Sports Psychology Programs in North Carolina

UNC Greensboro's Master's in Kinesiology with Applied Sport Psychology concentration delivers an innovative program targeting emerging sport psychology professionals. Students undergo intensive training blending performance psychology, counseling techniques, and scientific methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes practical clinical experiences, enabling students to develop advanced mental performance skills crucial for athlete development. Through 400 hours of mentored experience, participants prepare for Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification, gaining comprehensive insights into psychological dimensions of athletic performance and mental wellness strategies.

• Unique CMPC certification curriculum
• 400 hours mentored experience required
• Only NC sports psychology program
• 20-student diverse cohort model
• In-person class format
• Interdisciplinary faculty collaboration
• Career paths: coaching, consulting, doctoral study

UNC Greensboro's Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology offers a comprehensive, multi-track program designed for ambitious professionals. Students navigate three specialized pathways, enabling targeted skill development in performance psychology, research, and clinical applications. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical experiences, emphasizing hands-on clinical training and research opportunities. Graduates receive preparation for Certified Mental Performance Consultant certification, with coursework tailored to support diverse career trajectories in coaching, consulting, teaching, and advanced psychological performance analysis.

• Three program track options
• 36 credit hours for thesis/applied tracks
• 30 credit hours for online coursework
• In-person and online delivery
• Certified Mental Performance Consultant preparation
• Research laboratory opportunities
• Interdisciplinary faculty collaborations
• Practicum and research experiences
• Suitable for Kinesiology/Psychology backgrounds

UNC Greensboro's online Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology provides a flexible, comprehensive digital learning experience for professionals seeking advanced psychological performance knowledge. The two-year, 30-credit program delivers asynchronous coursework integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications. Designed for Kinesiology and Psychology graduates, the curriculum prepares students for multifaceted careers in coaching, mental skills consulting, athletic training, and health promotion. Expert faculty mentorship and research-driven content ensure participants develop sophisticated understanding of psychological dimensions in physical performance.

• Fully online program
• 30 credit hours total
• Two years to complete
• Six credits per semester
• Asynchronous online courses
• Flexible learning experience
• Expert faculty mentorship
• Prepares for diverse careers
• Integrates theory and research
• School of Health Sciences

UNC Greensboro's PhD in Kinesiology featuring Sport and Exercise Psychology concentration represents a premier research-driven doctoral pathway. The program cultivates advanced academic researchers exploring intricate psychological mechanisms underlying human performance. Doctoral candidates engage in sophisticated research methodologies, investigating cognitive, emotional, and social factors impacting athletic and exercise behaviors. With robust interdisciplinary collaborations, state-of-the-art research facilities, and distinguished faculty mentorship, students develop exceptional analytical skills preparing them for influential academic and professional roles in sport psychology research.

• Top 15 Nationally Ranked Program
• R2 University Research Productivity
• In-Person Doctoral Degree
• Research Laboratory Facilities
• Faculty Research Funding
• Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities
• Close Faculty Mentorship
• Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration
• Academic Career Preparation

East Carolina University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology, designed for students passionate about enhancing performance and well-being in sports and physical activity settings. This program stands out for its science-practitioner approach, blending rigorous academic theory with hands-on research and practical application. Students benefit from a supportive, close-knit environment that fosters personalized academic paths and direct mentorship from experienced faculty. With a strong emphasis on behavioral interventions and community-based projects, graduates are well-prepared for careers in public health, coaching, or further doctoral studies. Requires GRE.

• Science-practitioner model.
• Focus on theory and research.
• Opportunities for faculty-led research.
• Applied skills development.
• Small group learning environment.
• Personalized academic paths.
• Direct faculty mentorship.
• Prepares for public health careers.
• Opportunities in coaching.
• Pathway to doctoral studies.
• Behavioral interventions focus.
• Community-based project opportunities.
• Emphasis on health and well-being.
• Tailored to individual student needs.
• Close-knit learning environment.
• Focus on exercise psychology.
• Physical activity promotion.
• Motor behavior studies.
• Sport psychology applications.
• Research and service emphasis.
• Educational programs development.
• Faculty support for projects.
• Interventions in sport settings.
• Worksite physical activity focus.
• Self-initiated research projects.