Sports Psychology Programs in Tennessee
Sports psychology programs and opportunities in Tennessee offer aspiring professionals a gateway into the dynamic field of sports psychology. From academic institutions to practical internships and job placements, Tennessee provides a fertile ground for individuals interested in delving into the intersection of psychology and athletics. With a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in sports performance, the demand for qualified sports psychologists continues to rise. In Tennessee, students and professionals alike have access to a variety of educational programs, training opportunities, and career pathways aimed at harnessing the power of the mind to enhance athletic achievement and overall well-being.
Sports Psychology Programs in Tennessee
Students looking to relocate to Tennessee for their doctorate degree in sports psychology may be interested in the University of Tennessee’s Ph.D. Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior Specialization. Though this is currently the only sports psychology program that Tennessee offers, Universities and colleges in other states or online provide bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in sports psychology. These programs equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological factors that influence sports performance, injury recovery, and overall athlete well-being.
- Bachelor’s Degree: The first stop for degrees are Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology. These undergraduate programs introduce the psychological factors that impact sports performance and prepare students for further sports psychology education.
- Master’s Degree: Master’s programs in Sports Psychology provide advanced coursework and practical training in the subject. Students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to work with athletes across various settings.
- Graduate Certificate: For individuals who hold a master’s degree (or, less commonly, a bachelor’s degree) in a related field, Sports Psychology graduate certificates 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.), offer the highest level of education obtainable in the field. Doctorate programs emphasize research, advanced coursework, and clinical practice to prepare graduates for high-level roles.
Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Tennessee?
There are currently no online sports psychology programs available within the State of Tennessee. However, you will find plenty of options for online learning in neighboring states or online. 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.
2025 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee offers some of the best sports psychology programs for students aiming to excel in this field. At sportspsychology.org, we've ranked these programs to help you find the right fit. Our rankings consider key factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student support. Choosing the right program is crucial for your future in sports psychology. Check out our rankings to see which Tennessee schools made the list. For more on how we rank, visit our ranking methodology page.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu
Master's - MS In Kinesiology
Concentration: Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior - Campus Based - Visit Website
At the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the Master's in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior concentration delivers cutting-edge training in psychological performance enhancement. Students dive deep into critical domains like intervention strategies, ethical practices, and psychological skill development across diverse professional environments. The program strategically limits cohort size to 10-20 students, enabling personalized mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. With no prerequisite course requirements and flexible elective pathways, students can customize their academic journey to align with individual career aspirations in sports psychology, military performance, healthcare, and exercise settings.
- Sport Psychology Master's concentration
- No prerequisite course requirements
- 10-20 students admitted annually
- 3.2 GPA recommended
- No GRE scores required
- Elective courses available
- Performance enhancement focus
- Multiple career setting applications
- Interdisciplinary kinesiology approach
Doctorate - PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies
Concentration: Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies with a Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior concentration represents a rigorous research-driven doctoral pathway. Designed for advanced scholarly development, this program equips students with comprehensive interdisciplinary research methodologies and prepares them for elite academic and professional roles. Requiring a prior master's degree and 72 graduate credit hours, the program emphasizes qualitative and quantitative research skills. Doctoral candidates can expect an immersive three-year experience focused on developing advanced research capabilities, positioning graduates for faculty positions, clinical roles, and high-level sport psychology research opportunities.
- Research-intensive doctoral degree
- Sport Psychology concentration available
- 72 graduate credit hours required
- Master's degree prerequisite
- 3-year typical completion time
- Interdisciplinary research approach
- Knoxville Campus location
- Comprehensive exam requirement
- 24 dissertation credit hours
- Prepares for faculty positions
Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Tennessee
To practice as a sports psychologist in Tennessee, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology. The licensure process involves several steps:
- Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Tennessee usually need to obtain a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution. This degree provides advanced knowledge in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practices.
- Supervised Clinical Experience: Students must also complete supervised clinical experiences. Working under experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists, students acquire practical training and hands-on experience in working with athletes.
- Licensing Examination: Graduates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology after completing their education. This exam assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.
In addition to licensure, sports psychologists can also pursue certifications to further enhance their expertise and employability. Two main certifications in 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.
Meeting the licensure requirements and obtaining relevant certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) prepares sports psychologists in Tennessee to establish themselves in the field. Through these endeavors, they are poised to make a positive impact on sports teams and athletes alike.
Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Tennessee
In Tennessee, there are numerous career opportunities in sports psychology. Prospective sports psychologists can find employment in settings including collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Potential employers in Tennessee include:
- University of Tennessee Athletics
- Vanderbilt University Athletics
- Tennessee Titans (National Football League)
- Nashville Predators (National Hockey League)
- Memphis Grizzlies (National Basketball Association)
- Nashville SC (Major League Soccer)
List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Tennessee
Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
- Master's - MS In Kinesiology
Concentration: Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior - Campus Based - Website
- Sport Psychology Master's concentration
- No prerequisite course requirements
- 10-20 students admitted annually
- 3.2 GPA recommended
- No GRE scores required
- Elective courses available
- Performance enhancement focus
- Multiple career setting applications
- Doctorate - PhD in Kinesiology and Sport Studies
Concentration: Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior - Campus Based - Website
- Research-intensive doctoral degree
- Sport Psychology concentration available
- 72 graduate credit hours required
- Master's degree prerequisite
- 3-year typical completion time
- Interdisciplinary research approach
- Knoxville Campus location
- Comprehensive exam requirement
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.
- Professional Organizations for Sports Psychology Professionals: A Student's Guide to Career Success
- Leveraging Your Mental Health Background for a Career in Sports Psychology
- From Athlete to Sports Psychologist: How Former Competitors Can Build a Career in Performance Psychology
- The Growing Importance of Sports Psychology in Athletic Performance
- Where Are Sports Psychologists Most Needed?
- See all Articles