Sports Psychology Programs in Texas

In Texas, 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 vibrant sports culture and numerous collegiate athletic programs, Texas offers excellent opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists. Whether you're a student interested in pursuing a degree or a professional seeking career advancement in sports psychology, Texas provides a range of educational paths and avenues for professional growth. Keep reading to learn more about sports psychology degree options, online programs, licensure requirements, and much more.

Sports Psychology Degree programs in the State of Texas

SportsPsychology.org Staff Writer | Updated/Verified: Feb 21, 2025

Sports Psychology Programs in Texas

If you’re looking for sports psychology bachelor’s degree and master’s degree programs, you will find a wide variety available in Texas. However, if you already have your master’s degree and are looking to get your doctorate or graduate certificate, you’ll need to look outside of the state or online to apply to these types of programs.

Bachelor’s Degree: Texas universities and colleges offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology. These 4-year programs provide a solid 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 more advanced coursework and practical training to deepen students’ understanding. They are typically offered as Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees.
Graduate Certificate: If you already hold a bachelor’s or master’s in a related field, graduate certificate programs in Sports Psychology offer shortened focused training in sports psychology to allow professionals with relevant backgrounds the opportunity to specialize without the need to complete a longer full degree program.
Doctorate Degree: Doctoral programs in Sports Psychology, such as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), are the highest degree levels available in the subject. These programs emphasize research, advanced coursework, and clinical practice.

For bachelor’s degree applicants in Texas, check out the University of St. Thomas’ B.A./M.A. in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology. For Master’s degree students, there are many programs to choose from–one great example is the MS in Kinesiology with emphasis in Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Exercise offered at the University of North Texas.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in Texas?

Though numerous on-campus sports psychology programs are available in Texas, there are currently none offered online. If none of these on-campus options appeal to you, you may want to check out online sports psychology programs in other states. These programs offer several advantages, including the ability to study at one’s own pace, access to resources and materials from anywhere, and connect with professionals and students from diverse backgrounds.

2025 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Texas

Finding the best sports psychology programs in Texas just got easier. At sportspsychology.org, we've ranked the top schools to help you make an informed choice. Our list focuses on quality, faculty expertise, and student success. Ready to see who made the cut? Check out our rankings below. For details on how we ranked these programs, visit our ranking methodology page.

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX - Private 4-year - tcu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

Concentration: Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

At Texas Christian University, the Master of Science in Kinesiology program with a Sport Psychology concentration stands out for its scientist-practitioner model, blending rigorous research with practical application. This program delves into the psychological aspects of athletic performance, offering students a unique blend of interdisciplinary research methods and performance psychology focus. Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career paths or further doctoral studies, thanks to the program's emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and applied interventions in sport psychology. With a curriculum designed to enhance understanding of the psychological well-being of athletes, this program is a leader in sport psychology education.

Master of Science in Kinesiology
Sport Psychology Emphasis Available
Scientist-Practitioner Training Model
Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Career/Doctoral Study Preparation
Performance Psychology Focus
Research-Intensive Program

Parker University

Dallas, TX - Private 4-year - parker.edu

Bachelor's - Sport Psychology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Parker University offers a Bachelor of Science in Sport Psychology, designed for those passionate about enhancing athletic performance through psychological insights. This fully online program stands out for its focus on blending psychological theory with practical applications in coaching, counseling, and performance enhancement. Students gain a deep understanding of exercise physiology, biomechanics, and injury rehabilitation, preparing them for a variety of careers in sports science and health promotion. With a curriculum that supports both immediate career paths and advanced graduate studies, Parker University is an excellent choice for aspiring sports professionals seeking flexibility and a comprehensive education in sport psychology.

Fully online degree program
Dedicated sport psychology focus
9% industry growth rate
Median income $81,040
Prepares for graduate studies
Courses in psychological theory
Exercise physiology included
Biomechanics curriculum
Injury rehabilitation training
Supports coaching careers

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology

Concentration: Motor Behavior and Exercise and Sport Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Motor Behavior and Exercise and Sport Psychology is a comprehensive two-year program designed for students aiming to delve deep into the psychological aspects of sports and exercise. This program stands out for its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering courses in motor control and learning, alongside applied sport psychology. Students benefit from research and teaching opportunities, preparing them for careers in performance enhancement, academic research, or further doctoral studies. The program's flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their career aspirations, supported by dedicated faculty and a variety of elective options.

