Sports Psychology Careers that Require a Master's Degree in Psychology

male athlete swimming in pool Can I use my Psychology degree to pusue a career with a Master's Degree in Sports Psychology?

Once you earn your Psychology degree you can move forward to earn a Master's degree working in Sports Psychology. This relatively new of Sports Psychology has really only been around for about 30 years, but it is moving fast, with a great deal of interest in students pursuing a degree in this field. Sports Psychology is concerned with how psychological factors affect performance (often, but not always in athletics). In addition, Sports Psychology is interested in how participation in athletics affect psychological and physical well-being. In essence, Sports Psychology is concerned with the link between physical and mental health.  

What is interesting about Sports Psychology today is that it has now broadened its impact. Sports Psychologists use basic principles and apply these in business and with individuals who must deal with challenges in their lives.

If you decide to apply to a Master's program in Sports Psychology you need to be aware of several things. First, a Master's degree usually requires 2 years of graduate school to complete a thesis (research project). Second, it is likely that you will need to decide whether you want to follow a research track (for those seeking to move ahead and get a PhD) or an applied track (for those preparng for professional careers after graduating). Third, in most cases you will need to pay full tuition and there may be only limited opportunities to earn money as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant. Fourth, when you finish a graduate program you will not be eligible to be licensed as a practicing Clinical or Counseling Psychologist.

Click here to see an example of this type of a master's degree program in sports psychology.

Salary Information

The average yearly income for a Master's Degree in Sports Psychology will typically be lower than the apa.org estimate of the average yearly income of a PhD in Sports Psychology of $70,000.

Click here to see career salary information for ALL careers listed in explorecareersinpsychology.org.

Click here to read important Steps to an MA/MS or PhD in Sports Psychology

To learn more about applying to Psychology graduate school check out the following:

American Psychological Association

Columbia University

Mitch’s Guide

Other links on explorecareersinpsychology.org

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Click on the links below to read about another Sports Psychology careers that requires a graduate degree:

Sports Psychology Careers that Require a Doctoral Degree in Psychology