Athletic Counseling | Springfield College

Athletic Counseling

Master of Education or Master of Science
About This Program
Admissions Contact
Program Contact

Allie Capo Burdick
Program Director, Athletic Counseling,
Assistant Professor, Counseling Department
Department of Counseling
aburdick2@springfield.edu
(413) 748-3375

Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester)
  • Courses are offered full time
  • Complete in 4 semesters
Graduate Success and Careers
Paying for Your Education
Looking for post-graduate programs?

Deciding between athletic counseling and sport and exercise psychology? We can help.

Upcoming Events

Master's in Counseling Information Session
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 6 p.m.
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Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
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Master's in Counseling In-Person Information Session
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 7 p.m.
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Graduate Fall Open House
Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
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Graduate Fall Open House
Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
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Springfield College graduate students in the Athletic Counseling program conduct a workshop with the Men’s Gymnastics team on December 6, 2023.

Guide Athletes Toward Resilience. 

The MEd/MS in Psychology: Athletic Counseling at Springfield College combines training in both applied and research areas of sport and performance-related counseling, as shown through our sample two-year plan of study. The program prepares students to understand the complex lives of athletes and performers which requires taking a holistic approach to service by  supporting them in their interpersonal relationships, performance-related goals, and overall mental well-being.

Through applied fieldwork opportunities, you will prepare for professional work with athletes at various levels and for doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, or sport psychology. You'll also hone your skills through the athletic counseling Research Team, comprised of students, faculty, and other interested individuals, which discusses all aspects of the research process

The Athletic Counseling master's degree program will prepare students for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential offered through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Students may need to complete coursework and supervised experiences post-graduation if CMPC requirements are not completed within their curriculum. The CMPC credential is not conferred by the program and is under the purview of AASP.

How to Apply:

What job can I get with a degree in Athletic Counseling?

A Master's in Athletic Counseling from Springfield College isn't just a degree—it's your gateway to a dynamic career at the intersection of sports, mental health, and peak human performance.

Imagine being the professional who helps athletes overcome mental blocks, recover from career-threatening injuries, and unlock their true potential. At Springfield College, we turn that vision into reality.

Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics


Mental Performance Consultant / Sport Psychology Consultant
$92,740
Median Salary
7%
Job Projected Growth
14,000+
Job Projected Openings

A Sport Psychology Consultant helps athletes enhance their performance and well-being by focusing on the mental aspects of sports.  By using strategies such as visualization, goal setting, and relaxation techniques, they help athletes overcome mental barriers, cope with pressure, and achieve their full potential. These consultants often collaborate with coaches and other professionals to create comprehensive training programs that support both the physical and mental health of athletes.



Athletic Coaches and Scouts
$45,910
Median Salary
9%
Job Projected Growth
26,900+
Job Projected Openings

Coaches teach amateur and professional athletes the fundamental skills of individual and team sports. They hold practice and training sessions to improve the athletes’ form, skills, and stamina. Along with refining athletes’ individual skills, coaches are responsible for instilling the importance of good sportsmanship, a competitive spirit, and teamwork.

Many coaches evaluate their opponents to determine strategies and to establish particular plays to practice. During competition, coaches call specific plays intended to defeat, surprise, or overpower the opponent, and they also may substitute players to get optimum team chemistry and success.



Athletic Training and Development Manager
$125,040
Median Salary
7%
Job Projected Growth
3,200+
Job Projected Openings

Training and development managers oversee training programs, staff, and budgets. They are responsible for creating or selecting course content and materials for training programs. Training also may be collaborative, with employees informally connecting with experts, mentors, and colleagues, often through social media or other online medium. Managers must ensure that training methods, content, software, systems, and equipment are appropriate.


MEd/MS in Psychology at Springfield College

Our Student Perspective

The MEd/MS in Psychology: Athletic Counseling at Springfield College combines training in both applied and research areas of sport and performance-related counseling. The program prepares students to understand the complex lives of athletes and performers which requires taking a holistic approach to service by  supporting them in their interpersonal relationships, performance-related goals, and overall mental well-being.

“What set this program apart from others was the amount of fieldwork experience we get right from the beginning. There are so many sites available and so many opportunities for us to get real-life experience working with athletes that other programs were not able to provide. Additionally, the opportunity to concurrently enroll in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program allows for much greater career opportunities and is something that is found at only a handful of other programs throughout the country.” Laurie Miller, G'25
Laurie Miller - Springfield College

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive 15% off tuition.

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.
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