Sport Psychology
Program and Objectives
- The interdisciplinary program combines separate fields of Human Performance and Physical Education (HPPE) and Psychology (PSYC).
- This program is one of only three current undergraduate programs in the US.
- The sport psychology major gives students opportunities to utilize sport psychological skills at the college, community, state, regional, and national levels.
- Additionally, students will be actively involved in a variety of educational and field experiences.
- Students will learn to engage in reflective decision-making, athletic leadership, effective communication with coaches and athletes, and ethical behavior.
- A dual concentration on research and applied aspects of sport psychology will be addressed.
What is Sport Psychology?
Sport psychology is a science in which the principles of psychology are applied in a sport or exercise setting. These principles are often applied to enhance performance and to understand how participation in sport, exercise, and physical activity affects psychological development, health, and well being in all stages of life (see Cox, 2007 for detailed outline).
Students interested in pursuing a career in sport psychology know that most jobs will require them to obtain a graduate degree before entering the job market. Thus, the primary mission of the interdisciplinary major in sport psychology is to prepare students for graduate studies in sport psychology, in sport and exercise physiology, and/or in counseling.