Sports Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, sports psychology plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance and well-being of athletes. By understanding the psychological aspects of sports, athletes in the state can improve their mental resilience, focus, and overall mental health. With a rich sports culture and numerous collegiate athletic programs, Pennsylvania offers excellent opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists. This article explores the sports psychology programs available in Pennsylvania, including degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career prospects. Whether you're a student interested in pursuing a degree or a professional seeking career advancement in sports psychology, Pennsylvania provides a range of educational paths and avenues for professional growth. Let's delve into the world of sports psychology in Pennsylvania and discover the exciting possibilities it holds.

Sports Psychology Degree programs in the State of Pennsylvania
SportsPsychology.org Staff Writer | Updated/Verified: Feb 23, 2025

Sports Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania

While a wide range of sports psychology degrees exist in neighboring states and online, the only in-person sports psychology degree programs that are offered in Pennsylvania are the Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology available at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and the M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science – Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration offered at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Students may also wish to enroll in PennWest University’s online graduate certificate program.

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Students may wish to start with 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 in diverse settings.
  • Graduate Certificate: For individuals who have previously completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, graduate certificate programs in Sports Psychology provide focused training in the field, allowing professionals to specialize without the need to complete a lengthy full degree program.
  • 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 Pennsylvania?

While there are only two in-person sports psychology programs in Pennsylvania, there is a third option for master’s degree students interested in pursuing a career in sports psychology — the Sports and Performance Psychology Master’s degree offered by Lock Haven University. PennWest University’s graduate certificate in sports psychology is also offered online.

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 Pennsylvania can explore online programs offered by renowned universities within the state or in other states to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.

2025 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to some of the best sports psychology programs in the country. At sportspsychology.org, we've ranked these programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our rankings consider factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student support services. Choosing the right program is a big step toward a successful career in sports psychology. Dive into our rankings to see which Pennsylvania schools made the list. Learn more about how we rank the programs here.

#1

Robert Morris University

Moon Township, PA - Private 4-year - rmu.edu

Bachelor's - Psychology B.S.

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Robert Morris University offers a Psychology B.S. with a concentration in Sport Psychology, designed for students passionate about enhancing athletic performance through psychological principles. This on-campus program emphasizes the development of mental performance skills, athlete mental health, and the psychological aspects of sport coaching. A standout feature is the 120-hour practicum, providing real-world experience in addressing performance challenges such as anxiety and injury recovery. The curriculum, totaling 60 major credits, includes opportunities for a psychology thesis and professional partnerships, preparing graduates for careers in sports performance, counseling, and wellness coaching. Requires ACT/SAT.

  • On-campus Sport Psychology concentration
  • 120-hour practicum experience
  • Mental performance skill development
  • Psychology thesis opportunity
  • Real-world professional partnerships
  • Courses in sport coaching psychology
  • Total 60 major credits
  • Explores athlete mental health
  • Comprehensive psychology curriculum
#2

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

Bloomsburg, PA - Public 4-Year - commonwealthu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology entirely online, catering to professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in mental performance consulting and athlete development. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to choose between full and part-time study options, with the possibility to graduate in one to two years. It emphasizes practical skills and cutting-edge research, preparing graduates for AASP certification without the need for GRE scores. The program also supports students with a 3.0 GPA admission requirement, multiple start terms, and the opportunity to transfer up to 6 credits, making it a comprehensive pathway for aspiring sports psychologists.

  • 100% Online Asynchronous Delivery
  • Full/Part-Time Options Available
  • No GRE Required
  • Complete in 1-2 Years
  • CMPC Certification Pathway
  • 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
  • Multiple Start Terms
  • Transferable Up to 6 Credits

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Pennsylvania

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

  • Educational Requirements: Sports psychologists in Pennsylvania typically need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution. This degree provides a comprehensive foundation in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
  • Supervised Clinical Experience: Individuals must also complete supervised clinical experience hours. This involves working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to obtain the hands-on training needed to be effective in their future careers.
  • Licensing Examination: After finishing the educational portion, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques.

In addition to licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications to further enhance their credentials and demonstrate specialized expertise. Two of the 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.

Once the licensure requirements are met and relevant certifications are obtained through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in Pennsylvania are well-poised as qualified professionals in the field.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania provides grads with various career opportunities in sports psychology. Employment can be found in settings such as collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Sports organizations and institutions in Pennsylvania include:

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Pennsylvania

Jump to City:

Bloomsburg, PA

Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

  • Master's - Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Asynchronous Delivery
    • Full/Part-Time Options Available
    • No GRE Required
    • Complete in 1-2 Years
    • CMPC Certification Pathway
    • 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
    • Multiple Start Terms
    • Transferable Up to 6 Credits

Moon Township, PA

Robert Morris University

  • Bachelor's - Psychology B.S.

    Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • On-campus Sport Psychology concentration
    • 120-hour practicum experience
    • Mental performance skill development
    • Psychology thesis opportunity
    • Real-world professional partnerships
    • Courses in sport coaching psychology
    • Total 60 major credits
    • Explores athlete mental health

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