Master of Sports Science with an Emphasis in Sports Psychology
Course descriptionHuman behavior is dynamic and complex. Therefore, it is important for sport administrators, coaches, and practitioners to gain knowledge regarding human behavior and elite performance. Prepare yourself by earning your Master’s degree in Sports Management, Sports Coaching, Sports Medicine, Sports Studies, or Sports Fitness with an Emphasis in Sports Psychology. Sports Psychology entails the scientific study of human behavior in sport and exercise and the practical application of information in sport and exercise settings (Gill & Williams, 2008).
The M.S.S. degree with an Emphasis in Sports Psychology is designed for individuals who are interested in learning about the principles and theories associated with Sports Psychology and how individual characteristics and social situations interact to produce behavior in sport settings.
To obtain the Emphasis in Sports Psychology, a Master’s degree student will take the following courses:
SAB 563 Psychological Aspects of Sports Medicine or SAB 566 Psychological Aspects of Health and Fitness Programming
SAB 563 Psychological Aspects of Sports Medicine (3 sem. hrs.)
This course is a study of the psychological and sociological aspects of Sports Medicine. Emphasis will be given to the application of knowledge to the counseling of athletes coping with sports injuries and to the development of motivational strategies for rehabilitation and return to physical activity. This course requires a class paper.
SAB 566 Psychological Aspects of Health and Fitness Programming (3 sem. hrs.)
This course is a study of the psychological and sociological aspects of health and fitness programming and the application of this knowledge to the development of effective motivational and behavioral modification strategies. This course requires a class paper.
SAB 657 Psychology of Elite Performance (3 sem. hrs.)
This course examines the psychological factors that are most critical to elite sport performances. Special emphasis is focused on the physical, mental, and emotional variables related to optimal performance conditions. Theory and practive for athletes and coaches will be discussed. This course requires a final exam.
SAB 659 Group Dynamics in Sports and Exercise (3 sem. hrs.)
In-depth study of the influence of teams on the individual performance and the influence of individuals on team performance in sport and exercise settings. Particular focus on interpersonal aspects such as cohesion and leadership. This course requires a class paper.