Overview
Exercise and Sport Psychology at SIUE
The exercise and sport psychology program is offered through the Department of Applied Health, in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior.
Our program integrates theory, research and practice, and includes the study of cognitive, emotional, psychological and social factors that influence sport and exercise behaviors, as well as the effects of physical activity on psychological factors. In addition to coursework in sport psychology, exercise psychology, rehabilitation and health psychology, sport sociology, psychology of coaching, and physical activity promotion, students may enroll in elective courses throughout the university to match their educational experience to their career objectives. The program also has close ties to SIUE's Division I athletics program.
SIUE’s exercise and sport psychology program offers a number of distinct advantages, including:
- Development of knowledge and skills in students' areas of interest through strong faculty mentoring
- An optimal student-faculty ratio, ensuring students receive personalized attention
- Advising focused on career success through the selection of courses, research topics and applied experiences
- Evening classes and selected online classes scheduled to meet the needs of working professionals
- Program can be completed in 12-22 months
Why Exercise and Sport Psychology
Exercise and sport psychology can provide you with the basis for understanding the thought processes and attitudes of athletes and individuals involved in sport or exercise activities. With this understanding, you can then learn to help others improve their performance and/or psychological well-being. The exercise and sport psychology specialization focuses on the psychosocial factors that influence, and are influenced by, physical activity. While this specialization will appeal to those individuals currently teaching and/or coaching, it is also designed to provide a solid foundation for those desiring to further their graduate education in fields associated with behavioral medicine, including exercise psychology, sport psychology, athletic training and health psychology. Focusing on strategies for enhancing sport performance or adherence to exercise, for example, the exercise and sport psychology specialization provides students with knowledge and skills that can be readily applied to numerous aspects of their own lives, as well to the lives of their professional clients.
Degrees Available at SIUE
- Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Specialization in Exercise and Sport Psychology
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the exercise and sport psychology specialization have careers in mental training, fitness, campus recreation, exercise administration, sport administration, coaching, personal training, sport psychology, and exercise and rehab settings. Our graduates are also employed in exercise (fitness) and rehabilitation (clinic, hospital) settings. Some graduates are choosing to continue their education at the doctoral level.
