Kinesiology, M.S. Sport and Exercise Psychology Concentration

Sport and Exercise Psychology (SEP) integrates theory, research, and practice. This program includes the study of cognitive, emotional, psychophysiological, and social factors that influence sport and exercise behaviors as well as the effects of physical activity on psychological factors. Graduate students in SEP typically come from Kinesiology or Psychology undergraduate programs and come to UNCG to learn how to enhance human development and functioning by acquiring cutting edge knowledge in the area of SEP.

The M.S. degree with a concentration in SEP is intended for individuals who wish to gain an advanced knowledge base in sport and exercise psychology.

For over a century, the Department of Kinesiology has been a cornerstone department of the University. Beginning as the Department of Physiology and Physical Culture in the Woman’s College in 1892, the department took the progressive view that women should be physically active to improve their health and wellness. As the department evolved and grew with the University, our name changed, but our mission to promote education in and instruction of physical health remains at our core.

Program Distinctions

• Our focus on interdisciplinary education and hands-on clinical experience, combined with our diverse, dynamic programs ensure our students are well-prepared for post-graduate life.
• The M.S. in Kinesiology, Concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology program made the Sports Degrees Online’s Best 20 Sport Psychology Master’s Programs for 2022.

The Student Experience

• There are three program options available to students:
  • Applied Sport Psychology: 36-credit coursework-only; prepares you to sit for the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) exam offered by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). In this program, you will take AASP-required graduate-level courses and will have the opportunity to obtain hours of mentored experience required for the CMPC.  
  • Sport & Exercise Psychology, Course-Work Only: 30-credit coursework-only; Students in this program have the opportunity to take SEP courses and other electives suited to your particular career interests.
  • Sport & Exercise Psychology, Thesis: 36-credit thesis; prepares you for doctoral-level study at a research-focused university. In this program, you will take courses focused on SEP content, research methods and statistics, and other electives suited to your particular research interests. You will also typically work with an advisor with similar research interests. 
• The Sport and Exercise Labs are available to graduate students. They consist of several smaller spaces dedicated to each faculty member’s specific research agenda. These spaces complement the Department’s larger laboratory spaces, which are available for SEP research as well as for collaborative, interdisciplinary projects. 
• Faculty in SEP have ongoing collaborations with other subdisciplines in Kinesiology (e.g., Exercise Physiology, Applied Research Neuromechanics) and with other departments (e.g., Human Development Family Studies, Psychology), Institutes (Institute to Promote Athlete Health and Wellness), and Centers (Center for Women’s Health and Wellness) across campus.

After Graduation

Our graduates pursue careers as teachers, researchers, coaches, exercise leaders and sport and exercise psychology consultants.

Apply to Program

• Process and Requirements