Sports Psychology Programs in West Virginia

In West Virginia, 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 growing sports culture and a range of athletic programs, West Virginia offers opportunities for aspiring sports psychologists. This article explores the sports psychology programs available in West Virginia, including degree options, online programs, licensure and certification requirements, and career prospects.

Sports Psychology Degree programs in the State of West Virginia

SportsPsychology.org Staff Writer | Updated/Verified: Feb 23, 2025

Sports Psychology Programs in West Virginia

Unfortunately for sports psychology in Wester Virginia, there is only one option for on-campus programs. This master’s program is targeted towards students with an interest in coaching, recreation, and fitness career paths, and graduates will receive their clinical licensure under a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Psychology. It is currently offered by West Virginia University.

Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) programs in Sports Psychology are offered in states outside of West Virginia. 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 to acquire a deeper level of understanding of sports psychology principles.
Graduate Certificate: Those who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field may be eligible for a Sports Psychology graduate certificate program, which offers focused training in a shortened format. This program is ideal for psychology professionals who want to specialize in sports psychology without completing a full degree program.
Doctorate Degree: Doctoral programs in Sports Psychology, such as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), provide the highest level of education in the field. These programs emphasize research, advanced coursework, and clinical practice to prepare graduates for leadership and academic roles.

Do Online Sports Psychology Programs Exist in West Virginia?

Online sports psychology programs offer advantages such as studying at one’s own pace, accessing resources and materials from anywhere, and connecting with professionals and students from diverse backgrounds. Recognizing the demand for flexible education, online sports psychology programs have gained popularity in states nationwide; however, West Virginia is not one of those states. While one on-campus option exists for sports psychology students in West Virginia, the state currently doesn’t have online options. However, students in West Virginia can access these types of programs (based in other states) themselves. These online programs enable students to pursue their studies remotely, providing flexibility for those with other commitments or residing outside the state.

2025 Best Sports Psychology Programs in West Virginia

Finding the best sports psychology programs in West Virginia is key for students aiming to excel. SportsPsychology.org has ranked these programs to help you choose wisely. Our rankings consider factors like faculty expertise and student success. For more on how we rank, visit our methodology page. Here are the top programs in West Virginia, based on our detailed analysis.

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV - Public 4-Year - wvu.edu

Bachelor's - Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology BS

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dive into the cutting-edge field of Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology at West Virginia University, the only undergraduate program of its kind in West Virginia. This comprehensive degree prepares students for diverse career paths in sports, business, military, and performing arts sectors. Students explore psychological factors influencing performance and exercise behaviors, gaining versatile skills applicable to graduate programs and professional opportunities. With a focus on experiential learning and a capstone experience, students develop practical expertise in mental performance consulting and sport psychology. The program offers a unique accelerated bachelor's to master's pathway, enabling students to complete both degrees efficiently.

Unique undergraduate sports psychology program
Accelerated bachelor's to master's option
120 total credit hours
Admission requires 2.0 GPA
Capstone experiential learning required
Prepares for multiple career paths
Only program in West Virginia
Covers sport, exercise, performance domains
Career exploration courses included
Interdisciplinary curriculum approach

Master's - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, M.S.

Campus Based - Visit Website

West Virginia University's Master's in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology offers a comprehensive graduate pathway for aspiring sports psychology professionals. This rigorous program combines disciplinary core courses, counseling techniques, and research methodology to prepare students for advanced practice. Students develop expertise in psychological performance enhancement, student-athlete counseling, and evidence-informed strategies across sports and health domains. The curriculum emphasizes professional knowledge, practical application, and leadership skills essential for success in performance psychology.

36 total credit hours
Integrated with Ph.D. program
Thesis research required
Counseling and performance focus
Multiple specialized course options
Advanced disciplinary knowledge
Ethical and legal issues covered
Professional practice oriented

Doctorate - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology PhD

Campus Based - Visit Website

West Virginia University's PhD in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology is a cutting-edge program designed for ambitious professionals seeking comprehensive training in psychological performance enhancement. Students receive rigorous academic preparation, extensive research opportunities, and practical consulting experiences across various performance domains. The program uniquely offers a concurrent master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, enabling graduates to pursue diverse career paths in academia, clinical practice, and sports consulting. Aspiring sport psychologists can benefit from full-time residency, hands-on training, and mentorship from renowned faculty.

Full-time 3-4 year doctoral program
Concurrent clinical counseling option
100% graduate employment rate
Research and applied experiences
Division I-III athletic consulting
Application deadline: December 1
GRE scores required
Minimum 2.75 GPA
Fall semester entry only
Graduate assistantships available
Tuition waiver and stipend
Publishable manuscript expectations
Faculty mentorship opportunities
Professional certification preparation
Multiple career pathway options

Doctorate - Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology PhD

Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

West Virginia University's PhD in Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology offers a cutting-edge, comprehensive program designed for aspiring professionals seeking advanced training in mental performance. Students engage in rigorous academic coursework, extensive research experiences, and applied consulting opportunities across diverse performance settings. The program uniquely combines scientific research with practical application, preparing graduates for careers in academia, consulting, and clinical practice. With a full-time, in-person format spanning 3-4 years, students benefit from world-renowned faculty mentorship, supervised applied experiences, and potential dual enrollment in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

PhD with concurrent counseling master's
3-4 year full-time program
In-person residency in Morgantown
65-75 credit hour curriculum
Research-focused dissertation
Division I-III athletic consulting
Application deadline: December 1
Graduate assistantships available
Licensure-eligible program
100% graduate employment rate

Show More 3 Programs ˅

Sports Psychologist Licensure & Certification in West Virginia

To practice as a sports psychologist in West Virginia, professionals must fulfill specific licensure requirements set by the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The licensure process involves several steps:

Educational Requirements: Aspiring sports psychologists in West Virginia 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 hours. This involves working under the guidance of experienced licensed psychologists or sports psychologists to acquire real-world experience in sports psychology.
Licensing Examination: After fulfilling the educational requirements, candidates must pass a licensing examination administered by the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists. This examination assesses their knowledge of psychology principles, ethics, and the application of psychological techniques in sports settings.

In addition to licensure, sports psychologists can pursue certifications to further enhance their career prospects. Two certifications to consider 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.

By fulfilling all licensure requirements and obtaining certifications through organizations such as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), sports psychologists in West Virginia are well-prepared to practice in the field. Their expertise in understanding and enhancing the psychological aspects of sports performance can assist sports organizations and establish them as valued team members.

Sports Psychology Career Opportunities in West Virginia

Numerous career opportunities in sports psychology are available within West Virginia. Graduates can find jobs offered in collegiate athletic departments, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and private practice. Sports organizations that regularly hire in West Virginia include: