Sport and Exercise Psychology
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Admissions Contact
Rachel Ahlmeyer Are you an International Student? |
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Program Contact
Jasmin Hutchinson, PhD |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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Looking for a doctoral program?
We also offer a PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology |
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Looking for an online program?
We also offer a MEd in Sport and Exercise Psychology completely online |
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Deciding between athletic counseling and sport and exercise psychology? We can help. |
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The MEd/MS in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Springfield College is designed for students with a scholarly and applied interest in the field. There is a focus on a theoretical understanding of sport and exercise from psychological, physiological, and sociocultural 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.
The graduate student pursuing the Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology will complete coursework in the theory, measurement, and application of sport and exercise psychology, as well as related coursework (e.g. exercise physiology, motor development/control) for a holistic approach. Students will have the opportunity to select between a traditional “thesis” track for the MS degree and an applied "non-thesis” track for the MEd degree. Details about these tracks are provided below.
By the end of the first year and after consulting with advisor/sport and exercise psychology program faculty, students will elect the program they wish to pursue.
*The basic program requires a minimum of 36 credits of graduate coursework. Students who receive a grade of C+ or lower in any three courses will be dismissed from the program.
MS - Thesis Track
The thesis track enables students to pursue their own research interests, with faculty supervision. This track is strongly recommended for anyone who wants to continue on to a PhD program. Students will be involved in all aspects of the research process; conceptualization and design, data collection, data analysis and results write up. This track will culminate with a written thesis and an oral defense (examination) related to the project.
MEd - Applied Track
The applied track enables students to become integrated with collegiate and high school sports programs providing sport and exercise psychology services. This track is strongly recommended for anyone who hopes to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Students will be involved in all aspects of the applied practice process, which includes the conceptualization, development, and implementation of a consulting approach/philosophy, needs assessments, curriculum designs, and evaluations of effectiveness. This track will culminate with a written portfolio and oral defense (examination) related to their applied work throughout their program.
What job can I get with a degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology?
A master's degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Springfield College opens up exciting career opportunities that blend the fields of psychology and sports. Graduates often become sport psychology consultants, working with athletes and teams to enhance their mental performance, focus, and resilience. Another rewarding path is becoming a mental skills coach, where you'll help athletes develop techniques to manage stress and improve their competitive edge.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
A Sport Psychologist helps athletes and teams enhance their mental performance and overall well-being. They improve focus, confidence, and motivation through techniques like visualization and goal-setting, while also teaching strategies to handle competitive stress and anxiety. In addition, they support athletes in mentally recovering from injuries and boost communication and cohesion within teams.
Exercise physiologists work to improve people’s overall health. Many of their clients have chronic medical conditions, such as pulmonary (lung) disease. Exercise physiologists provide health education and exercise plans to help clients improve their respiratory, circulatory, and other systems.
Applied exercise physiologists study the physiological effects of exercise. They may research topics that explore the link between exercise and illness, such as whether increasing physical activity slows the progression of disease.
Clinical exercise physiologists work with a range of client populations in a variety of settings. For example, they may design exercise programs or promote wellness strategies in schools, taking into account the students’ ages, development, and other factors.
Kinesiotherapists use rehabilitative exercise, reconditioning, and physical education to treat clients who have problems moving. These workers focus on helping clients regain strength and endurance to increase their mobility.
How to Apply:
Prerequisite Courses
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Physiology of Exercise
*Students are still encouraged to apply if they do not have the prerequisites mentioned. However, students are expected to complete these courses during their first year in the program.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
- Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe your interest in sport and exercise psychology, your career goals in the field, and why you have chosen to apply to Springfield College.
- Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study.
- Two letters of recommendation: Must be academic references who are able to speak to scholarly ability. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
- Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address:
Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
International Applicants
- $100 non-refundable International Application fee
In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:
- Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
- Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.
The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students:
- Priority deadline: Friday, January 10
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.
International Students:
- Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: January 12
*All applications will be reviewed following the deadline.
