The state of Georgia, in the southeastern region of the United States of America, is an ideal location to study sports psychology. The state has hosted a number of notable sporting events over the years and most major sports are played on a large scale competitive level in Georgia. The importance of sports in Georgia, therefore, points towards the state being a prominent one to study sports psychology in.
The interdisciplinary field of sports psychology aims to help athletes towards improved athletic performance. Sports psychologist train athletes and may also work with their coaches and parents. They can teach athletes various psychological techniques to help them overcome performance anxiety, problems with teammates and other stress inducing aspects of a career in sports.
An undergraduate in psychology followed by a graduate level degree such as a Masters or a PhD in sports psychology is the ideal path to becoming a professional sports psychologist. An undergraduate degree in a different, although relevant field such as kinesiology or physiology may also be a suitable starting point for a career in sports psychology.
Best Sports Psychology Programs in Georgia
We have reviewed popular schools that currently offer sports psychology programs in Georgia. These selections are based on factors many students consider important, including academic quality, cost, study convenience, and access to helpful academic and career support services. To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.
Georgia Southern University
Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology
At Georgia Southern University, you can pursue a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology. This program combines scientific principles from sport science with practical use. It is designed to prepare you for roles in applied sport psychology and to provide a strong base for doctoral study. You also have opportunities to take part in research related to athlete mental health, sport equity, and motivation.
This program has a total of 36 credit hours which includes all kinds of course work, data analyses, team work and life-skill building exercises. Each component of the program adds value to the student’s knowledge. The program gives the option of completing a research oriented thesis or an internship.
The curriculum is aligned with the standards of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Because of this, the program helps prepare you for certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Graduates of the program have achieved a 100% pass rate on CMPC exam.
At Georgia Southern University, this Master of Science program gives you an evidence-based understanding of how to help others build the most effective mental state and related skills to reach performance and well-being goals. The degree is designed for students interested in applied work and research in sport and exercise psychology. It is built on the foundations of the scientific process, theory, research, and supervised applied work in individual and group or team settings.
Concentration courses of the program include:
- Ethical Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 Credit Hours)
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise Performance (3 Credit Hours)
- Team Dynamics (3 Credit Hours)
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Interventions (3 Credit Hours)
- Health and Exercise Psychology (3 Credit Hours)
- Practicum in Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 Credit Hours)
Building on rigorous coursework, you learn to apply theory and science in real-life settings through your practicum. Opportunities may be available through University Athletics, collegiate sports, professional sports, youth sports, and the wider community. You may choose a thesis option, which allows you to conduct research alongside active faculty scholars, or an internship option, which gives you longer field experience. When you graduate, you are prepared for a future career in sport, exercise, and performance psychology.
You can choose between a thesis track and an internship track, giving you flexibility to match the program with your personal and professional goals. The curriculum is structured in line with the standards set by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, helping ensure that you receive a current and well-developed education.
If you choose the internship track, you gain supervised experience applying the principles you studied with clients in sport, performance, and exercise-related settings. This can strengthen your professional skills for future work. If you choose the thesis option, you can complete your own research project in sport, exercise, and performance psychology. You may also use specialized facilities in two Sport Psychology Labs to study a topic that fits your interests.
The program also provides financial support for graduate study. Graduate Assistantships are available for qualified applicants. These may include teaching in the Physical Activity Lifestyle program, teaching the laboratory part of Human Anatomy and Physiology courses, working in the Department of Athletics, and assisting with faculty research.
Applicants for the M.S. in Kinesiology, Sport and Exercise Psychology program must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. If your major or minor is not in psychology or kinesiology/exercise science, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework.
To apply, you must submit:
- An online application. There is a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
- Transcripts for all previous college-level work. Copies may be uploaded with your application, but official copies sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions are required for admitted students.
- A curriculum vitae or resume that includes your work history, professional experiences, membership and participation in professional organizations, and other experiences related to this program.
- Three letters of reference.
- A personal statement of no more than three pages that explains your previous professional experiences and accomplishments, your career goals, and your reasons for wanting to join the graduate program at Georgia Southern University.
All admitted students begin the program in the fall. The application deadline is February 1. Your application and all required materials must be received by that deadline. Provisional admission may be offered to students whose GPA falls between 2.75 and 2.99, if they otherwise meet the requirements and submit all required application materials.
Toccoa Falls College
B.S. or B.A. in Counseling Psychology – Sports Psychology Concentration
At Toccoa Falls College, students can combine counseling psychology with a focus on sport psychology. The college is located in the scenic area of Toccoa Falls, Georgia, and this setting adds to the learning experience by providing a calm and supportive environment.
The sport psychology concentration gives students an opportunity to study mental health, athletics, sports-related industries, and the use of performance principles in areas such as the performing arts and corporate strategy. Through their coursework, students examine internal and external motivation in relation to goal achievement, cognitive processes that may limit performance, and interpersonal skills that support success in groups and teams.
The program includes 126 credit hours. These hours include general education courses that prepare students for advanced study, along with sport-specific courses such as Social Psychology and Sport and Performance Psychology. Students also learn from experienced faculty members, including Nicole Brown and Dr. Brenna Vickers.
