Sport and Exercise Psychology

The online MEd in Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP) at Springfield College provides 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. 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 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 (e.g., coaching, strength and conditioning, athletic training).

Who should apply

Our 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. Any professional looking to move into the sport and exercise psychology 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. 

What you’ll learn 

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. 

How you’ll learn

Courses are taught online and are 7 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® within the Springfield College Sport and Exercise Psychology program.   

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of established and emerging theories in sport and exercise psychology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the applications and implications of the scientific method and data analysis on practice within the field of sport and exercise psychology.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral skills in various formats appropriate for audiences in professional practical and scientific settings. 
• Understand and demonstrate ethical responsibility as an educator, consultant, and/or researcher within educational, sport, exercise, and performance settings.
• Apply knowledge of the physical, psychological, and social aspects of sport and exercise to help others maximize performance in sport, exercise, and performance settings.