The field of sport and exercise psychology is an interdisciplinary science that explores the relationship between various psychological factors and participation in sport and/or physical activity. The two-year program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion offers students the choice to pursue a graduate education in the field of sport and exercise psychology by either following an applied or research track. Each option integrates theory-based research and the application of key concepts associated with performance enhancement and life skill development. In this context, successful completion of this program will result in a strong understanding of the various psychosocial factors that influence sport participation and performance. Upon admission to the program, students will be assigned a faculty advisor who will assist in course selection and planning. The exact program of study specified in an individual program plan will depend on previous coursework and/or individual goals.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria for admission:
- An undergraduate degree in a field closely related to sport and exercise psychology (e.g., psychology, exercise science, health sciences, sport management, etc.).
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (on 4.0 scale)
Application Requirements
- Official undergraduate transcript
- An updated CV or professional resume
- Three letters of recommendation. At least two from a person with direct knowledge of applicant’s academic capabilities (e.g., instructor, research supervisor, advisor, etc.).
- A professional goal statement describing the applicants professional background, motivations for seeking a graduate education in SEP, why the current program and desired track are an ideal fit, and career/research aspirations.
Degree Requirements
Research Track (Thesis/Plan A)
Sport Psychology Disciplinary Core (15 Credits)
Required Courses:
KHP 547 - Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (3)
KHP 580 - Group Dynamics in Sport and Physical Activity (3)
KHP 684 - Diversity in Sport and Fitness Organizations (3)
Suggested Electives (Choose Two)
KHP 605 - Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury (3)
KHP 673 - Health Promotion and Behavior Change (3)
KHP 674 - Foundations of Health Promotion (3)
KHP 676 - Current Issues in Sport (3)
KHP 683 - Leadership Theory and Practice (3)
EDP 614 - Motivation and Learning (3)
Sport Psychology Professional Practice Core (9 Credits)
Required Courses:
EDP 605 - Counseling Techniques I (3)
Suggested Electives (Choose Two)
EDP 600 - Lifespan Human Development and Behavior (3)
EDP 649 - Group Counseling (3)
EDP 652 - Theories of Counseling (3)
EDP 650 - Diagnosis & Psychopathology in Counseling (3)
EDP 688 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling (3)
SW 530 - Responding to Military and Veteran Populations (3)
Statistics/Research Design Disciplinary Core (15 Credits)
Required Courses:
EPE 558 - Graduate Statistics (3)
KHP 644 - Research Methods in KHP (3)
KHP 768 - Thesis (6)
Suggested Electives (Choose One)
KHP 695 - Independent Study in KHP
EDP 660 - Research Design and Analysis in Education
SW 772 - Introduction to Qualitative Research
Program Total - 39 Credits
Applied Track (Non-Thesis/Plan B)
Sport Psychology Disciplinary Core (18 Credits)
Required Courses:
KHP 547 - Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (3)
KHP 580 - Group Dynamics in Sport and Physical Activity (3)
KHP 684 - Diversity in Sport and Fitness Organizations (3)
Suggested Electives (Choose Three)
KHP 605 - Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury (3)
KHP 673 - Health Promotion and Behavior Change (3)
KHP 674 - Foundations of Health Promotion (3)
KHP 676 - Current Issues in Sport (3)
KHP 683 - Leadership Theory and Practice (3)
EDP 614 - Motivation and Learning (3)
Sport Psychology Professional Practice Core (15 Credits)
Required Courses:
EDP 605 - Counseling Techniques I (3)
EDP 688 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling (3)
KHP 689 - Internship in SEP (150 hours per 3 credit hours) (6)
Suggested Electives (Choose One)
EDP 600 - Lifespan Human Development and Behavior (3)
EDP 649 - Group Counseling (3)
EDP 652 - Theories of Counseling (3)
EDP 650 - Diagnosis & Psychopathology in Counseling (3)
SW 530 - Responding to Military and Veteran Populations (3)
Statistics/Research Design Disciplinary Core (6 Credits)
Required Courses:
EPE 558 - Graduate Statistics (3)
KHP 644 - Research Methods in KHP (3)
Program Total - 39 Credits