Springfield College Unveils Master of Education Program in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Springfield College is proud to unveil its online Master of Education (M.Ed.) program in Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP), starting with the first cohort of students beginning in the Fall of 2021. The M.Ed. in SEP program at Springfield College is the only online program of this academic concentration in New England.

The M.Ed. in SEP program is designed to provide students with a holistic perspective of sport and exercise behavior, encompassing psychological, sociological, and physiological viewpoints. The interdisciplinary nature of this unique program provides graduates with the ability to translate theory to practice and equips them with the requisite skills to help individuals in sport and exercise contexts maximize their performance.

Graduate students will complete coursework in the theory and application of sport and exercise psychology, as well as related coursework for a comprehensive approach. The education and training students receive will prepare them for positions in applied sport and exercise psychology and enhance professional value in other physical activity and health-related fields.

“Overall, the online M.Ed. in SEP program is designed for diverse learners, but is particularly appealing to people who are looking for flexibility in their graduate education and training, cannot or do not want to leave their current jobs, or are unable to relocate to a new city,” said Kathleen T. Mellano, PhD, Online Program Director and Fieldwork Coordinator for Applied Sport Psychology. “Any professional looking to move into the sport and exercise psychology field or hoping to pursue supplementary graduate education to enhance their professional value are a great fit for this program. All types of students with different academic and professional backgrounds are welcomed and encouraged to apply to this program.” 

This unique series of courses highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the field of sport and exercise psychology. Students are exposed to guiding theories and core constructs in their foundational coursework and learn how to apply this material across performance settings. Additional courses in professional ethics, counseling, and motor learning equip students with complementary knowledge and skills to enhance their effectiveness as current and future professionals.

Courses are taught online and are seven and 15 weeks long. They will follow a high-quality student-centered form of distance learning and will be taught through Springfield College’s sophisticated Learning Management System. Course format may vary depending on course type and corresponding objectives but will be delivered asynchronously online. Synchronous components of this program will include virtual office hours and one-on-one meetings as needed. 

Students complete a 135-hour applied internship experience providing sport and exercise psychology services to athletes or other performers. Remote supervision will be provided by a current Certified Mental Performance Consultant® or AASP Registered Mentor within the Springfield College Sport and Exercise Psychology program.

For more information regarding the program, check out Springfield.edu/programs/sport-and-exercise-psychology-online.

Springfield College is an independent, nonprofit, coeducational institution founded in 1885. Approximately 4,100 students, including 2,500 full-time undergraduate students, study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its regional campuses across the country. Springfield College inspires students through the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy – educating in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.