Sport and Performance Psychology, B.S.

California Baptist University

Program Summary – Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology (B.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology)

The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology program focuses on the psychological factors that influence athletic performance, individual achievement, and overall well-being in various performance settings. This interdisciplinary program combines principles from psychology, sports science, and performance coaching to help individuals improve their performance through mental strategies, motivation, and emotional regulation. Students are trained to understand the psychological impact of sport, fitness, and performance on individuals and teams, preparing them for careers in sports psychology, coaching, and performance-based fields.

Key Program Features:

• Foundational Psychological Knowledge – Students learn core psychological theories and practices, including mental health, motivation, emotion regulation, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
• Applied Sports Psychology – The program focuses on practical applications of psychology to sports and performance settings, emphasizing areas like concentration, anxiety management, confidence building, and team dynamics.
• Performance Enhancement Techniques – Students study mental skills training techniques used by athletes and performers to optimize performance, such as visualization, relaxation, goal-setting, and self-talk.
• Diverse Career Pathways – Graduates can work with athletes, performers, coaches, and teams to improve mental aspects of performance in various fields, including sports, music, theater, and business.
• Research Opportunities – Opportunities to engage in research and practical experiences related to performance psychology, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in the field.

Key Areas of Study:

1. Psychology of Performance – Understanding the psychological factors that impact performance, including cognitive processes, stress management, and emotional regulation.
2. Mental Skills Training – Techniques to improve focus, motivation, and mental resilience, tailored to athletes and performers.
3. Sport and Performance Coaching – Developing the skills needed to coach athletes and performers in a supportive and performance-enhancing manner.
4. Group Dynamics and Team Building – Fostering positive team environments and understanding group behavior in sports and performance settings.
5. Psychological Assessments – Learning how to assess mental states and psychological readiness, including the use of psychological tests and evaluations for performance enhancement.
6. Health and Wellness Psychology – Examining the relationship between mental health and overall well-being, including coping strategies for stress, burnout, and injury recovery.
7. Ethics in Sports and Performance Psychology – Exploring ethical considerations when working with athletes, performers, and other clients, including confidentiality, professional boundaries, and cultural sensitivity.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the B.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology program are prepared for a wide range of careers, including:

• Sport Psychologist – Working with athletes and teams to enhance mental performance, manage stress, and promote well-being.
• Performance Coach – Helping performers in areas like music, theater, and business optimize their mental focus and performance.
• Athletic Trainer or Coach – Integrating performance psychology strategies to improve athletic training and competition readiness.
• Fitness and Wellness Coach – Applying mental training techniques to wellness and fitness programs to help individuals reach their physical and psychological goals.
• Corporate Wellness Programs – Using performance psychology to improve workplace productivity, employee well-being, and stress management.
• Rehabilitation and Recovery Specialist – Working with injured athletes or performers to aid their recovery through mental strategies and motivation.
• Researcher in Sport and Performance Psychology – Conducting studies and contributing to the field through new insights into performance and mental health.