Sport and Exercise Psychology (Online) | Springfield College

Sport and Exercise Psychology (Online)

Master of Education
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Senior Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions and Events
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact

Kathleen T. Mellano, PhD, CMPC
Online Program Director
Fieldwork Coordinator for Applied Sport Psychology
Department of Exercise Science
(413) 748-3858
kmellano@springfield.edu

Curriculum and Delivery
Start Date and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester)
  • Attend full or part time
  • 7 or 15 week courses
  • Complete the program in 18-months (full time)
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
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Upcoming Events

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Register

Sport and Exercise Psychology (Online) Virtual Information Session
Monday, February 17, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Register

Sport and Exercise Psychology (Online) Virtual Information Session
Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Register

Springfield College Assistant Professor of Exercise Science Kathleen Mellano works with students on the Blake Track

The online MEd in Sport and Exercise Psychology Online 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.   

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


Sport Psychologist
$79,580
Median Salary
7%
Job Projected Growth
14,000+
Job Projected Openings

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 Physiologist
$54,860
Median Salary
10%
Job Projected Growth
2,200+
Job Projected Openings

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.


“My experience in the Sport and Exercise Psychology program was fantastic. There are a lot of moving parts when working a full-time job and in a graduate program. The faculty were very understanding and helpful in many ways. “ Alec Herbert, G'23
Alec Herbert - Springfield College
“This program has allowed me to flourish in the sport psychology world. Not only did they provide a top-notch education, but they also provided resources to expand my personal network amongst other like-minded individuals.” Zack Sullivan, G'23
Zack Sullivan - Springfield College

How to Apply:

Admissions 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 significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen to apply to the online program at 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: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: 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

Fall Start

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

Fall Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1