How to Become a Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists can pursue rewarding careers in the sports industry and beyond. Learn about the education requirements, earning potential, and more.
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- To become a sports psychologist, earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, kinesiology, or exercise science, followed by a specialized master’s in sports psychology, counseling, or clinical psychology.
- Sports psychologists may pursue professional certification as a sports performance consultant, state licensure as a counselor, or, with a doctoral degree, state licensure as a psychologist.
- Sports psychologists earn an average annual salary of $80,160, with higher earnings possible for those working with elite athletes or professional sports organizations.
While a doctorate and state licensure are not required for some careers within sports psychology, obtaining these credentials can broaden your employment prospects and prepare you for clinical practice as a sports psychologist.
Find out what it takes to become a sports psychologist. This guide outlines each step, including education and experience requirements.
Steps to Become a Sports Psychologist
The pathway to a career as a sports psychologist typically begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, exercise science, or a related field. Some schools offer sports psychology as undergraduate programs, though you may find them more common at the master’s and doctoral levels. Many degrees are now available as online sports psychology programs.
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Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, which takes about four years of full-time enrollment to complete, provides the critical thinking skills and theoretical and research background needed for graduate work. Some undergraduate programs can launch you directly into your chosen career by offering majors, minors, or specializations in sports psychology, performance psychology, or kinesiology.
Although many graduate programs do not require applicants to have a psychology major, coursework in psychology can create a strong foundation for advanced graduate study and boost your chances of admission.
- 2
Earn a Master’s Degree
You can earn a master’s degree in psychology on campus or online in 1-3 years. Although it is possible to enter the field with a graduate degree in clinical, counseling, or applied psychology, a master’s in sports psychology provides a more specialized emphasis on the connections between mental health and sports performance.
A sports psychology curriculum typically offers coursework in performance enhancement, kinesiology, the psychology of injury, and sports counseling. Students often complete internships, as well.
- 3
Gain Professional Experience
Even if your master’s program does not require supervised fieldwork, you can complete an internship to apply your classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. Professional experiences improve your practical skills and enhance your marketability with employers.
If you plan to obtain a doctorate in sports psychology, an internship is a requirement for training and is program completion. Most states require at least two years of supervised experience for licensure.
How Long Will Becoming a Sports Psychologist Take?
It can take six or more years to become a sports psychologist, depending on whether you pursue a master’s or doctorate. Earning a four-year bachelor’s is the first step, followed by a master’s, which typically takes two years of full-time attendance.
A doctorate, which is generally required for state licensure as a psychologist, can take an additional 4-6 years, which does not include the two additional years of supervised experience. However, you can practice sport psychology with a master’s degree in counseling or clinical psychology and a counseling license. The Association for Applied Sport Psychology also offers a certification for sports performance consultants.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| Educational Psychologist | 8-10 years |
| School Psychologist | 8-10 years |
| Clinical Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Health Psychologist | 8-12 years |
How to Continue Your Education as a Sports Psychologist
Sports psychology is a dynamic field, requiring you to stay current on best practices and new research through ongoing development. Professional certifications and state licensure require advanced degrees and continuing education.
Earn a Doctoral Degree
Most states require a Ph.D. in psychology or a Psy.D. to apply for licensure and practice independently. Depending on the program, a doctorate can take 5-7 years. Postdoctoral internships require approximately two more years to complete. Because the American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes sports psychology as a specialized aspect of psychological practice, it recommends that aspiring sports psychologists earn doctorates and state licensure.
Join a Professional Association
Joining a professional association can provide multiple career-enhancing benefits. Associations often offer continuing education and professional development opportunities. Members may also receive access to job banks, publications, and research databases.
- Association for Applied Sports Psychology
- International Society of Sport Psychology
- North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
- APA – Division 47 (Exercise and Sport Psychology)
- SHAPE America: Society of Health and Physical Educators
- American Council on Exercise
How Much Does a Sports Psychologist Make?
Factors like education, experience, and specialization can affect how much a sports psychologist can earn. Licensed professionals and those with advanced certifications may make higher than average salaries depending on their client base and reputation. Sports psychologists employed by professional sports franchises or specialists in elite sports performance working with high-profile athletes generally command higher salaries.
$80,160
Average Annual Sports Psychologist Salary
$40.14
Average Hourly Sports Psychologist Salary
Source: Payscale, April 2025. Note: the figures above represent fewer than 50 respondents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists use assessments and mental health training to help individuals excel in various industries, including athletics. They teach athletes and performers to use cognitive and behavioral training techniques to set goals and manage their emotions. In their training roles, sports psychologists foster talent and guide parents and support systems in implementing interventions.
