Sports Psychology Programs in Washington

In Washington, sports psychology plays a vital 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 a diverse range of athletic programs, Washington offers excellent opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists. This article explores the sports psychology programs available in Washington, 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, Washington provides a variety of educational paths and avenues for professional growth. Let's delve into the world of sports psychology in Washington and discover the exciting possibilities it holds.

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

Sports Psychology Programs in Washington

Sports psychology students in Washington will unfortunately only find one program available in-state — the M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology Option offered by Western Washington University. However, if Washington students are aiming for bachelor’s degree programs or doctorate degree programs, they may find one that suits their needs online (see more below). Here is a complete list of programs offered to sports psychology students:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Washington universities and colleges do not currently offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology, but they do exist. 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 additional training. Students can pursue a 2-year Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, acquiring the necessary skills to work with athletes in diverse settings.
  • Graduate Certificate: Designed for those who hold a master’s (or sometimes even a bachelor’s) in a related field, Sports Psychology graduate certificate programs can be completed in about one year, allowing professionals to specialize in this niche area of psychology.
  • 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 Washington?

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. Unfortunately, aspiring sports psychologists in Washington don’t have online programs offered in-state, but students in Washington are able to seek these programs based in other states to expand their knowledge and skills in the field.

2025 Best Sports Psychology Programs in Washington

Finding the best sports psychology programs in Washington just got easier. At sportspsychology.org, we've done the hard work for you. Our rankings highlight top schools that stand out for their excellence in sports psychology education. Whether you're starting your career or looking to advance, these programs offer the tools you need to succeed. Discover where you can get the best education in this exciting field. Ready to see the rankings? Check out our detailed list below. For more on how we rank these programs, visit our ranking methodology page.

#1

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA - Public 4-Year - wwu.edu

Bachelor's - Kinesiology — Sport Psychology specialization

Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Washington University's Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Sport Psychology specialization delivers a robust interdisciplinary curriculum bridging psychological principles with physical performance dynamics. Students gain comprehensive insights into behavioral mechanisms underlying athletic achievement, learning to apply scientific strategies for performance enhancement. The program strategically combines theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, preparing students for diverse career paths in coaching, athletic training, and performance consulting. Graduates develop a nuanced understanding of psychological factors influencing human movement and athletic success.

  • BS in Kinesiology - Sport Psychology
  • Interdisciplinary psychology-kinesiology curriculum
  • Prepares for coaching careers
  • Graduate school preparation
  • Performance enhancement focus
  • 360-hour internship option
  • Two 90-hour field experiences
  • Research and mentorship opportunities
  • Professional experience emphasis

Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology - Sport and Exercise Psychology

Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Washington University's Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology offers an intensive, research-driven approach to understanding human performance psychology. Students explore intricate psychological dynamics of athletic and exercise environments, developing advanced skills in performance assessment and intervention strategies. The program cultivates expertise in analyzing mental factors that influence physical achievement, preparing graduates to become innovative professionals who can design targeted psychological support for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Comprehensive coursework emphasizes empirical research methodologies and practical applications in performance optimization.

  • Master of Science degree
  • Located in Bellingham, WA
  • 46-49 total credits
  • Fall admission odd years
  • Application deadline Jan 15
  • Requires 3 recommendation letters
  • Two faculty recommendations needed
  • Detailed statement of purpose
  • $100 application fee
  • Research-focused program
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA - Private 4-year - spu.edu

Bachelor's - Psychology: Sports Psychology Track (BA)

Concentration: Sports Psychology - Campus Based - Visit Website

Seattle Pacific University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Sports Psychology Track, designed for students passionate about the psychological aspects of sports and athlete performance. This program stands out for its integration of Christian faith into the curriculum, alongside a strong emphasis on research, psychological assessment, and practical experience. With a requirement of 72 credits, students delve into human behavior, motivation, and leadership, preparing them for diverse careers in sports psychology, coaching, and mental health. The program also offers internship opportunities and personalized faculty advising, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. Requires ACT/SAT.

  • BA in Psychology with Sports Track
  • 72 total credits required
  • Internship opportunities available
  • Focuses on athlete performance
  • Advanced research methods courses
  • Prepares for graduate studies
  • Multiple research track options
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA required
  • Christian faith integrated curriculum
  • Personalized faculty advising

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in Washington

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

  • Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in Washington 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: As part of their doctoral program, students must gain supervised clinical experience. This involves working under the supervision of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to acquire real-world skills in the field.
  • Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the required educational and clinical requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the Washington State Department of Health. This exam assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

In addition to licensure, sports psychologists may also wish to pursue certifications to demonstrate specialized expertise. Two main certifications in the field of sports psychology incjude 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.

With licensure requirements met and certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) obtained, sports psychologists in Washington are well prepared to find success in the field. Their expertise in understanding and enhancing the psychological aspects of sports performance can significantly contribute to the success of sports teams and athletes everywhere.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in Washington

Washington grads can find many career opportunities in sports psychology. Employment is found in diverse settings, including collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Sports organizations in Washington include:

List of Sports Psychology Programs Offered in Washington

Jump to City:

Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University

  • Bachelor's - Kinesiology — Sport Psychology specialization

    Campus Based - Website

    • BS in Kinesiology - Sport Psychology
    • Interdisciplinary psychology-kinesiology curriculum
    • Prepares for coaching careers
    • Graduate school preparation
    • Performance enhancement focus
    • 360-hour internship option
    • Two 90-hour field experiences
    • Research and mentorship opportunities
  • Master's - Master of Science in Kinesiology - Sport and Exercise Psychology

    Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Science degree
    • Located in Bellingham, WA
    • 46-49 total credits
    • Fall admission odd years
    • Application deadline Jan 15
    • Requires 3 recommendation letters
    • Two faculty recommendations needed
    • Detailed statement of purpose

Seattle, WA

Seattle Pacific University

  • Bachelor's - Psychology: Sports Psychology Track (BA)

    Concentration: Sports Psychology - Campus Based - Website

    • BA in Psychology with Sports Track
    • 72 total credits required
    • Internship opportunities available
    • Focuses on athlete performance
    • Advanced research methods courses
    • Prepares for graduate studies
    • Multiple research track options
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA required

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