Sports psychology is an expanding area within psychology that focuses on improving athletic performance through mental well-being. By using sports psychology methods, athletes can strengthen their mental resilience and reduce psychological factors that can harm performance.
In Illinois, a strong center for sports and athletic achievement, students who want to enter this field have promising opportunities. To move forward in your sport psychology career, you should carefully review your interests and goals. After that, choose a program that matches them. Then take the first step toward a rewarding career in sport psychology.
Best Sports Psychology Programs in Illinois
We have reviewed popular schools that currently offer sports psychology programs in Illinois. 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.
Illinois State University
Master of Science in Kinesiology and Recreation
Illinois State University’s Master of Science in Kinesiology and Recreation includes a Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity sequence. This campus-based program requires 33 credit hours for completion. The curriculum includes a 6-hour research core, 9 hours of sport psychology coursework, and ends with either a thesis option or a professional practice option.
The program is designed to help you build a stronger understanding of the psychological factors that affect sports participation and physical activity.
Key Features:
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: The program offers coursework that supports stronger conceptual and analytical thinking.
- In-state Tuition: In-state tuition is available for students from neighboring states, which can make the program a more affordable option.
- Admission Requirements: Applicants need a GPA of 3.0 or higher over the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or in any completed master’s program.
- Assistantships: Financial support opportunities are available through assistantships.
Program Highlights:
- Research Opportunities: Students can take part in hands-on research to prepare for a career in sport psychology.
- Career Preparation: The program’s interdisciplinary structure helps students develop skills needed for different professional roles.
Admissions follow Graduate School standards, which often include entrance exams such as the GRE, although exact requirements are not specified in the provided information. The program also places importance on faculty-student advising and offers practical experience through practicum opportunities.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)
Master of Science in Kinesiology – Exercise and Sport Psychology Concentration
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Master of Science in Kinesiology with an Exercise and Sport Psychology concentration is a fully online program. This program can usually be completed in 12-22 months. It gives focused study in exercise and sport psychology, including mental training, coaching psychology, and the promotion of physical activity.
Students can complete courses from home while connecting online with faculty and classmates. The program requires participation in online classes that are scheduled during evening hours. Students may also take some asynchronous online courses, which do not require scheduled meeting times.
The program studies the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that affect sport and exercise behaviors. Courses are offered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, including evening online classes. This option is well-suited for teachers, coaches, and professionals who want to improve sport performance. A low student-faculty ratio helps support personalized career guidance.
The curriculum includes areas such as behavioral medicine, sport psychology, and other related topics. It also helps prepare students for Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) certification. Students benefit from strong faculty mentoring and connections to Division I athletics. The program requires an entrance exam for admission. Evening classes and asynchronous course options help meet the needs of working professionals.
Students may also choose elective courses to shape their studies around their career goals. In addition to other coursework, students may study:
- Sport psychology
- Exercise psychology
- Exercise and sport psychology for special populations
- Sport sociology
- Psychology of coaching
- Physical activity promotion
SIUE offers several important benefits for students. These include the development of knowledge and skills in each student’s area of interest through strong faculty mentoring. The program also maintains an effective student-faculty ratio, helping ensure that students receive personal attention. Advising is focused on career success through course selection, research topics, and applied experiences. Required courses are offered in the afternoon or evening to support working professionals.
University of Illinois Chicago
Master of Science S in Kinesiology – Performance, Sports, and Exercise Psychology
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Performance, Sports, and Exercise Psychology. This program is intended for students who want to combine psychology with physical activity to improve sports performance.
The program requires between 30 and 36 credit hours for completion, usually taking two years to finish.
In this program, you study the basic ideas of the field, major theories, and practical uses, including performance consulting and work with varied populations. The program aims to give students the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to create a positive effect on individuals, teams, and communities.
The curriculum also helps prepare students for CMPC certification through the Association of Applied Sports Psychology (AASP). Core classes cover cultural humility, positive psychology, ethics, and sociological viewpoints. For CMPC certification, students must complete 400 hours of work under a registered approved mentor.
