By SMDG Staff
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for fitness workers will grow by 13% over the next decade due to an increase in demand for sport and fitness programs. Sport psychology allows trainers, coaches, and fitness professionals to expand their skill sets to include the mental aspect of sport performance. Sport psychology is a recognized area of psychology that incorporates the principles of kinesiology, research, counseling, and biomechanics to help athletes of all ages and abilities reach their full potential both on and off the court. Earning an online master’s in sport psychology doesn’t have to break the bank! By taking courses online, you can save on travel and relocation expenses, continue to work, and often complete coursework in the comfort of your own home.
We created this list of the top 10 most affordable online master’s in sports psychology using the average graduate tuition rate provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Below are the 10 most affordable online master’s in sport psychology programs in the United States.
Related Resource: What is an Exercise Physiologist?
——-
#10 – California University of Pennsylvania – California, Pennsylvania
Online Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science and Health Promotion – Sport Psychology Concentration
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $12,000/year in-state and $18,000/year out-of-state
The sport psychology affordable online MS from California University of Pennsylvania is a nationally ranked program that takes just one year of full-time study to complete. Students can complete this well-rounded sport psychology concentration with 36 credits of online coursework. Additional areas of specialization are available in areas like applied sport science, group fitness leadership, nutrition, wellness and fitness, and rehabilitation science. Graduates of this top, affordable master’s degree program have found success working in areas like personal training, education, coaching, and fitness.
#9 – Lock Haven University – Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Online MS in Sport Science-Sport and Exercise Psychology track
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $12,000/year in-state and $18,000/year out-of-state
Lock Haven University features an affordable online master’s in sport science available to both full and part-time students. This 30 credit hour program is a great choice for those planning to work in a sport setting or who want to enhance their current sport career. The Sport and Exercise Psychology Track courses cover areas like the psychology of athletic injury and recovery, stress management for the physically active, sport and exercise psychology for performance enhancement, and counseling skills for sport psychology. Students come from across the country to take advantage of the flexible online schedule and multiple start dates that allow students to begin this cheap master’s degree program when it is most convenient.
#8 – California Southern University – Costa Mesa, California
MS in Psychology with a Concentration in Sports Psychology
Website
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $11,445/year
The School of Behavioral Sciences from California Southern University features an affordable online sports psychology master’s program that prepares students to effectively work with athletes at all performance levels. The curriculum was designed by a specialist in the field of sport psychology and covers areas like motivation, imagery, preparation for athletic performance and coaching. In additional to gaining the skills needed to work with athletes, students will be able to apply those skills when working with individuals struggling with mental health problems like depression or eating disorders. Cal Southern students benefit from a dedicated personal support team that takes a personal interest in student success.
#7 – University of Florida – Gainesville, Florida
Online MS in Sport Management-High Performance Coaching
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $10,770/year in-state and $27,335/year out-of-state
The College of Health and Human Performance at the University of Florida offers a top affordable online sport management master’s focused on athlete development and high performance coaching. Students will learn how to help athletes maximize their performance using physical and psychological strategies and methods. Online sport psychology courses cover areas like sport science for athlete development specialists, management and leadership in sport, sport psychology, and performance enhancement. Need field experience before completing your degree? Students have the opportunity to participate in graduate internships or advanced practicum electives to gain real-world experience.
#6 – Ohio University – Athens, Ohio
Online Master of Coaching Education
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,444/year in-state and $17,436/year out-of-state
Considered one of the top national university by both U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review, Ohio University is the gold standard when it comes to a quality, affordable, online education. Ohio University features an affordable online master’s built around the “8 Domains of Coaching” by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. There is no GRE required for qualified applicants and students can complete the program in just two years of study. Online courses cover areas like ethics and diversity for athletic coaches, psychology of coaching, performance and conditioning for athletic coaches, and coaching performance evaluation.
#5 – University of Western States – Portland, Oregon
Sport and Performance Psychology Master’s Online
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $8,198/year
University of Western States features an affordable online master’s in sport and performance psychology approved by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. This 100% online program is comprised of 53 credit hours and includes multiple elective course offerings. Core sports psychology courses cover areas like ethics and professional identity, personality and counseling theories, psychology of performance excellence, and applied sport psychology. Students with an interest in coaching can pursue a concentration in positive coaching.
#4 – University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Sport Coaching Education MS Online
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $8,108/year
The top affordable online master’s in sport coaching education from The University of Southern Mississippi is a military friendly, part-time program focused on human mental and physical development and training and leadership techniques. Part-time students begin the program in the fall and can complete their degree in about two years. Online courses cover areas like sport psychology, advanced sport coaching methodology, and advanced development of strength and conditioning programs. Graduates of this top online master’s degree program have found success working in positions related to coaching and instruction of athletes at all performance levels.
#3 – University of West Alabama – Livingston, Alabama
MS Experimental Psychology-Health and Sport Psychology
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,678/year in-state and $13,356/year out-of-state
The University of West Alabama features a unique online master’s in experimental psychology with a concentration in health and sport psychology. Online courses are offered in a convenient eight week format and students can finish in just one to two years. Online sports psychology courses cover topics like exercise physiology, advanced sports psychology, and the psychology and sociology of human performance. Students planning to pursue a doctoral degree are encouraged to complete a thesis. A highlight of the program is the psychology practicum, providing students the chance to gain valuable field experience.
#2 – American Military University – Charles Town, West Virginia
Sports and Health Sciences MS
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,300/year
The American Military University offers an affordable top online master’s in sports and health sciences providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to help individuals realize their top sport performance. This 36 credit hour online master’s degree program takes about two years to complete and students benefit from monthly course start dates. Students can choose a concentration in exercise science and human performance, health and wellness management, or a general focus. Online courses cover areas like optimal sports performance, advanced biomechanics, and essentials of human performance and exercise science.
#1 – Adams State University – Alamosa, Colorado
Online M.A. in Applied Sport Psychology
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $4,590/year in-state and $10.746/year out-of-state
Our most affordable online master’s in sport psychology is offered by from Adams State University. The Applied Sport Psychology program is the first program of its kind to be offered in the U.S. and includes both coursework and internships. This 36 credit hour online master’s degree program is convenient for working professionals and those who are unable to relocate to attend a traditional campus program. The curriculum includes courses in sport psychology, applied sport psychology, mental strength and conditioning, and the social aspects of sport. Students can work toward meeting the requirements to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant with the Association of Applied Sport Psychology, the top certification in the field of sport psychology.
More Rankings:
