Dec 04, 2024  
General Catalog 2024-2025 
    
General Catalog 2024-2025

Sport and Performance Psychology, M.S.


The Department of Kinesiology  

The Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology is designed to provide opportunities for advanced study and applied research in sport and performance psychology. Students work with an advisor to design a coherent program of study totaling 30 units. This includes courses in research methods and statistics, along with courses from a broad area of topics including, but not limited to: applied sport psychology intervention, psychology of coaching, psychology of injury, psychobiology of sport and exercise, and social implications of sport. Students interested in pursuing the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) designation with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) may include courses in counseling as well. Additionally, students may incorporate an internship, supervised work experience opportunity, or an independent study course into their 
program. The degree requirements conclude with a culminating experience which will take the form of a Master’s Thesis, a Master’s Project, or a Comprehensive Exam. 

Program Overview 

The Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology meets the needs of students interested in the study and application of sport and exercise psychology concepts. The curriculum is designed to meet core competencies listed by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and prepare students to pursue the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) designation. The Sport Psychology Lab features several work stations, space for formal and informal meetings, and a separate meeting room used exclusively for consulting with athletes and other performers. Internships with local sport organization and athletes at various levels of competition may also be available. Employment as a Graduate Teaching Associate within the Department may be available for qualified students. 

Degree Requirements


Electives in Program (3-9 units)


  • Any KINES 200-level course 

Culminating experience (6 units)


Total (30 units)


Admission Requirements


  1. The Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology undergraduate preparation equivalent to a California State University, Fresno major in Kinesiology. Students may be required to take 12-15 prerequisite units.
  2. Three reference letters should be submitted directly from the Referees to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
  3. All students must pass a written qualifying exam before advancement to candidacy. The university graduate-level writing skills requirement is met by successful completion of this step. See the Graduate Program Coordinator for more information.