How to Become a Sports Psychologist: A Step-By-Step Guide

To become a licensed sports psychologist, you’ll need to earn a doctoral degree in sports psychology or a related field. You’ll also need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and complete any state licensure requirements.

First, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. While you don’t have to major in psychology, it can create a good foundation for the rest of your studies. Accredited programs meet academic standards and give credibility to your degree.

Next, you’ll need to complete your master’s degree in sports psychology or psychology. Sports psychology degree programs range from 1-2 years. You’ll take coursework covering mental health in sports settings and athletic injury and recovery. If you don’t want to pursue state licensure, you can begin applying to jobs in the sports psychology field.

After earning your master’s degree, you can pursue a doctoral degree in sports psychology. While this step is optional, it is required if you want to obtain state licensure and practice as a psychologist.

Sports psychology programs vary in length, but most span 60-75 semester credits. You’ll need roughly four years to complete all required coursework, internships, and dissertation if attending full-time. You’ll study coursework about professional ethics, motivation in sports, and injury and rehabilitation.

Next, you must complete the required postdoctoral clinical experience. While the number of hours required varies by state, you’ll need to complete 1,500-4,000 hours of postdoctoral clinical experience.

APA-accredited licensure track programs will include supervised clinical training components as part of the curriculum.

Before applying for licensure, you’ll need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) exam. Part one of the exam assesses knowledge, while part two assesses skills. All states require a passing score on part one, but only some require you to pass part two.

The exam fee is $600 for part one and $450 for part two, plus a test site appointment fee.

After passing the exam, you’ll be able to apply for a psychologist license. Licensure requirements vary by state, but all states require you to have achieved a passing score on part one of the EPPP exam. You’ll also need to complete the required supervised experience through internships and postdoctoral experience.

States may have different requirements based on specializations. Some require background checks and proof of citizenship or immigration status. They may also have additional requirements for those who want to provide telehealth services but are out of state.

If you’re beginning your career after completing a master’s program, job opportunities may be available within athletic teams and organizations.

After obtaining licensure for the state you want to work in, you can practice as a psychologist. Other jobs that require a psychology doctorate include opportunities in clinical and research settings. You might also find a job in academia.

You must also maintain your credentials. You need to renew your license depending on your state’s requirements. Most states require you to renew your license annually or every two years. You may also be required to complete continuing education courses.

Sports psychologists work in a variety of different settings. Some settings and institutions that need sports psychologists include:

Given that sports teams may travel, some sports psychologists might periodically support athletes through telehealth.

In a clinical setting, you might find work advancing our understanding of the psychological impact of concussions on athletes.