M.S. Sport Performance Psychology

Overview of Program

The Department of Applied Psychophysiology at Saybrook University will launch an M.S. Degree in Sport Performance Psychology in January 2024. This degree program is designed to educate and train students to function as capable and ethical performance enhancement specialists. This two-year degree is intended to meet the needs of students seeking employment in a variety of settings, including private practice, athletic departments, coaching, exercise/ health, and education, as well as those who will ultimately pursue a doctorate degree. The goals of the program include developing student competencies and knowledge in the following areas: theoretical foundations, helping relationships, individual and group skills, normal and abnormal behavior, sport sciences, research and evaluation, diversity, and professional identity.

Program Learning Outcomes

Applied Practice. Graduates will demonstrate the capacity to devise and implement psychological principles and intervention techniques to enhance sport performance. They will show competence in creating tailored interventions and training programs for individual athletes, teams, and sports-related organizations.
Research Skills. Graduates will exhibit the ability to conduct independent and advanced-level research in sport performance psychology. They will demonstrate competencies in formulating research questions, creating research designs, and analyzing and synthesizing data effectively.
Ethical Standards. Graduates will manifest the understanding and commitment to uphold ethical guidelines of sport and performance psychology. They will be competent in identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas, demonstrating a high level of integrity and professional conduct.
Communication and Consultation. Graduates will show strong communication and consultation skills. They will be effective in conveying complex psychological principles to diverse audiences, fostering effective collaboration with other professionals, and formulating comprehensive support plans for athletes.
Theoretical Knowledge. Graduates will be able to critically analyze, interpret, and apply core theories, concepts, and principles of sport performance psychology. They will be able to correlate these theories with real-life instances and apply them in varying contexts.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the M.S. in Sport Performance Psychology may be able to garner jobs as coaches, consultants, trainers, and educators in sport and the performing arts. The knowledge and skills in this degree program are also in demand in many military settings.

These students will also be able to enter doctoral programs in psychophysiology, neuroscience and other research-oriented areas as well as work as researchers in both the private and academic sectors.

Program Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must complete an online application form and provide the following items:

Documentation of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Official transcript(s) of all earned accredited degrees.
Personal statement.
Resume/CV.
Faculty interview
The minimum expected grade point average (GPA) requirement is 3.0 from the last degree-granting institution, though exceptions may be made.

Residential / University / Virtual Learning Experience

Students are invited to attend one or more optional University Learning Experiences (ULE) during the M.S. program. Students may also complete the M.S. with no face-to-face contact.

Fieldwork

An optional human performance Field Experience is available as an elective course for students. Fieldwork may or may not be allowed depending on the student’s state of residence. Contact the Admissions department for more information

ProSeminar

Students will complete a 1-credit Colloquium course with all students in the Applied Psychophysiology Department.

Credits/Hours

This is a 40-hour Master’s degree including 13 3-credit courses and the 1 credit Colloquium Course. Included are 34 credits of required courses and 6 credits of elective courses.

Mode of Delivery

Courses are presented as a combination of reading assignments, videos, live videoconferences, asynchronous class discussions and written assignments. Each class format may vary based on content and instructor preference and students are encouraged to review the course syllabus and Canvas course shell prior to the start of each term to assess the requirements of each course.

Length of Program

This program is designed to be completed in 6 semesters, including summer semesters for a total program length of 2 years. This may vary based on individual program modifications.

Required Courses

APH 5515 - Graduate Colloquium 1 credit(s)
RES 1700 - Research Methods for Practitioners 3 credit(s)
APH 5470 - Optimal Functioning in the Sports and Performing Arts Environment 3 credit(s)
SW 1040 - Diversity and Multicultural Awareness 3 credit(s)
APH 6493 - Psychological Aspects of Athletic Injury 3 credit(s)
APH 5480 - Foundations of Sport and Performing Arts Physiology 3 credit(s)
APH 5622 - Basic Training and Education in Biofeedback 3 credit(s)
APH 6300 - Professional and Ethical Issues in Sports and the Performing Arts 3 credit(s)
APH 6005 - Psychopathology in the Sports Environment 3 credit(s)
APH 6012 - Cognitive and Affective Behavior 3 credit(s)
APH 6499 - Psychological Applications for Sports and Performing Arts 3 credit(s)
APH 6104 - Counseling Skills and Athletic Counseling 3 credit(s)

Elective Courses

Choose two of the following:

APH 5620 - Basic Training and Education in Hypnosis 3 credit(s)
APH 5627 - Intermediate Biofeedback 3 credit(s)
APH 5625 - Intermediate Training and Education in Hypnosis 3 credit(s)
APH 5201 - Principles and Theories of Stress Management 3 credit(s)
APH 8100 - Independent Study 1 credit(s)
Additional courses by permission of Department Chair.

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