Sport and Exercise Psychology | Springfield College

Sport and Exercise Psychology

Master of Education or Master of Science
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Rachel Ahlmeyer
Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions & Events
School of Physical Education, Performance, and Sport Leadership
rahlmeyer@springfieldcollege.edu
(413) 748-3383 
Make an appointment 

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester)
  • Courses are offered full time
  • Complete in 2 years
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Looking for a doctoral program?
Looking for an online program?

We also offer a MEd in Sport and Exercise Psychology completely online.

Deciding between athletic counseling and sport and exercise psychology? We can help.

Instagram

Follow us on Instagram

X

Follow us on X 

Upcoming Events

Graduate Open House
Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
Register

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
Register

Sport and exercise psychology faculty on field with paperwork

The MEd/MS in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Springfield College is designed for students with a scholarly and applied interest in the field. There is a focus on a theoretical understanding of sport and exercise from psychological, physiological, and sociocultural viewpoints. The interdisciplinary nature of this unique program provides graduates with the ability to translate theory to practice and equips them with the requisite skills to help individuals in sport and exercise contexts maximize their performance.

The graduate student pursuing the Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology will complete coursework in the theory, measurement, and application of sport and exercise psychology, as well as related coursework (e.g. exercise physiology, motor development/control) for a holistic approach. Students will have the opportunity to select between a traditional “thesis” track for the MS degree and an applied "non-thesis” track for the MEd degree. Details about these tracks are provided below.

By the end of the first year and after consulting with advisor/sport and exercise psychology program faculty, students will elect the program they wish to pursue.

*The basic program requires a minimum of 36 credits of graduate coursework. Students who receive a grade of C+ or lower in any three courses will be dismissed from the program.

MS - Thesis Track

The thesis track enables students to pursue their own research interests, with faculty supervision. This track is strongly recommended for anyone who wants to continue on to a PhD program. Students will be involved in all aspects of the research process; conceptualization and design, data collection, data analysis and results write up. This track will culminate with a written thesis and an oral defense (examination) related to the project.

MEd - Applied Track

The applied track enables students to become integrated with collegiate and high school sports programs providing sport and exercise psychology services. This track is strongly recommended for anyone who hopes to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Students will be involved in all aspects of the applied practice process, which includes the conceptualization, development, and implementation of a consulting approach/philosophy, needs assessments, curriculum designs, and evaluations of effectiveness. This track will culminate with a written portfolio and oral defense (examination) related to their applied work throughout their program.

How to Apply:

Prerequisite Courses

  • Anatomy and Physiology I
  • Physiology of Exercise

*Students are still encouraged to apply if they do not have the prerequisites mentioned. However, students are expected to complete these courses during their first year in the program.

Admission Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe your interest in sport and exercise psychology, your career goals in the field, and why you have chosen to apply to Springfield College.
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Must be academic references who are able to speak to scholarly ability. Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The staff in the Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

  • Priority Deadline for Application and Supporting Materials: January 12
  • Following the Priority Deadline applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: January 12

*All applications will be reviewed following the deadline.

“Constant communication and availability of faculty and peers, both while within and after completing the degree, have significantly supported my professional development and career goals.” Samuel Fonder, G'23
Samuel Fonder - Springfield College
“I feel the roles I held at Springfield College prepared me well for teaching and advising/mentoring in both a classroom and sport context. I feel I have flexibility in what I wish to focus on and what jobs I can apply for because of my diverse training and experiences at Springfield College.” Samantha Adler, Graduate Class of 2024
Samantha Adler - Springfield College

Michael O’Brien, G’22

“During my time in the Sport and Exercise Psychology program, I learned so much more than I did in my undergraduate studies. All of my professors were flexible and approachable. It was super easy and straightforward to apply to the program. The opportunities for applied work the program offers are numerous. I was so excited to graduate with my master’s from Springfield College.”

Michael O'Brien

Sarah Phillips, G’22

“The program has not only bettered me as an academic and practitioner, but it has also introduced me to the best people. These people helped me and pushed me and became my best friends. The faculty who run this program have done an incredible job of creating an environment that you can thrive in. From this program, I’m a better, more rounded human in spirit, mind, and body. I would highly recommend this master’s program to anyone who is up for a challenge and wants to become the best version of themselves.”

Sarah Phillips

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.