Student Preparation

Students who work with Dr. Bartholomew will develop a basic understanding of the psychological aspects of exercise, including factors that are related to exercise adherence as well as the mental health benefits of exercise. They will also come to recognize the role of physical activity within the larger scope of health psychology. It is important to recognize that the specializations in Exercise and Sport Psychology and Behavioral Health are research degrees. As a result, they are designed to train students to not only recognize the critical questions that confront the field, but to apply the appropriate research methodology to their specific question of interest. It is only in doing so that the student can truly become an independent researcher.

Careers in Sport Psychology

There are three specializations with the field of sport psychology.

Sport and Exercise Researcher

This field requires a Ph.D. from either a Psychology or Kinesiology department. Job opportunities center on teaching and research. Sport and Exercise Researchers, with the proper training, may also consult with college or professional teams as an applied or clinical sport psychologist. The primary focus of both the Behavioral Health and the Exercise and Sport Psychology degrees is to educate students as researchers.

Applied Sport Psychologist

This field requires a masters or Ph.D., usually from a Kinesiology department and centers on performance enhancement. Applied Sport Psychologists work with individual athletes or teams as a mental skills coach. Job opportunities are limited because many teams and universities want someone who can also do clinical work. Although the Exercise and Sport Psychology program will provide a strong theoretical perspective in applied sport psychology, there is no internship available for supervised training in these techniques. Therefore, students with a strong applied interest may be better served by attending another program.

Clinical Sport Psychologist

This field requires a Ph.D. from a Psychology department and an APA approved internship. Clinical Sport Psychologists are qualified to do mental skills training, but are also qualified to deal with clinical disorders such as anorexia, depression, and drug abuse. Job opportunities include positions in athletic departments or the counseling center within a university, the guidance department within a high school, consulting with professional teams, or in an independent practice.

Job placement is very difficult in sport psychology, especially in developing an independent practice that centers solely on mental skills training. Most of the jobs are at universities and center on research and teaching, or require clinical training. Thus, many individuals are left looking for other opportunities, such as coaching, athletic training or guidance counseling, that allows them to simultaneously pursue their interest in sport psychology.