Sport and Performance Psychology, M.S.

California Baptist University

Program Summary – Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology (M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology)

The Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology program is designed to provide advanced knowledge and practical skills for professionals seeking to enhance the mental and emotional performance of athletes, performers, and individuals in competitive environments. This program focuses on the application of psychological principles and techniques to improve mental toughness, motivation, stress management, and overall performance. Students learn to work with athletes, teams, and individuals across a variety of performance fields to help them overcome mental barriers and maximize their potential. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in sports psychology, coaching, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement across diverse fields.

Key Program Features:

• Advanced Psychological Techniques – Delving deeper into cognitive and emotional strategies to enhance performance, including advanced techniques for mental resilience, focus, and motivation.
• Performance Enhancement and Well-Being – Focus on holistic approaches to improving mental health and physical performance, integrating techniques like mindfulness, relaxation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
• Practical Fieldwork and Internships – Opportunities to work with athletes, performers, and organizations to gain hands-on experience in applying performance psychology principles.
• Research and Evidence-Based Practices – Emphasis on research in sport and performance psychology to understand and refine techniques that can improve performance outcomes.
• Ethics and Professional Practice – Ethical considerations in the practice of sports psychology, including confidentiality, cultural competency, and professional conduct when working with athletes and performers.

Key Areas of Study:

1. Psychological Foundations of Performance – An in-depth exploration of psychological theories, including motivation, stress, emotion regulation, and how these influence athletic and performance outcomes.
2. Applied Sport and Performance Psychology – Techniques and strategies to enhance individual and team performance in sports, music, theater, and other performance settings.
3. Mental Skills Training for Athletes and Performers – Developing skills like visualization, goal setting, self-talk, and relaxation techniques to optimize performance.
4. Health and Wellness for Performance – Addressing the mental and physical health aspects that contribute to optimal performance, including injury recovery, stress management, and building resilience.
5. Research Methods in Sport and Performance Psychology – Learning how to conduct research, analyze data, and apply findings to improve performance strategies.
6. Leadership in Sport Psychology – Training to assume leadership roles in organizations or teams, managing psychological services and ensuring effective performance strategies.
7. Consultation and Coaching in Performance – Preparing students to work with coaches, athletes, and performers to implement mental training programs and enhance performance through one-on-one or group sessions.

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology program are prepared for leadership and specialized roles in a wide range of industries, including:

• Sport Psychologist – Providing psychological services to athletes and teams to enhance performance, manage anxiety, and cope with competition pressure.
• Performance Coach – Working with performers in various fields such as music, theater, and business to improve focus, self-confidence, and overall mental performance.
• Consultant in Sports and Performance Settings – Advising athletes, coaches, and teams on mental strategies, team dynamics, and overall performance enhancement.
• Mental Health Specialist for Athletes – Helping athletes deal with mental health issues like burnout, depression, and anxiety, ensuring they can perform at their best.
• Researcher in Sport Psychology – Engaging in research to explore new performance-enhancing techniques and contribute to the field’s development.
• Corporate Wellness and Team Building Specialist – Using performance psychology to improve productivity, motivation, and collaboration within corporate environments or teams.
• Rehabilitation and Injury Recovery Specialist – Assisting athletes in recovering from injuries through mental techniques that support physical rehabilitation and recovery.