Sport and Performance Psychology

MASTER OF SCIENCE

The goal of the sport and performance consultant is to increase the quality of life of their client by helping them reach their performance and health goals. The M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology program trains students to apply psychological strategies to help clients improve physical performance and control. Students become academically prepared through a variety of biblically rooted courses in psychology and kinesiology, while also gaining hands-on experience through practicum placement and mentorship.

16

Months

$682 + fees

Cost Per Unit *

43

Why earn your M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology at CBU?

Gain real-world experience without leaving campus
This applied program has sport and performance psychology consultants on site that are involved in teaching and mentoring the students. In addition, the students will have the ability to work with student athletes and performers at CBU by interning at the Center for Sport and Performance Psychology (CSPP). This makes it easier for students to meet all of the requirements for certification (CMPC).

Conduct research with faculty
All students will be encouraged to be involved in the Sport, Performance and Exercise Psychology (SPEP) Research Lab. Students can participate in many studies such as (but not limited to) motivational factors in endurance sport, the relationship between anxiety and exercise, cortical suppression during exercise and flow states, and evaluation of sport and performance psychology consulting techniques.

Serve the community
Classes and program experiences are intentionally crafted to be comprehensive and hands on. Within four semesters, students will be prepared to be in the field, working with clients to improve their athletic performance and quality of life. Students will get the opportunity to be involved in community outreach programs, such as afterschool programs for children and bullying prevention.

Advanced Sport and Performance Psychology

SPP 510

This course provides an in-depth application of psychological concepts to sports and performance. This is a hands-on course; students should expect to be involved in activities that require light to medium physical activity.

MFT Counseling Techniques

PSY 525

Intervention techniques from a phenomenological, cognitive, behavioral and existential frame of reference.

Sports Nutrition

KIN 546

This course provides a foundation in the science of exercise nutrition and bioenergetics.

Student Learning

Evidence of Student Learning

1. Core Concepts
1.1 Students will understand the basic array of cognitive and affective topics in psychology and understand how these processes can affect performance and perception.
1.2 Students will understand how biological processes outside of the central nervous system work together to support performance.
1.3 Students will understand how the central nervous system influences performance.
1.4 Students will understand how both social dynamics and individual differences influence performance on an individual and team level.

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about graduate school, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Application Deadlines	Fall
Priority	May 15
Standard	August 1

Request More Information

Career Opportunities

Independent SPP Consultant
Dependent SPP Consultant
Athletic Coach
Athletic Director
SPP Professor
Drama Coach

*Some career opportunities may require further education

Alumni Spotlight

"I use everything I learned at CBU every single day at my job. Whether I am creating a curriculum or working with an athlete individually, nearly everything I know about sport psychology is from CBU."
Bailey Thompson, 2021

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Kristin Mauldin

Program Director and Associate Professor

While I was first drawn to psychology out of a desire to help others, I ended up loving conducting research in topics of cognitive neuroscience and sport and performance psychology. I like the freedom to ask questions that interest me, design a research study, and see it through to the conclusion. I enjoy teaching because it gives me a chance to connect with students.

See Profile >

Kristin Mauldin

Program Director and Associate Professor

While I was first drawn to psychology out of a desire to help others, I ended up loving conducting research in topics of cognitive neuroscience and sport and performance psychology. I like the freedom to ask questions that interest me, design a research study, and see it through to the conclusion. I enjoy teaching because it gives me a chance to connect with students.

See Profile >