The program requires internships and practicums so students can gain direct experience. Extra coursework includes motor control, exercise physiology, and nutrition. Students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time schedule. Full-time study usually takes two years.
Graduates are prepared to work in more than a dozen fields, using the abilities gained in the program. Along with expected knowledge growth, the program is designed to build several skills that can improve graduate employability. These skills include:
- Relationship and Communication: Build strong one-on-one and group communication, adjust messages for different audiences, and connect across cultures.
- Mindset: Build adaptability, curiosity, and openness to learning.
- Technical: Use assessment, program design, and evaluation tools in performance settings.
- Consulting: Work with clients, set goals, and support growth and change.
- Business: Build important skills in administration, networking, and professional practice.
Applications are due on December 15. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field of study. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate work, with 3.25 preferred. For all graduate work, a 3.5 GPA is required. The following prerequisite courses are required:
- Biology of cells and organisms: 1 semester
- Chemistry: 1 semester
- Human anatomy and physiology: 2 semesters
- Human biomechanics: 1 semester
- Exercise physiology: 1 semester
Applicants must submit the official UIC application online through the UIC website. They should follow the instructions provided there. A non-refundable application fee of $70 is required for all applicants. Other admission requirements include:
- Transcripts: Transcripts from every college and university you attended must be submitted with your online application. Official transcripts are required only from admitted students.
- Personal Statement: Applicants must submit a one- to two-page statement explaining their goals for graduate study.
- Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation in support of the application, preferably from academic sources.
A limited number of graduate assistantships and research opportunities are also available.
Northern Illinois University
Master of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education – Sport and Exercise Psychology Specialization
Northern Illinois University (NIU) offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology and Physical Education with a specialization in Sport and Exercise Psychology. The program requires 30 credit hours and is offered in person. Students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis.
This degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
The program is designed to help you grow into a skilled, thoughtful professional in exercise science and physical education teacher education. You will receive strong instruction, access to advanced equipment, and opportunities to work with faculty on research projects, grant writing, and community outreach.
The curriculum includes advanced study in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sport psychology. Students also gain practical learning through real-world experiences connected to the College of Education’s Educate and Engage series. The program also gives students opportunities to connect with international communities, helping them build a broader global view.
Using a scientist-practitioner method, the program addresses the psychological needs of people in performance settings. It prepares students for careers in athletic coaching, private practice, military resilience training, athletic academic advising, college and professional sports, and sports academies. Students may also gain the academic and practical preparation needed to apply for the CMPC credential and for doctoral programs in sport, exercise, and performance psychology.
The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to choose a study path that fits their career goals. Students can also work with faculty on important research projects. The program places strong attention on practical experience and professional skill development.
During the program, students are expected to:
- Use oral communication effectively to share knowledge with professionals and non-professionals.
- Use written communication effectively to share knowledge with professionals and non-professionals.
- Use technology properly and effectively as needed in their specialization.
- Use critical thinking skills to analyze, combine, and evaluate important material in their specialization.
Students apply through the Graduate School. Application deadlines are:
- Fall: July 15 (May 1 for international applicants)
- Spring: December 10 (October 1 for international applicants)
- Summer: June 1
Applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including transcripts, with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. The degree should include coursework in kinesiology, physical education, exercise sport psychology, health, recreation, dance, or an equivalent field.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A personal statement of purpose for graduate admission.
Many NIU graduate students receive assistantships, which often include financial support such as a tuition waiver and stipend, while also helping with career preparation.
Sport and Exercise Psychology Graduate Certificate
Northern Illinois University’s Sport and Exercise Psychology Graduate Certificate is a focused 12-semester-hour program created for graduate students and working professionals. This certificate is designed to strengthen your understanding of the psychological and sociological factors that affect sports and exercise.
The certificate may be added to a master’s degree, which can widen your academic path. To keep the certificate in good standing, all coursework must be completed within six years.
This program gives graduate students and professionals a focused curriculum that helps build a stronger understanding of the psychological and sociological processes linked to the experiences of sport and exercise participants. The certificate is suitable for students who are also completing graduate or post-baccalaureate study in kinesiology, sport management, psychology, sociology, physical therapy, and statistics.
The core curriculum includes courses in applied sport psychology, psychosocial aspects of athletic injury, and health and psychological well-being. The certificate also offers flexible study options, allowing students to shape the program around their interests through elective courses approved by the certificate coordinator.
In addition, courses partly meet the educational requirements and may count toward completion of the M.S.Ed. in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Northern Illinois University.
Students who want to complete this certificate must first be accepted into the Graduate School, either as a degree-seeking student or as a student-at-large. They must also officially submit an enrollment application with the certificate coordinator before finishing 9 hours of coursework related to the certificate.
Students must create a plan of study approved by the certificate coordinator, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in all certificate courses, and finish all certificate coursework within six calendar years.
A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher is required for eligibility. The program also includes relevant coursework that focuses on practical use, helping support your current qualifications.
Adler University
Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance
Adler University’s Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance is a 38-credit campus-based program in Chicago. This two-year full-time program prepares students in mental skills training to improve athletic performance and overall well-being.
The curriculum includes specialized coursework, applied training, and guidance from Certified Mental Performance Consultants (CMPCs). Through mentored externships, the program helps prepare students for certification through AASP.
Adler University’s sport and human performance master’s program moves beyond standard mental performance training by connecting culture, community, and well-being with mental skills development. The program is built around both performance success and overall wellness. It combines focused coursework, applied learning, and expert mentorship.
The program also gives strong attention to culture, community, and social justice within performance psychology. Graduates may pursue careers as mental performance consultants or wellness specialists.
Students work directly with athletes to build mental skills such as confidence, self-awareness, and focus. Through this mentored experience, they gain practical preparation that supports eligibility for AASP certification.
Career readiness: Graduates may move into roles with youth academies, college and professional teams, private practice, and community organizations.
AASP-aligned curriculum: Coursework and field experiences are organized to support eligibility for AASP certification.
CMPC mentorship: Students learn directly from practicing Certified Mental Performance Consultants.
Extensive field training: Students complete 8-15 months of mentored externship placements in Chicago-area sport and performance settings.
Core courses of the program include:
- Introduction to Sport and Human Performance
- Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition
- Biopsychosocial Aspects of Human Behavior
- Contemporary Issues in Cultural Sport Psychology
- Advanced Techniques in Sport and Human Performance
- Counseling Skills
- Diagnosis Maladaptive Behavior
- Counseling Multicultural Communities
- Group Counseling
- Research and Program Evaluation
Adler University’s Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance may also be combined with the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). This combined program prepares graduates to support clients across a wide range of mental health needs, from people living with long-term mental illness to athletes working toward peak performance. It also uses sport as a way to create broader positive change. The program joins clinical mental health training with advanced mental skills preparation, helping students make an effect in health care, sport, and community settings.
Applicants to the program must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an equal degree from an international institution.
A recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate and graduate coursework. Exceptions may be considered for applicants who show strong academic ability in other ways.
Applicants must also submit the following materials:
- Application fee.
- Completed application through the online portal.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Statement of intent.
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended in the U.S. and Canada. International transcripts must be reviewed by a transcript evaluation service.
- Two letters of recommendation, which are optional.
Applicants must provide a statement of intent that answers the following questions. The statement should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced.
- Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
- Why is Adler University’s program a good match for you?
- How do you respond to Adler University’s mission statement as it relates to leadership in your field?
- What are your career goals and interests?
Arizona State University Online
Online Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Applied Psychological Science – Sport and Performance Counseling
The sport and performance counseling concentration within the Bachelor of Science program in counseling and applied psychological science at Arizona State University Online gives you basic training in the psychology of performance along with related counseling theories and skills. This concentration is designed for professionals in many different fields.
In this program, you learn to use psychological theory and counseling skills to support mental health and improve performance. The focus includes people such as athletes, first responders, military personnel, performing artists, and others whose work places them under intense stress. These individuals may face higher risk for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other mental health concerns.
