PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY CERTIFICATE

The certificate in Performance Psychology (to be renamed Sport and Performance Psychology), which leads to eligibility to sit for the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) certification as a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC).

The purpose of the performance psychology certificate is: 

1. To educate and train participants about the relevant body of knowledge that has to do with sport and performance psychology. 

2. To assure that participants learn how to practice performance psychology by providing them with instruction and supervised experiences in creating projects, dissertations, and other learning activities that will help them acquire particular knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas of assessment, intervention, consultation, evaluation, professional business planning, organizational analyses, and other related domains.

3. To generate new information about the application of psychology to performance, particularly in the service of the development and performance enhancement of athletes, coaches, parents, administrators, organizations, the performing arts and other relevant performance-based activities.

There is no additional accreditation for this program.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

1. Educational Background:

   • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.

   • Preferred fields of study include psychology, kinesiology, sports science, counseling, education, or related disciplines. This should consist of prerequisite coursework in General Psychology, Sport and Performance Psychology, or Social Justice/Multicultural Psychology.

2. GPA Requirement:

   • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale is typically required.

   • Applicants with a lower GPA may provide a written explanation and evidence of relevant professional or academic experience.

3. Professional Experience (Optional but Preferred):

   • Experience in sports coaching, athletic performance, mental health counseling, or related fields.

4. Statement of Purpose:

   • A 500-750 word essay outlining the applicant's interest in sport psychology, career goals, and how the certificate program aligns with their aspirations.

5. Letters of Recommendation:

   • Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can attest to the applicant's qualifications, motivation, and potential for success in graduate-level study.

6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae:

   • A detailed resume or CV highlighting educational achievements, professional experience, certifications, and other relevant qualifications.

CURRICULUM

Course content is directly related to the task list and knowledge content areas required by the Association of Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and the American Psychological Association (APA), leading to eligibility for the AASP CMPC certification.

AASP: Professional ethics and standards, sport psychology (theory, research and practice of sport psychology), sport science (physiological, biomechanical, motor, sociocultural, and philosophical bases of behavior), psychopathology, helping relationships, research methods and statistics, psychological foundations of behavior (biological, cognitive, affective, social, and individual difference bases of behavior), and diversity and culture.

APA: training in psychological skills of athletes, in the well-being of athletes, in the systemic issues associated with sports organizations and in developmental and social aspects of sports participation. Knowledge of theory and research in social, historical, cultural and developmental foundations of sport psychology; Principles and practices of applied sport psychology, including issues and techniques of sport-specific psychological assessment and mental skills training for performance enhancement and satisfaction with participation; Clinical and counseling issues with athletes; Organizational and systemic aspects of sport consulting; Understanding of the developmental and social issues related to sport participation; Knowledge of the biobehavioral bases of sport and exercise (e.g., exercise physiology, motor learning, sports medicine).

The applied portion of the program requires that students complete direct services for athletes at all levels, both in the individual and team models. Students can choose to register for Practicum (Professional Practicum Placement I) and earn credit toward the performance training or can complete these applied hours under the supervision of another AASP-certified supervisor.

COURSES

*Courses set forth by AASP include eight domains: Professional Ethics and Standards, Sport Psychology, Sport Science, Psychopathology, Helping Relationships, Research Methods & Statistics, Psychological Foundations of Behavior, Diversity and Culture.

*Students with a master’s in an allied profession may need one area instead of another, especially for sport psychology and sport science (K2 and K3). Individual transcripts will be reviewed to determine if a substitute is required and approved by the Director.

*400 hours of mentored experience are required to complete the CMPC, along with the successful completion of the AASP examination. This is not included nor guaranteed as a part of this certificate program.

^ One of the four courses are acceptable, or other courses that aligns with the AASP requirements and are approved by the Director.

*Sport Science courses depend on course offerings from Kinesiology

**Practicum is optional and possible for advanced students that apply and are accepted into the training program, only.