National University Online Master’s in Sports Psychology

Why National University? 

Candidates are sought for this online Master’s in Sports Psychology  offered by this large private university in La Jolla, California. Applicants must submit GRE results to be considered for admission if their grade point average in undergraduate studies was less than 2.5. Applicants will be considered without test results with a GPA above that cutoff. No specific prior coursework is required.

Program Snapshot

University Name National University
Location La Jolla
State California
Niche.com Grade B
Name of Degree Master’s in Sports Psychology 
School or Department Administering Program School of Social Sciences and Psychology
Credits 45
Cost per credit $663.00
Tuition for Entire Program $29,835.00
Test Requirements GRE if GPA is under 2.5
Minimum GPA 2.5
Prerequisite Courses and Skills none
Campus Visit Required? no
Typical Time to Complete 18 months – 2 years
When Can Students Start the Program? multiple times per year
Program Concentrations
  • Applied Mental Performance
  • Theoretical Mental Performance
Synchronous classes both
Required Courses
  • Professional Development Seminar
  • Sport/Performance Psychology
  • Ethics Sport and Performance Psychology
  • Performance Enhancement
  • Research Methods
  • Multicultural Issues in Sports and Performance Counseling
  • Counseling in Sport and Performance Psychology
  • Assessment Strategies
  • Counseling Skills
  • Mindfulness
  • Benchmark Written Exam
  • Ethics in Performance Psychology
  • Motor Behavior
Does the Program Include a Capstone? no
Does the program include a practicum or internship? no
Other Features that Make the Program Unique 4 week courses; comprehensive written exam after first 9 credits; sports psychology emphasis; veteran-oriented university; disciplines of sport and performance psychology, business, coaching, counseling, fine arts, combat, military psychology, and sport sciences; provides rigorous training to facilitate students’ growth in becoming knowledgeable, effective mental performance practitioners and professionals. Experiential training is guided by theory, evidence-based practice, ethical, and professional standards
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Core concepts in assessment, counseling skills, performance enhancement and other interventions in sports psychology; Ability to conduct research in sports psychology including statistics and research methods; Knowledge of ethical practice and multicultural perspectives
Program Description The program’s 45 credits can be completed within 18 months – 2 years, and no capstone or internship is required. Students gain core skills in assessment of problems in sports performance as well as interventions necessary for performance enhancement. Research methodology and ethical practice are also emphasized throughout coursework in two concentration areas: Applied Mental Performance and Theoretical Mental Performance. 

What will I Learn?

The subfield of psychology called “sports psychology” looks at how athletes perform on the field, how they feel about themselves, how players connect with one another, and how society perceives sports in general.

Students gain core skills in assessment, counseling, performance enhancement and other sports psychology interventions. Graduates are also equipped to perform research projects grounded in statistical competence, ethics, and a multicultural perspective. 

The following courses are required: Professional Development Seminar; Sport/Performance Psychology; Ethics Sport and Performance Psychology; Performance Enhancement; Research Methods; Multicultural Issues in Sports and Performance Counseling; Counseling in Sport and Performance Psychology; Assessment Strategies; Counseling Skills; Mindfulness; Benchmark Written Exam; Ethics in Performance Psychology; Motor Behavior

Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Applied Mental Performance; Theoretical Mental Performance

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 18 months – 2 years and pay $663.00 per credit for a total of 45 credits, or just under $29,835.00 for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

Some courses may be taught asynchronously, which means that participants can complete online exercises at their own pace rather than needing to participate in scheduled classes. Students watch videos of lectures and participate in discussions in groups, practice problems, and other activities.. Some courses may be taught at set times using videoconferencing technology.

Students finish the course of study in 18 to 2 years. Students can begin the program as soon as they are approved because there are several start dates offered each year. The program’s curriculum is flexible, providing participants more choices than some other peer programs about the courses they want to enroll in and the times they want to study them.

Summary

While some applicants might enjoy the chance to review and evaluate their knowledge through a thorough exam, this choice might not be suitable for all applicants. The four-week course length and expedited timetable may draw many applicants. Veterans’ needs are a priority at National University, which places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning with real-world applications. The mindfulness course that is required may draw in candidates.