Sports Psychology Programs in Ohio
In Ohio, the realm of sports psychology is rapidly gaining recognition and significance as athletes and teams seek to optimize their performance both mentally and physically. With an increasing understanding of the vital role that psychology plays in athletic success, the demand for sports psychology programs and opportunities in Ohio has surged. As athletes strive to achieve peak performance and coaches look for ways to enhance team dynamics, Ohio has become a hub for innovative sports psychology initiatives, offering a diverse array of programs and opportunities for aspiring practitioners and athletes alike.
Sports Psychology Programs in Ohio
Ohio currently offers one type of sports psychology degree — a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology offered by Kent State University. However, if students want to enter into a master’s or doctorate degree, they will need to look for options in neighboring states or online. Here is a complete list of the various types of sports psychology degree levels available.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Students in Ohio can opt for a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Sports Psychology. These undergraduate programs lay the 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.
- Graduate Certificate: Designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s or (more commonly) a master’s degree in a related field, Sports Psychology graduate certificates offer focused training in the subject so that professionals in the field can specialize quickly and efficiently.
- 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 and prime the student for licensure and advanced roles in the field.
Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Ohio?
As mentioned in the previous section, Ohio offers only one sports psychology degree — a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology offered by Kent State University. Though the variety of degrees the state offers is limited, this program’s delivery options are flexible. Students enrolled at Kent State University can choose to attend classes on campus, online, or a combination of the two.
Online sports psychology 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 Ohio can explore online programs within the state or in other states to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.
2025 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Ohio
Looking for the best sports psychology programs in Ohio? sportspsychology.org has you covered. We've ranked top schools to help you find the right fit for your career in sports psychology. Our rankings focus on program quality, faculty expertise, and student success. Check out our list to see which Ohio schools made the cut. Ready to see the rankings? Dive into our detailed list below. For more on how we rank programs, visit our ranking methodology page.
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Kent State University at Kent offers a cutting-edge online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, tailored for those aiming to excel in the sports psychology field. This program delves into the psychological aspects that influence athletic performance, focusing on mental training, motivation, and performance enhancement. It's designed for aspiring athletes, coaches, and performance professionals, providing a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for supporting athlete development. The 100% online format ensures flexibility, allowing students nationwide to pursue their passion for sports psychology. With a curriculum that emphasizes ethical practice, research, and intervention training, graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in the sports industry. Requires ACT/SAT.
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- Graduate in 4 years
- Focuses on performance psychology
- Tuition ~$52,200 for Ohio residents
- Multiple career pathway options
- Psychological performance focus
- Practical skills development
- Ethical practice principles
- Research and intervention training
Kent State University at Stark
North Canton, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Kent State University at Stark offers an innovative online Bachelor's degree in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, tailored for those passionate about the psychological aspects of athletic performance. This program delves into the mental strategies that enhance performance, covering topics such as motivation, stress management, and mental training techniques. It's designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for a variety of careers in sports psychology, including performance enhancement roles. The program boasts a flexible online format, competitive tuition rates for Ohio residents, and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for both immediate career opportunities and advanced graduate studies. Requires ACT/SAT.
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- Graduate in 4 years
- Ohio resident tuition: $594.78/credit
- Focus on psychological performance processes
- Wide range of sport-related careers
- Unique psychological performance focus
- Prepares for advanced graduate studies
- Multiple career pathway options
- Competitive admission requirements
Miami University-Hamilton
Hamilton, OH - Public 4-Year - miamioh.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Management
Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University-Hamilton's Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Management, with a concentration in Sport Psychology, stands out for its comprehensive approach to preparing students for impactful careers in the sports industry. This program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering students a pathway to CMPC certification. With a curriculum designed to be completed in 9-12 months full-time, it features rolling admissions, allowing for flexible start times. The program boasts nationally recognized faculty, a research and applied focus, and opportunities for practical consulting experiences. Students can tailor their education with multiple elective options and engage in thesis research, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to specialize in sport psychology.
- 9-12 months full-time program
- Rolling admission each semester
- CMPC certification pathway
- Research and applied focus
- 30 total credit hours
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Diverse career preparation
- Practical consulting experiences
- Multiple elective options
- Thesis research available
Miami University-Middletown
Middletown, OH - Public 4-Year - miamioh.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Management
Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University-Middletown's Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Management program specializes in Sport Psychology, offering a comprehensive curriculum designed for aspiring mental performance practitioners. This program stands out for its emphasis on psychological interventions and theoretical frameworks, preparing students for certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). With a blend of research-based coursework and practical consulting experiences, students are equipped to work with elite athletes, teams, and organizations. The program boasts nationally recognized faculty, a thesis research option, and diverse elective courses, making it a prime choice for those looking to excel in professional sports, collegiate athletics, military performance, and academic research. Highlights include a 9-12 months full-time program, rolling admissions, and preparation for CMPC certification.
