MA Sport & Performance Psychology

The Master of Arts in Sport & Performance Psychology (MASPP) at the Graduate School of Professional Psychology is a pioneer in innovative training, applied research and practice. The program is designed to develop individuals in the sport, performing arts, health and fitness, and mental health fields who want to improve the performance and lives of the people they work with. Our program focuses on the psychological factors that influence human performance while practicing assessment and intervention strategies that enhance an individual’s performance and personal growth.
 

Program Highlights

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      Specialized Curriculum

      Our curriculum is the most comprehensive curriculum available, specifically designed for sport and performance psychology, as opposed to programs that add it on top of their generalized curriculum.

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      Practicum Opportunities

      We offer numerous, diverse options for practicum, with established sites ranging from high school and club level sports to local exercise and health-related businesses. 

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      Exemplary Faculty

      Our faculty members are recognized leaders in the field of applied sport and performance psychology, with experience practicing on a regular basis.

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      Center for Performance Excellence

      Students have the opportunity to work in the Center for Performance Excellence (CPEX), which is a MASPP student-led, faculty-supervised consultation service.

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    MASPP Stands in Solidarity

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    Hear from Our Faculty

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    Students in the program will learn:

    • To design effective psychological skills training programs
    • To work with high-performance teams in athletics, performing arts and corporate settings
    • To implement educational programs to enhance psychological development in athletes, organizations and businesses
    • The components of successful coaching and how leadership impacts individual and team performances
    • The psychology of high-performance teams and the role of group factors in individual and team performance
    • To work with professionals in high-risk occupations such as police, firefighters and military

     

     

    Program Structure

    The two-year course of study is designed to provide training in principles of performance, quality practice and learning, coaching/leadership, team development and consulting in a variety of contexts. 

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    Students are required to complete 72 credits of coursework.

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    A supervised practicum as well as a master’s project is required.

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    Master's Project

    The Master's Project requirement is designed to serve as a capstone achievement demonstrating students' comprehensive knowledge of SPP theories, concepts, applications and professional and ethical guidelines. Consistent with our practitioner-scholar model and goal of training competent SPP consultants, the Master's Project highlights reflective practice. In conjunction with the field placements students are completing through CPEX and receiving supervision for through Practicum, students will engage in weekly reflective journal writing. The final Master's Project will be submitted as a Portfolio, compiling the students’ reflections from their time in the program.

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    Hands-On Experience

    Throughout their time in the MASPP program, our students provide a variety of services to the community. This service has included over 80 consulting placements and over 140 coaching placements with children, youth, and adults in various sport and performance domains.

      Center for Performance Excellence

      The Center for Performance Excellence (CPEX) is a MASPP student-led, faculty-supervised consultation service. Students and faculty are committed to the service and development of underserved, vulnerable and minority populations. The goal is to ensure that these communities have access to adequate social, educational, ad vocational resources, as well as positive youth development through participation in performance-based activities. Consultation topics include motivation, team building, goal setting, energy management, confidence, conflict resolution, return from injury, stress management and improving team effectiveness.

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      Application Requirements

      We invite you to take the next step and learn more about our admissions requirements and deadlines.

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      How are MASPP Alumni Standing in Solidarity with the Black Community?