance their credentials and demonstrate specialized expertise. Two popular certifications in the field of sports psychology are the Board Certified in Sport Psychology (BCSP) 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

Massachusetts 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:

• Boston Celtics (NBA)
• New England Patriots (NFL)
• Boston Red Sox (MLB)
• Boston Bruins (NHL)
• Harvard University Athletics Department
• Boston College Athletics

Sports psychologists in Massachusetts can work with athletes directly, providing one-on-one counseling, performance enhancement techniques, and psychological support services. They can collaborate with coaches, trainers, and medical professionals to create athlete support programs. As mental health services continue to grow, sports psychologists can make a measurable impact in the performance and wellbeing of athletes.

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Massachusetts

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