- 9-12 months full-time program
- Rolling admissions each semester
- CMPC certification preparation
- Research-based with applied focus
- 30 total credit hours required
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Thesis research option available
- Diverse elective course selection
- Practical consulting experiences
- Works with professional teams
Kent State University at Tuscarawas
New Philadelphia, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Visit Website
Kent State University at Tuscarawas offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, tailored for those passionate about enhancing athletic performance through psychological principles. This program delves into mental resilience, motivation, and performance enhancement, providing students with a solid foundation in mental skills training and research methodologies. With a flexible online format, it caters to aspiring sports professionals and coaches, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes a practicum in sport performance. The program is designed for a 4-year completion, requiring 120 credit hours, and is priced at approximately $52,200 for Ohio residents. It prepares graduates for a variety of career paths in sports psychology and further graduate studies.
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- 4-year graduation timeline
- Ohio resident tuition: $52,200
- Competitive program with 7% job growth
- Focuses on performance psychology
- Multiple career pathway options
- Flexible admissions requirements
- Practicum in sport performance
- Prepares for graduate studies
Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Ohio
To practice as a sports psychologist in Ohio, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Ohio State Board of Psychology. The licensure process involves several steps:
- Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Ohio typically need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited school. This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
- Supervised Clinical Experience: Aside from the proper education, students must gain supervised clinical experience. This involves working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to gain real-world training in athletic mental health.
- Licensing Examination: Candidates must also pass a licensing examination administered by the Ohio State Board of Psychology. This exam assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.
Sports psychologists are encouraged to pursue certifications to further enhance their credentials and demonstrate specialized expertise. Two main 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.
Through meeting licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Ohio can establish themselves as professionals in the field.
Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Ohio
Ohio is home to many career opportunities in sports psychology. Graduates can find employment in in areas such as collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Sports organizations and institutions that hire sports psychologists in Ohio include:
- The Ohio State University Athletics
- University of Cincinnati Athletics
- Ohio University Athletics
- Cleveland Cavaliers (National Basketball Association)
- Columbus Crew SC (Major League Soccer)
- Cleveland Gaurdians (Major League Baseball)
List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Ohio
Ashtabula, OH
Kent State University at Ashtabula
- Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- Graduate in 4 years
- Focuses on psychological performance
- Multiple career pathways available
- Ohio resident tuition ~$52,200
- Non-resident tuition ~$53,400
- Multiple admission pathways
Burton, OH
Kent State University at Geauga
- Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- 4-year graduation timeline
- Focuses on psychological processes
- Multiple career pathways available
- Competitive tuition rates
- Regional campus admissions
- Practicum in sport performance
East Liverpool, OH
Kent State University at East Liverpool
- Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- 120 total credit hours
- Graduate in 4 years
- Ohio residents: $52,200 tuition
- Non-Ohio residents: $53,400 tuition
- Open admission for regional campuses
- Multiple career pathways
- Focuses on psychological performance
Hamilton, OH
Miami University-Hamilton
- Master's - Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Management
Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- 9-12 months full-time program
- Rolling admission each semester
- CMPC certification pathway
- Research and applied focus
- 30 total credit hours
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Diverse career preparation
- Practical consulting experiences
Kent, OH
Kent State University at Kent
- Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- Graduate in 4 years
- Focuses on performance psychology
- Tuition ~$52,200 for Ohio residents
- Multiple career pathway options
- Psychological performance focus
- Practical skills development
Middletown, OH
Miami University-Middletown
- Master's - Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Management
Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- 9-12 months full-time program
- Rolling admissions each semester
- CMPC certification preparation
- Research-based with applied focus
- 30 total credit hours required
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Thesis research option available
- Diverse elective course selection
New Philadelphia, OH
Kent State University at Tuscarawas
- Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- 4-year graduation timeline
- Ohio resident tuition: $52,200
- Competitive program with 7% job growth
- Focuses on performance psychology
- Multiple career pathway options
- Flexible admissions requirements
North Canton, OH
Kent State University at Stark
- Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- Graduate in 4 years
- Ohio resident tuition: $594.78/credit
- Focus on psychological performance processes
- Wide range of sport-related careers
- Unique psychological performance focus
- Prepares for advanced graduate studies
Salem, OH
Kent State University at Salem
- Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Degree Program
- 120 Total Credit Hours
- Graduate in 4 Years
- Ohio Resident Tuition: $52,200
- Non-Ohio Resident Tuition: $53,400
- Open Admission for Regional Campuses
- Focuses on Psychological Performance
- Prepares for Sports Psychology Careers
Warren, OH
Kent State University at Trumbull
- Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online degree program
- 120 total credit hours
- Graduate in 4 years
- Ohio residents: $52,200 total tuition
- Non-Ohio residents: $53,400 total tuition
- Focuses on psychological performance
- Prepares for diverse sport careers
- Mental skills performance enhancement
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.
- Unveiling the Specializations of Sports Psychology
- Where Are Sports Psychologists Most Needed?
- From Athlete to Sports Psychologist: How Former Competitors Can Build a Career in Performance Psychology
- Leveraging Your Mental Health Background for a Career in Sports Psychology
- How Hard is it to Become a Sports Psychologist?
- See all Articles