Two-year master's program
Sport Psychology concentration available
36 credit hours required
Research and teaching opportunities
Scholarships and travel stipends
Courses in motor control/learning
Applied sport psychology focus
Preparation for Ph.D. studies
Academic adviser support
Flexible elective options

University of St Thomas

Houston, TX - Private 4-year - stthom.edu

Bachelor's - B.A./M.A. in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology

Concentration: Applied Sports and Performance Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

At the University of St. Thomas, the B.A./M.A. in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology presents a unique 5-year integrated program, blending undergraduate and graduate studies. Although no longer enrolling new students, this program was designed to provide a deep dive into mental skills training, professional ethics, and research methodologies. With a total of 70 credits, including practicum and internship components, students were prepared for diverse careers in sports psychology. The program also offered a sport psychology course and multiple electives, focusing on professional certification preparation and comprehensive mental skills training.

5-year BA/MA combined program
No longer enrolling new students
Total program credits: 70
Includes practicum and internship
Sport Psychology course available
Requires minimum 2.0 GPA
Multiple psychology electives
Professional certification preparation
Comprehensive mental skills training
Research and evaluation focus

Master's - Master of Arts in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of St. Thomas offers a Master of Arts in Applied Sports and Performance Psychology, designed for those aiming to excel in the field of sports psychology. This program, requiring 36 credit hours, prepares students for CMPC certification, focusing on mental skills training, intervention strategies, and performance consulting. With a curriculum that emphasizes professional ethics, cultural competency, and research evaluation, graduates are well-equipped to support athletes, coaches, and performers across various domains. The program also offers practicum and capstone options, alongside multiple elective pathways, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience.

36 total credit hours
CMPC certification preparation
Diverse performance domains
3.0 minimum GPA required
Eight core psychology courses
Practicum and capstone options
Multiple elective pathways
Professional ethics emphasis
Research evaluation focus
Cultural competency training

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Texas A & M University-Kingsville

Kingsville, TX - Public 4-Year - tamuk.edu

Bachelor's - B.S. in Kinesiology

Concentration: Exercise Science/Performance Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas A&M University-Kingsville presents a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science/Performance Psychology, tailored for students eager to explore the psychological aspects of human performance. This campus-based program not only offers a psychology minor but also equips students with the foundational knowledge for careers in coaching, therapy, and beyond. It's an excellent stepping stone for those aiming for graduate studies, providing a broad spectrum of professional opportunities in health psychology, rehabilitation, and sport psychology.

B.S. in Kinesiology with Performance Psychology
Requires Psychology Minor
Multiple Career Path Options
Graduate School Preparation
Diverse Professional Opportunities

Master's - M.S. in Kinesiology

Concentration: Performance Psychology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

At Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Performance Psychology concentration stands out for its hybrid learning format, blending online and traditional face-to-face instruction. This program is designed for aspiring sports psychologists and mental performance consultants, offering flexible degree plans including thesis and research project options. With a focus on preparing students for the CMPC exam, it paves the way for careers in athletic performance enhancement and sports psychology research, making it a top choice for graduate-level education in the field.

Performance Psychology Concentration
36 or 30 credit hours
Traditional face-to-face format
Research project option available
Thesis track offered
CMPC exam preparation
Multiple degree plan options

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Texas

To practice as a sports psychologist in Texas, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The licensure process typically involves the following steps:

Educational Requirements: Obtaining a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution is typically required. This degree provides advanced knowledge in psychological theories, research methodologies, and clinical practice.
Supervised Clinical Experience: Students must gain supervised clinical experience in sports psychology. This involves working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to acquire real-world skills in therapeutic techniques for athletes.
Licensing Examination: The last step is passing a licensing examination administered by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. This exam assesses graduates’ knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

Sports psychologists can pursue certifications in addition to licensure to enhance their credentials. Two of the main certifications in sports psychology include 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.

Graduates who fulfill the sports psychologist licensure requirements and obtain certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) can establish themselves as qualified professionals in Texas.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Texas

Texas offers a wide range of career opportunities in sports psychology. Graduates can find employment in many athletic settings, including collegiate athletic departments, professional sports teams, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Notable sports organizations in Texas that regularly hire sports psychologists include:

University of Texas Athletics
Texas A&M University Athletics
Dallas Cowboys (National Football League)
Houston Rockets (National Basketball Association)
Texas Rangers (Major League Baseball)
Houston Dynamo (Major League Soccer)

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Texas

Jump to City:

Dallas, TX

Parker University

Bachelor's - Sport Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online degree program
- Dedicated sport psychology focus
- 9% industry growth rate
- Median income $81,040
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Courses in psychological theory
- Exercise physiology included
- Biomechanics curriculum

Denton, TX

University of North Texas

Doctorate - PhD in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise
Concentration: Psychosocial Aspects of Sports and Exercise - Campus Based - Website
- 63 semester hours required
- Collaborative interdepartmental program
- Practicum opportunities available
- Focus on research methodology
- Career paths in academia/research
- Advanced sport psychology courses
- Dissertation required component
- Hands-on intervention experience