British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy
Sports psychology is the study of how psychology influences sports , athletic performance, exercise, and physical activity. Some sports psychologists work with professional athletes and coaches to improve performance and increase motivation. They also work with athletes to improve performance and recover from injuries.
A. This usually requires a four year undergraduate university degree in psychology , in addition to a graduate degree in any area of psychology (housed in a psychology department).
Benefits of a Career in Sports Psychology Sports psychologists often work as part of a collaborative team. There are diverse career paths and specialization opportunities (i.e. teaching, youth sports , professional athletics training). It can be a fun, challenging and exciting job.
Sports Psychologist Salaries
Job Title | Salary |
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ACT Academy of Sport Sports Psychologist salaries – 1 salaries reported | A$98,033/yr |
Generally, there are two different types of sport psychologists : educational and clinical.
What sport psychologists do Enhance performance. Various mental strategies, such as visualization, self-talk and relaxation techniques, can help athletes overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. Cope with the pressures of competition. Recover from injuries. Keep up an exercise program. Enjoy sports .
According to the BLS, the outlook for sports psychologists and other performance-specific psychology professionals is positive. Data shows that as a whole, the demand for psychologists is going to grow by an estimated 14%.
Most positions require a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical, counseling or sport psychology . Even then, additional classes in kinesiology, physiology, sports medicine, business and marketing are required. Direct training and experience in applying psychology to sports and exercise is a must.
Entry-level positions for licensed sports psychologists typically require a master’s or doctorate degree in clinical psychology , sports psychology or counseling. Graduate and post-graduate students typically complete advanced coursework in exercise science, kinesiology and clinical psychology .
One a daily basis , you can perform a patient consultation, research treatment options, and recommend treatment. You can also act like an athlete’s support system and provide the patient with coping mechanisms while they are in the game so that they can improve their performance.
To become a clinical psychologist, you will need an undergraduate degree ( four to five years of college) plus a doctorate degree ( four to seven years of graduate school). For this specialty area, most people will spend between eight to 12 years in higher education.
Sports psychologists also strive to help athletes to mentally prepare for competition. There are approximately 179,000 psychologists employed in the United States, although sports psychologists comprise only a small segment of this number.
What are the Education Requirements for a Sports Psychology Career?
Psychologist Educational Track | School Programs | Average Education Length |
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1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree | View Programs | 4 Years |
2. Earn A Master’s Degree | View Programs | 2 Additional Years |
3. Earn a PHD or PsyD | View Programs | 2-4 Additional Years |
In a typical day, most sports psychologists will spend a significant amount of time working in an office setting directly with athletes and coaches at both the amateur and professional levels. Sessions might also take place during a practice or on the court or field of the sport to best diagnose and identify issues.
Jobs You Can Get With a Master’s in Sports Psychology Master’s in sports psychology jobs typically increase in scope, responsibility, and salary potential. Advanced degree-holders may qualify for such high-level positions such as professional team coaches, applied sports psychologists , and college professors.