College of Education, Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion Sport and Exercise Psychology (M.S.)

Applied Track Curriculum (Core courses)

Total Hours (minimum): 39

The applied curriculum aims to prepare students for professional certifications (e.g., CMPC) and careers (e.g., sport and performance consultant, coaching, master resilience trainer, strength and conditioning coach, academic advisor, etc.) in applied sport and exercise psychology. In addition to a 300 (minimum) hour supervised internship, students in the applied track will complete graduate coursework in various professional fields related to sport and exercise psychology, including counseling psychology, sport leadership, and exercise science. Students in the applied curriculum will be required to sit for written and oral comprehensive examinations.

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Students in the applied track will have the opportunity to choose from various approved internship sites and settings, allowing them to build a foundation in applied sport and exercise psychology/mental skills training. A certified consultant with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CMPC) will supervise all internships, preparing students for CMPC designation post-graduation.

Possible internship opportunities include:

• Performance Psychology Consultant:
  • NCAA Division I, II, III schools
  • NAIA schools
  • Collegiate Club Sports
  • Kentucky High School Athletics Association
• Life Skills Coordinator positions at major NCAA institutions
• Performance enhancement specialist at a Military Performance Enhancement Center
• Local community organizations (e.g., YMCA)
• Behavioral Health Consultant – Student rec center/Wellness Program
• Performance Enhancement Specialist at major sports facilities (e.g., IMG Academies)
• Local coaching workshops
• Local marathons or athletic events

Research Track Curriculum (Core courses)

Total Hours (minimum): 39

The research curriculum is recommended for students who intend to continue their education at the doctoral level and/or pursue a career in academia. Students in the research track are encouraged to register for an upper-level research and statistics course and will complete a master’s thesis on an original topic related to the psychological aspects of sport and/or physical activity. Students following the research curriculum will be required to sit for an oral defense of their thesis project. In some cases, students in the research track may pursue limited applied experiences (e.g., co-consulting, shadowing, etc.) at the discretion of the program faculty.

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Students entering the research track will complete an empirically-based thesis project that will allow students to further their knowledge in a research topic that interests them. Each thesis is expected to explore an original research idea to be submitted for conference presentation, publication in an empirical journal, and/or lead to future dissertation research topics