Sport and Exercise Psychology
Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP) integrates theory, research, and practice, and includes the study of cognitive, emotional, psychophysiological, and social factors that influence sport and exercise behaviors as well as the effects of physical activity on psychological factors. Graduate students in SEP typically come from Kinesiology or Psychology undergraduate programs and come to UNCG to learn how to enhance human development and functioning by acquiring cutting edge knowledge in the area of SEP. Our graduates pursue careers as teachers, researchers, coaches, exercise leaders and sport and exercise psychology consultants.
M.S. DEGREE INFORMATION
The Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology is intended for individuals who wish to gain an advanced knowledge base in sport and exercise psychology. There are three program options available:
- Applied Sport Psychology: This is a 36-credit coursework only Master of Science degree that will prepare students to sit for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) exam offered by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Students enrolled in this program will take AASP required graduate-level courses and will have the opportunity to obtain hours of mentored experience required for the CMPC. To learn more, click here.
- Sport & Exercise Psychology, Coursework Only: This is a 30-credit coursework only Master of Science degree. Students in this program have the opportunity to take SEP courses and other electives suited to their particular career interests.
- Sport & Exercise Psychology, Thesis: This is a 36-credit thesis Master of Science degree program that will prepare students for doctoral level study at a research-focused university. Students enrolled in this program will take courses focused on SEP content, research methods and statistics, and other electives suited to their particular research interests. They will also typically work with an advisor with similar research interests.
Ph.D. Degree Information
The PhD degree with a concentration in SEP is primarily intended to prepare individuals as academic researchers and faculty members in the areas of sport and exercise psychology. There are no clinical or applied sport psychology training opportunities offered within this program.
Goals and Objectives
Goal
Provide students with the necessary content, experiences, and academic challenges to help them to develop into competent SEP professionals who are capable of contributing to human development and functioning and who are competitive for doctoral programs and for positions requiring master’s level training.
Objectives
- Provide quality educational programs through UNCG´s Department of Kinesiology that prepare masters level students for careers in sport and exercise psychology and for further graduate level training.
- Deliver quality educational programs through UNCG´s Department of Kinesiology that prepare doctoral level students for academic careers.
- Assist students in obtaining teaching, research, and service opportunities that will contribute to their development as SEP professionals.
- Promote professional development through student involvement in local, regional and national professional meetings and activities; providing networking opportunities with nationally recognized scholars and clinicians through invited lectures; and engaging in dialogue that promotes understanding of current professional and employment practices.
Concentration Faculty
- Dr. Eric S. Drollette
- Dr. Jennifer L. Etnier
- Dr. Diane L. Gill
- Dr. Jaclyn P. Maher
- Dr. Derek C. Monroe
- Dr. Erin J. Reifsteck
Labs
The SEP Labs consist of several smaller spaces dedicated to each faculty member’s specific research agenda. These spaces complement the Department’s larger laboratory spaces which are available for SEP research as well as for collaborative, interdisciplinary projects. Faculty in SEP have ongoing collaborations with other subdisciplines in Kinesiology (e.g., Exercise Physiology, Applied Research Neuromechanics) and with other departments (e.g., Human Development Family Studies, Psychology), Institutes (Institute to Promote Athlete Health and Wellness) and Centers (Center for Women’s Health and Wellness) across campus.
Plan of Study
Each student progresses through the degree based on his/her individual plan of study, which is developed in consultation with the student’s advisor. For interested students, more information can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.