The job of asports psychologistis quite simple – to ensure that athletes are mentally, emotionally and psychologically geared for a sport or competitive game and that there are no mental setbacks that may adversely affect performance on or off the field.
If you are interested in starting yourcareer in sports psychologyit is best to look for a degree program that satisfies your interests and career requirements. While an undergraduate degree is great for developing a foundation, advanced degrees such as a master’s or a doctorate may help you chose your focus and specialization insports psychology courses.
Sports Psychology Programs in California
John F. Kennedy University
This university offers a comprehensive and high value sport psychology program to interested students. With a rich and highly experienced faculty, this program is able to offer students a holistic and yet concentrated exposure to sports psychology.
Some of the sports psychology degree programs offered at this university are MA in sports psychology, MA in sports psychology – Clinical PsyD Dual Degree, and graduate certificate in sports psychology.
The MA in sports psychology has a total of 77 units that students must complete. A prerequisite course to this degree is Introduction to Psychology – but students are given the chance to complete this in the first year of the graduate program. Multiple financial aid options such as loans, scholarships and grants are provided for eligible students.
California Southern University
The California Southern University offers a fresh and dynamic sports psychology program to students. The program is an MS in psychology with a focus on sports psychology.
It needs to be noted that California Southern University does not offer financial aid. Instead it has flexible payment plans to help students manage the financial burden without debt.
San Diego University for Integrative Studies
Argosy University
Like all programs, this one has admission requirements as well. Broadly speaking, a student is required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program and a minimum GPA of 2.7. Successful completion of this degree comes after 48 credit hours and maintenance of a GPA of at least 3.0, among other things.
Career Opportunities in California
Sports is an extremely popular segment of the entertainment and recreational industry in California. Whether in the professional or amateur segments, competitive sports and games are taken seriously.
As a sports psychologist you may find work opportunities in medical facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and research companies. If you work hard you may even provide your services to a school or national team. The university offers flexible tuition payment plans as well as financial assistance options to students.
Salary and Employment Outlook in California
The earning potential of a sports psychologist depends largely on their level of experience and the number of cases they have worked on. As of January 2025, the average annual salary for sports psychologist in California is$94,097.
