Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP) integrates theory, research, and practice. This program 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.

The M.S. degree with a concentration in SEP is intended for individuals who wish to gain an advanced knowledge base in sport and exercise psychology. The thesis track (36-credit hours) prepares you for doctoral-level study at a research-focused university. In this program, you will take courses focused on SEP content, research methods and statistics, and other electives suited to your particular research interests. You will also typically work with an advisor with similar research interests.   

The Student Experience

  • The Sport and Exercise Psychology labs are available to graduate students. They 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, Nursing), and Centers (Center for Women’s Health and Wellness, Center for Athlete Well-being) across campus.

After Graduation

The M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology Thesis program prepares you for doctoral level study at a research focused university.

Please follow these steps when submitting an application For more general questions, make sure you check out KIN’s Frequently Asked Questions.  If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact the department directly at [email protected].

Graduate School Requirements

1. Online Application to The Graduate School

Login to The Graduate School’s Online Application.

2. All official transcripts

Send to the Graduate School directly. One official transcript is needed from all colleges and universities previously attended. If credit from one institution has been transferred to another and is listed on the receiving institution’s transcript, a transcript from the original institution is not required.

If an applicant is currently enrolled in a degree program and will not graduate prior to an admission deadline, transcripts should be provided that reflect courses in progress. It will speed up the processing of your application greatly if you also upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) issued by your institution(s) registrar’s office that includes the official seal as part of your online application (student advising transcripts are not accepted).

Please remember that you must still have your official transcript(s) sent to The Graduate School even if you supply official copies.

3. English Language Proficiency

The English Language Proficiency requirement must be fulfilled for all non-native English speaking applicants regardless of citizenship. It can be waived if the student has earned a US degree or has an acceptable score on either the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exam. It can also be fulfilled by completing Level 5 of our Interlink program. Please see more information on requirements for international applicants.

4. Three Recommendations

All applicants must submit a minimum and maximum of three recommendations. In most cases the department would prefer at least two of the recommendations to be from faculty members who can address your academic capability. All recommendations are to be uploaded through The Graduate School’s online application system.

Departmental Notes

5. Graduate Assistantships

All qualifying applicants are considered for assistantships. You do not need to apply for an assistantship.  If you are interested in an assistantship please indicate this on your application by checking the appropriate box.   NOTE: Due to the way certain programs are structured, potential students applying to the Ed.D., M.S.A.T., Fully online M.S. in Sport and Exercise Psychology, or M.S. in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology are typically not considered for assistantships.

6. Application Materials

  • Ed.D. — Complete applications received by January 15 receive priority consideration.  However, applications submitted through April 1 will be considered for Fall admission if program capacity allows.  The Ed.D. program accepts students for Fall admission only.
  • M.S.A.T. — Complete applications must be submitted by January 15.  The M.S.A.T. program accepts students for Summer admission only.
  • M.S., M.S./Ph.D., Ph.D. — Complete applications received by January 15 receive priority consideration for admission and funding. Applications submitted through July 1 will be considered for Fall admission if program capacity allows. Spring admission is possible but unlikely and we have no assistantship funds for spring applicants.
IMPORTANT: For Non-U.S. Academic Transcripts

International applicants are required to have their credentials formally evaluated. More information about this requirement, including recognized services for evaluation, can be found on the Graduate School’s international applicant page.

Contact

Plan of Study

Students progress through the degree based on an individualized plan of study

This plan is developed in consultation with an advisor.

DeAnne Brooks

Dr. DeAnne Brooks
[email protected]

Graduate Program Director