Program Overview

M.S. in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology

The Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology Master of Science program is designed to prepare students for careers in sport psychology, exercise psychology, and in coaching. In particular, graduates may work as athletic performance enhancement specialists, health behavior coaches, sports coaches, and/or as researchers and teachers in academic settings.

Program Overview

The Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology Master of Science program consists of 36 units. Students are required to take core classes, elective courses, and have the option to complete a thesis or comprehensive exam/capstone. Courses are designed to facilitate those seeking AASP certification (CMPC) and applied opportunities are available for students to accumulate mentored experience hours. The curriculum, as well as research and applied activities, are well suited for students interested in pursuing doctoral education, (Psy.D./Ph.D.).

Options

The program offers three options:

• Sport Psychology option: includes coursework for students who wish to become applied consultants working in performance enhancement in sport or other performance domains, as well as those who plan to continue on in PsyD or PhD programs. This option provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with athletes and teams to enhance performance and achieve success. Students will take courses such as KIN 572 - Applied Sport Psychology, KIN 575 - Psychology of Coaching, and KIN 579 - Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury.
• Exercise Psychology option: provides coursework and research opportunities for students who plan to go on to PhD programs or work in wellness or public health. This option focuses on the psychological factors that influence exercise behavior and the effects of exercise on mental and physical health. Students will take courses such as KIN 562 - Advanced Strength and Conditioning, KIN 568 - Nutrition for Exercise and Performance, and KIN 572 - Applied Sport Psychology.
• Coaching and Student-Athlete Development option: is intended for coaches working in secondary or post-secondary educational, community, or club settings. This option provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to coach and develop student-athletes, including courses such as KIN 541 - Applied Biomechanics: Lifting and Work Capacity, KIN 562 - Advanced Strength and Conditioning, and KIN 575 - Psychology of Coaching.

Faculty

The program has a strong faculty with expertise in various areas of sport, exercise, and performance psychology. The faculty includes:

• Dr. Alison Ede: Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Long Beach. Her research focus is in exercise psychology, specifically examining social aspects of exercise that can be improved to promote healthier exercise environments.
• Dr. Jana Fogaca: Assistant Professor, Kinesiology Department, California State University, Long Beach. Her research interests include professional development in sport psychology, applied sport psychology, and weight stigma.
• Dr. Leilani Madrigal: Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Long Beach. Her scholarly impact on the field of sport psychology heavily lies on the examination of mental toughness, particularly on measurement and development of this positive characteristic.
• Dr. Tiffanye Vargas: Professor, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Long Beach. Her research interests include verbal persuasion and self- and coaching-efficacy, and coaching athletes with hidden disabilities.

Curriculum

The program consists of 36 units, with the following required coursework:

• KIN 574 – Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 576 – Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis (3 units)
• KIN 577 – Sport in U.S. Culture (3 units)
• KIN 578 – Psychological Aspect of Exercise and Fitness (3 units)
• KIN 696 – Research Methods and Statistical Analysis (3 units) Students must also select a culminating activity, either a thesis or a project, and complete elective courses within their chosen option.

Elective Courses

The program offers a range of elective courses, including:

• KIN 512 – Professional Ethics and Standards in Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 572 – Applied Sport Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 575 – Psychology of Coaching (3 units)
• KIN 579 – Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury (3 units)
• KIN 581 – Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology Practicum (3 units)
• KIN 633 – Seminar in Sport Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 697 – Directed Studies (1-3 units)

Why Long Beach

The program at California State University, Long Beach offers students opportunities for research and consulting, and has shown great success in these areas. Between 2020 and 2023, students and faculty have:

• Hosted AASP's Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Conference (DISCon) in 2023
• Presented 12 AASP national presentations co-authored with students
• Presented 5 national presentations co-authored with students (non-AASP conferences)
• Published 12 publications co-authored with students
• Received 3 AASP grants awarded (2021, 2022 AASP Research Grants; 2022 Gualberto Cremades International Research Grant)
• Had 11 graduate students successfully complete a thesis study
• Had 46 students obtain supervised consulting hours across approximately 15 placement sites

How to Apply

To apply to the program, students must complete the following steps:

1. Fill out the Cal State Apply application
2. Submit official transcripts to Enrollment Services
3. Upload a statement of purpose, diversity statement, and resume/CV directly to Cal State Apply
4. Submit names and email addresses of 3 people who will write recommendation letters for the student via Cal State Apply Applications are due on February 15th, and students are only accepted in the fall.

Professional Organizations

The program encourages students to join at least one professional organization, such as:

• Association for Applied Sport Psychology
• North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
• American Psychological Association, Division 47 These organizations provide students with opportunities for networking, professional development, and access to resources and conferences.