Athletic Performance Psychology (B.S.)
As a Plymouth State athletic performance psychology major you will engage in wide-ranging study of the mind, brain, and behavior. Focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of sports and exercise, combining principles of psychology with sports science. Students learn how to optimize athletic performance, enhance mental resilience, and address the psychological challenges faced by athletes.
CURRICULUM AND REQUIREMENTS:
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROGRAM
Major Requirements
- Foundations of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Cluster Learning Springboard
- Introduction to Allied Health Sciences
- Introduction to Allied Health Sciences Lab
- Introduction to General Psychology
- First Aid and CPR/AED
- Medical Ethics
- Motor Learning
- Applied Nutrition for Healthy Living
- Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
- Drug Behavior
- Social and Behavioral Health Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Psychological Aspects of Sport
- Statistics 1
- Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Seminar
General Education
- Composition
- Tackling a wicked problem
- Mathematics foundations
- Creative though directions
- Past and present direction
- Scientific inquiry direction
- Self and society direction
Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).
RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCE
Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.
To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years. For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester. Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).
Year one
Fall
- Foundations of Interdisciplinary Studies
- Cluster Learning Springboard
- Introduction to General Psychology
- Composition
- Tackling a Wicked Problem
- Scientific Inquiry Direction
Spring
- Introduction to Allied Health Sciences
- Introduction to Allied Health Sciences Lab
- Mathematics foundation
- Past and present direction
- Self and society direction
Year two
Fall
- Medical ethics
- First Aid and CPR/AED
- Creative though direction
- Directions
- Electives
Spring
- Applied Nutrition for Healthy Living
- Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
- Statistics 1
- Diversity connection
- Electives
Year three
Fall
- Social psychology
- Social and Behavioral Health Psychology
- Integrated capstone
- Wellness connection
Spring
- Motor learning
- Drug behavior
- Global awareness connection
- Electives
Year four
Fall
- Abnormal psychology
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Psychological aspects of sport
- Electives
Spring
- Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Seminar
- Independent research OR internship
- Electives
Directions should total 20 credits (unless the major has a waiver for a specific Direction).
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students of Athletic Performance Psychology will leave PSU knowing:
- Understand the foundational theories and principles of psychology as they apply to athletic performance.
- Identify the psychological factors that influence sport performance, including motivation, confidence, stress, and focus.
- Gain knowledge of the biopsychosocial aspects of athletic participation, including the impact of physical injury on mental well-being and performance.
- Explore the psychological aspects of team dynamics, leadership, and communication in athletic contexts.
- Develop the ability to assess and diagnose psychological factors affecting athletes’ performance.
- Gain practical skills in implementing mental skills training programs (e.g., goal setting, visualization, self-talk) to improve athletic performance.
- Enhance skills in providing psychological support and guidance to athletes dealing with performance-related stress, anxiety, or burnout.
- Master techniques for building resilience, mental toughness, and coping strategies in athletes.
- Develop communication skills necessary for working with athletes, coaches, and other sports professionals.
- Understand the ethical considerations and confidentiality requirements when working with athletes in a psychological capacity.
- Apply psychological theories and techniques to real-world scenarios in sports settings, including elite sports, recreational activities, and youth athletics.
- Conduct research on the psychological aspects of athletic performance, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Develop the ability to critically evaluate existing literature on sport psychology and apply evidence-based practices in athletic settings.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical standards governing the practice of sport psychology, including certification and licensing requirements.
CAREER PATHS
There are different options for careers in Performance Psychology. Here are some suggestions for how to begin your search:
What can I do with a degree in performance psychology? Many students do not realize how many opportunities there are that fit under performance psychology; from working in a high school to working in the military with soldiers.
EXPLORE PROGRAM DETAILS:
FAQ
What marketable skills does a degree in athletic performance psychology offer?
What is the difference between a B.S. and a M.S. in athletic performance psychology?
What do graduate schools look for when admitting students?
To what graduate schools should I apply?