Job Requirements and Career Opportunities with a Sports Psychology Degree
For sports fans who also have an interest in mental health, getting a degree in sports psychology can lead to the perfect job. If this sounds like an interesting career route to you, here’s some of the main information you need to know about a career in this field:
Sports Psychology Education
Your first step in becoming a sports psychologist to get a quality education in this field. To get started, you need at least a bachelor’s degree, though most employers require a graduate degree, since you need a master’s degree (or doctorate in some states) to be certified as a psychologist. Your education will include general psychology classes, as well as classes specific to concepts important in sports, such as setting goals, concentration, visualization, motivation, and relaxation. In addition, your education will likely also include research projects and could even include an internship where you’ll get real-life work experience. Sports psychology is a relatively new field, so most colleges offer a general psychology degree with the ability to specialize in sports psychology.
Daily Tasks as a Sports Psychologist
Most sports psychologists work with a specific team or school to help players, coaches, and other sports-related staff members. Many work directly with athletes to help them enhance performance, and you could also teach coaches how to better work with their team, manage the emotions of those dealing with injuries, and deal with both team wins and team losses. Some sports psychologists also work in a more general psychology setting, but their specialization helps them work more effectively with athletes who are dealing with other problems in life, such as divorce or anxiety.You might be considered part of the coaching staff and be part of games and practices, or you might work in a more removed role, on an as-needed basis.
Career Opportunities for Sports Psychologists
Although most sports psychologists work with a specific sports franchise or colleges, these aren’t your only options. You could also start your own consulting services, where you’ll work with multiple athletes, or you could even work one-on-one with a sports star, though these opportunities are rare. Entry-level positions typically have you working as part of a team, and as you gain experience in the field, you can take on leadership roles and eventually become one of the senior-level members of a team’s coaching staff.
