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

$703 + fees

Cost Per Unit *
View Additional Cost of Attendance (COA)
and Fees.

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.

Team Building and Performance Enhancement Techniques

SPP 530

This course provides an in-depth approach to using performance enhancement techniques and troubleshooting issues that clients may be presenting to the consultant within a team or individual setting.

Psychology of Injury

SPP 535

This course covers a more in-depth approach to using the performance enhancement techniques and troubleshooting issues that clients may be presenting to the consultant with an injured athlete or client.

Student Learning Outcomes

SLO 1: Graduating students will have a firm understanding of the cognitive, biological, and social processes related to performance.
SLO 2: Graduating students will have knowledge of the psychological techniques and consulting skills used to improve performance and overcome personal barriers.
SLO 3: Graduating students will have the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of clients due to their firm understanding of ethical issues pertaining to the field and the best practices to handle these issues.
SLO 4: Students will understand how to interpret, critique, and conduct research in the field of sport, exercise, and performance psychology.
SLO 5: Students will understand how to view and apply concepts in sports and performance psychology through a Christian lens.

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

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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 >

Ed Garrett

Professor

For the past 30 years Dr. Ed Garrett (or "Dr.G" as his students refer to him as) has embraced his calling to impact lives using the gift of sport and performance psychology. Dr. Garrett serves as a Core Professor for the Masters of Sport and Performance Psychology program, Program Coordinator for the Bachelor's in Sport and Performance Psychology degree, and Division Leader for Sport and Performance Psychology with the American Association for Christian Counselors. His time at California Baptist University is spent between full-time teaching and counseling multiple athletic teams on their cognitive performance.

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 >
Ed Garrett

Professor

For the past 30 years Dr. Ed Garrett (or "Dr.G" as his students refer to him as) has embraced his calling to impact lives using the gift of sport and performance psychology. Dr. Garrett serves as a Core Professor for the Masters of Sport and Performance Psychology program, Program Coordinator for the Bachelor's in Sport and Performance Psychology degree, and Division Leader for Sport and Performance Psychology with the American Association for Christian Counselors. His time at California Baptist University is spent between full-time teaching and counseling multiple athletic teams on their cognitive performance.

See Profile >