The program prepares you to support licensed professionals in counseling and counseling psychology. It also prepares you for graduate study in counseling psychology, sport psychology, counselor education, and other related fields. Additional education is required if you want to become a licensed professional, teacher, or professor.
This concentration helps you understand human behavior and peak performance in areas such as sport, exercise, and competition. You build practical skills that can improve performance and well-being in yourself and in others, whether you are an athlete, coach, parent, or someone interested in the connection between psychology and sport.
Courses in this concentration cover topics that range from how participation in sport and physical activity affects psychological development and mental well-being to how psychological science can improve performance. You also study the mental and emotional sides of sport performance, including motivation, confidence, anxiety, and focus.
To complete the program, you must finish a required internship in a sport or mental health setting. This gives you practical opportunities to use what you learn in class and helps prepare you for the next step in your career.
In your courses, you study many topics in psychology through the perspective of sport and performance counseling, including:
- Anxiety and stress management
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Foundations of sport psychology
- Human development across the lifespan
- Motivation and confidence in athletes
- Multicultural research, theory, and practice
- Performance improvement
- Psychological factors of injury and rehabilitation
- Team dynamics
The knowledge you gain in this sport and performance counseling concentration can be used in sports and in many other fields. The military, health and wellness, K-12 coaching, performing arts, and emergency services are examples of areas where mental preparation and resilience are important for success.
Graduates can assist licensed mental health counselors and psychologists in providing services that focus on mental health and strong performance. These jobs may be found in community centers, corporate settings, educational institutions, independent consulting, social service agencies, and sports settings. Opportunities are also available in behavioral health care settings such as community agencies, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
A sport and performance counseling concentration may also strengthen your career opportunities in the sport industry, including K-12 coaching, personal training, and wellness coaching. You may also use your interpersonal, leadership, research, and communication skills in roles across many industries.
Some career examples include:
- Athletic coach
- Educator
- Life skills instructor
- Mental health professional
- Mental performance coach or consultant for athletes, first responders, and military personnel
- Performance consultant for the arts, industry, and service sectors
- Trainer for human resources, sales, marketing, and career transition
- Youth counselor
To be admitted to Arizona State University, you must have a high school diploma or an equivalent credential. You must also complete at least 14 of the following courses:
- Four years of math.
- Four years of English that are not ESL/ELL courses.
- Three years of lab sciences, with one year each from biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences, or physics.
- Two years of social sciences, including one year of American history.
- Two years of the same second language.
- One year of fine arts or career and technical education.
Applicants must also meet at least one of the following standards:
- Rank in the top 25% of your high school graduating class.
- Earn a 3.00 GPA in competency courses on a 4.00 scale.
How to Choose the Right Sport Psychology Program in Illinois?
Choosing the right sport psychology program requires careful review of several important points. The following guide can help you make a well-informed choice.
- Accreditation: Make sure the program holds accreditation from appropriate organizations.
- Curriculum Focus: Review whether the program places more attention on research, practical training, or a mix of both.
- Internship Opportunities: Look for programs that provide internships or practicums. These experiences help you gain hands-on training.
- Experienced Faculty: Check whether the faculty includes experienced practitioners and researchers who can offer useful knowledge and guidance.
- Flexibility: Consider whether the program offers online or part-time study options that fit your schedule.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Review the total cost of the program and check whether financial aid, assistantships, or other support options are available.
- Alignment with Career Goals: Choose a program that matches your personal and professional goals.
What Degree is Best for a Sports Psychologist?
Most positions in this field require a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or sport psychology. Even with one of these degrees, students often also need extra coursework in kinesiology, physiology, sports medicine, business, and marketing. In addition, direct training and hands-on experience in applying psychology to sports and exercise are essential.
How Long Does It Take To Complete a Sports Psychology Program in Illinois?
In Illinois, 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).
How Much Do Sports Psychologists Make in Illinois?
As of March, 2026, the average annual pay for a sport psychologist in Illinois is $81,093 per year. Top earning sport psychologist in Illinois make well above $140,000 per year.
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