Graduates of this program are prepared to continue into graduate study in Sport and Performance Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and related areas. Students who choose to begin working after earning the degree may also be ready to work directly with athletes of many ages in different roles.
Some potential opportunities for sport psychology majors include:
Youth Development Coordinator: A youth development coordinator is a professional who creates and manages programs and activities that support the personal, social, and educational growth of young people. This role focuses on building a safe and encouraging environment where youth can develop important life skills and work toward their full potential.
Sport Psychologist: A sport psychologist is a specialist who uses psychological principles and methods to help athletes and sports teams improve mental resilience, performance, and overall well-being. This professional addresses areas such as motivation, confidence, and stress management to support stronger athletic performance.
Coach: A coach is a person who teaches and guides athletes or other individuals in a specific sport or skill. The role centers on skill building, strategy, and better performance. Coaches provide direction, feedback, and encouragement to help individuals or teams reach their goals.
Licensed Therapist: A licensed therapist is a trained mental health professional who provides counseling and therapeutic support to individuals or groups. This professional helps clients manage emotional, psychological, and behavioral concerns by using evidence-based methods that support mental health and personal growth.
Admission requirements for the program include:
- Submit an undergraduate application via the TFC website.
- Official high school transcripts (minimum GPA of 3.0 is required).
- Test Scores: ACT or SAT scores are generally required.
University of Georgia
Master of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise Psychology Specialization
The University of Georgia’s College of Education offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a specialization in Exercise Psychology. This is a two-year program that focuses on understanding and encouraging physical activity across the lifespan.
This thesis-based program prepares students for doctoral study in the field and for careers in allied health, corporate laboratory research, and university teaching and research. Through this kinesiology master’s program, students study how the body responds to human movement and examine ways to support regular exercise and physical activity throughout life.
Through this specialization, students complete advanced scholarly study and research on the physiological responses and adaptations linked to short-term and long-term physical activity. This includes study of the role of physical activity in disease prevention and health promotion.
This research-focused program includes 24 hours of coursework, including a master’s thesis. Students also have opportunities for hands-on learning through well-equipped research laboratories.
Students work with their major professor to create a course plan based on their background, interests, and career goals. At least 12 hours must be completed in the Department of Kinesiology, not including independent study. These hours must include:
- Two courses in exercise physiology
- One course in research methods
- One course in inferential statistics
Students benefit from advanced laboratories and take part in projects funded by agencies such as the NIH and CDC. This direct research experience helps prepare them for doctoral study or careers in allied health and research.
The program also gives students the chance to work with well-known faculty experts who provide individualized academic advising. It also supports interdisciplinary collaboration, which adds value to the learning experience.
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in exercise science or a related field, along with a background in behavioral and biological sciences. This background should include areas such as biopsychology, chemistry, biology, and physiology.
Admission to the program is competitive and considers several factors. Students with strong preparation in biopsychology and exercise science, and with interests that match the department’s current research, are given preference.
At minimum, applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
The following materials should be uploaded to the Graduate School’s application:
- Unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended.
- A Statement of Purpose that explains your career goals and how the degree program will help you reach those goals.
- If applying to an MS-thesis or Ph.D. program, include your research interests and explain how they connect with a specific faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology.
- A CV or resume.
- Contact information for three references.
Georgia State University
Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Psychology of Physical Activity
Georgia State University offers a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Psychology of Physical Activity. This program studies the psychological sides of physical activity and movement.
Located in downtown Atlanta, this full-time, on-campus doctoral program is usually completed in 4-5 years. Coursework focuses on research design, methodology, statistics, the mental health benefits of physical activity, and behavior change.
The Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Psychology of Physical Activity prepares students to:
- Think critically about areas related to the correlates and determinants of physical activity, mental health benefits of physical activity, behavior change methods, and the design, implementation, and testing of evidence-based physical activity interventions.
- Develop a line of research inquiry.
- Use different research designs and advanced statistics to become academic, government, or industry-based researchers, higher education instructors, or industry consultants.
The program of study also includes a cognate, or companion, area of study. Students in this concentration may choose cognate work in public health, psychology, quantitative analysis, counseling and psychological services, or neuroscience. Students also complete a set of independent studies throughout the program, along with comprehensive exams and a dissertation. They also have opportunities to present research at national and international conferences and publish in leading journals in exercise science and psychology.
This concentration prepares students to teach and conduct research in areas tied to the correlates of physical activity, mental health benefits of physical activity, theory-based behavior change methods, and the design, implementation, and testing of theory-based physical activity interventions. Completion of this concentration does not lead to licensure as a psychologist.
Students in the program receive training and mentorship in both teaching and research. They take advanced research methodology courses and have the chance to work with faculty as graduate research assistants (GRAs). They also build their own line of research, learning how to lead projects from the first study idea through publication.
Students also receive mentorship in teaching methods through one-on-one work with faculty in a professional learning community. They may serve as instructor-of-record for undergraduate exercise science courses and work with faculty to create course content, assignments, and assessments.
The program is designed for students who want careers as professors or scientists in Psychology of Physical Activity, Exercise Psychology, and related fields.
