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.

Robert Morris University

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

Bachelor's - Psychology B.S.

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Dive into the fascinating world of Sports Psychology at Robert Morris University, where mental performance meets athletic excellence. This comprehensive Bachelor's degree explores the psychological factors influencing sports performance, helping students develop crucial mental skills for athletes and exercise professionals. Students gain hands-on experience through a rigorous 120-hour practicum, learning to address performance challenges like anxiety, injury recovery, and mental health issues. With a focus on practical training and research, graduates are prepared for dynamic careers in sports performance, athlete counseling, and wellness coaching.

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

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

Elevate your career in sports psychology with Commonwealth University's innovative 100% online Master of Science program. Designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds, this flexible degree prepares you to excel in mental performance consulting, coaching, and athlete development. The curriculum blends cutting-edge research with practical skills, offering full and part-time options to complete your degree in just one to two years. With no GRE requirement and coursework aligned with AASP certification, you'll gain comprehensive training to support athletes' psychological performance across various settings.

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: