Kinesiology | Graduate Degrees | M.S. in Kinesiology | Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration, M.S.

Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration, M.S.

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.

Choose from one of 3 tracks that is right for you

Two tracks are offered in-person at our Greensboro campus and one track is offered entirely online. Students in all three programs have access to similar coursework with options tailored to career goals.  

Compare the three tracks

TrackDeliveryCredit HoursIntegrated ExperienceFocusFaculty Advisors
Applied Sport Psychologyin person36practicumComplete coursework and mentorship required for certificationJennifer Farrell, Alan Chu
Sport and Exercise Psychology (thesis)in person36research studyDevelop research skills in a focused area of interestJennifer Etnier, Erin Reifsteck, Jaclyn Maher, Eric Drollette, Derek Monroe
Sport and Exercise Psychology (coursework only)online30comprehensive examApply psychosocial theories and skills to a variety of kinesiology-related professionsErin Reifsteck
Comparisons between the three Sport and Exercise Psychology programs offered at UNCG.

The Student Experience

  • There are three program options available to students:
    • Applied Sport Psychology: 36-credit coursework-only; prepares you to sit for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) exam offered by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). In this program, you will take AASP-required graduate-level courses and will have the opportunity to obtain hours of mentored experience required for the CMPC.  
    • Sport & Exercise Psychology, Coursework Only (Non-Thesis): 30-credit coursework-only; Students in this program have the opportunity to take SEP courses and other electives suited to your particular career interests.
    • Sport & Exercise Psychology, Thesis: 36-credit thesis; 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 Sport and Exercise 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), Institutes (Institute to Promote Athlete Health and Wellness), and Centers (Center for Women’s Health and Wellness) across campus.

AFTER GRADUATION

Our graduates pursue careers as teachers, researchers, coaches, exercise leaders and sport and exercise psychology consultants.

APPLY TO PROGRAM

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.

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Resources

Contact

Class Type

  • In Person and Online
DeAnne Brooks

Dr. DeAnne Brooks
[email protected]

Graduate Program Director