When applying to the Kinesiology Ph.D. program, you must submit several materials for review:
- Online application.
- $50 application fee.
- Goals statement uploaded with the application.
- In the goals statement, briefly explain why you are applying to the doctoral program in kinesiology at Georgia State University, including your reasons for seeking an advanced research degree, your research interests and experience, and your career goals. You should also state whether you have had direct discussions with faculty members whose research interests match yours.
- Resume uploaded with the application.
- Writing sample uploaded with the application.
- Two letters of recommendation uploaded with the application.
Tuition waivers and competitive stipends are available to students who teach in the department’s undergraduate program. Graduate research assistantships, which also include waivers and stipends, are available to students with research interests and experience in sport, exercise, and health psychology.
National university
Online Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology
The online Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology at National University provides a strong introduction to the modern and growing field of psychology as it relates to sports and performance. Throughout the program, students study the reasons and factors that influence participation in physical activity. They also learn how emotions and mental state can affect athletic performance. Graduates with a sport psychology degree may pursue careers in coaching or continue into master’s or doctoral programs.
To earn the Bachelor of Arts in Sport Psychology, students must complete at least 180 quarter units. Out of these, 45 units must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 units must be completed at the upper-division level, and at least 70.5 units must come from the University General Education requirements. If a student does not bring in transfer credit, additional general electives may be needed to reach the total number of units for the degree.
The curriculum combines basic psychology coursework with sport and performance-focused topics. This helps students understand how mental skills, behavior, and motivation affect performance and participation.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Discuss current trends in psychological research in both individual and team settings within sport and exercise psychology.
- Analyze how psychological factors affect performance in sport and exercise, along with methods used to improve performance and reduce anxiety.
- Examine the history of sport psychology and its role in current psychological theories and systems.
- Discuss how diversity and multiculturalism affect group interaction and performance.
- Apply psychological theory in coaching situations.
- Communicate clearly in speaking and writing using proper sport, exercise, and psychology terms.
- Discuss legal and ethical issues in sport and exercise psychology and performance improvement.
- Discuss the physiological and motor principles related to performance in sport and physical activity.
Graduates may pursue roles in coaching support, fitness and wellness programs, youth sports, recreation, or other performance-related fields. Many students also use this degree as preparation for graduate study in psychology, counseling, or sport psychology.
National University is committed to making higher education more affordable and accessible. Through NU scholarship opportunities, eligible students may reduce the financial cost of college, begin classes sooner, and complete their programs more quickly while staying focused on their goals.
Argosy University
Argosy University offers a functional and practical graduate degree in Sport–Exercise Psychology. The courses and academic offerings in this program complement the educational requirements designed by the Association for the Applied Sport Psychology which makes the program quite relevant.
The MA in Sport–Exercise Psychology program is suitable for those students who wish to learn advanced principles in the field so as to gain better employment opportunities. To get into this program students must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution while holding onto a CGPA of 2.7. Students must also prepare a professional goal statement. This program is usually completed over 2 years.
How to Select the the Best Sport Psychology Program in Georgia?
When selecting a Sport Psychology program in Georgia, several factors can affect your decision. It is important to make sure the program matches your career goals and personal interests.
Curriculum Strengths: Look for programs that include courses closely connected to your interests within sport psychology. Whether you prefer research, hands-on training, or a combination of both, the curriculum should fit those needs.
Faculty Expertise: Review the background and specialty areas of the faculty members. Their experience can improve your learning experience and may also provide valuable mentorship opportunities.
Accreditation: Make sure the program is accredited by recognized organizations. Accreditation helps confirm that the curriculum meets professional standards and provides strong educational quality.
Hands-On Experience: Consider the opportunities available for internships, research projects, and other practical experiences. These forms of hands-on learning are important because they help you apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Financial Considerations: Review tuition costs, the availability of scholarships, and assistantship opportunities. Financial support can strongly affect your ability to complete the program without taking on too much debt.
How Long Does It Take To Complete a Sports Psychology Program in Georgia?
In Georgia, completing a sports psychology program usually takes one to two years for a master’s degree and four to seven years for a doctoral degree (PhD/PsyD).
What are the Career Opportunities for Sports Psychologists in Georgia?
Sports psychologists in Georgia frequently find employment opportunities in the research, therapy or clinical environments. Research companies usually partner with sports psychologists to develop new theories and therapy methodologies. Hospital, sports centers, gyms as well as athletic departments at schools employ sports psychologists to treat patients, students and clients.
What is the Salary and Employment Outlook for Sports Psychologists in Georgia?
The earning potential of sports psychologist in Georgia is high and is experiencing an upward trend. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for sport psychologists in Georgia is $89,254, as of March 2026.
Earning potential is largely determined by ones marketability, clientele and experience level. Sport psychologists in the top ten percent in Georgia earn over $170,000 per year.
Sports and competitive games are very common and popular in Georgia. Given this demographic, the demand for qualified and capable sports psychologists is likely to be positive. This can be supported by data collected by the BLS that estimates the employment growth of psychologists in general to grow by around 6% by 2034.
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