Still wondering what a concentration in performance, sports and exercise psychology can do for you? We’re here to answer your questions.
Performance, Sports and Exercise Psychology concentration
Integrating psychology and physical activity as a sustainable approach to life’s performance requirements
In the performance, sports, and exercise psychology concentration, you will learn roles and responsibilities, foundations of the field, theories, and applications, and fundamentals of performance consulting and working with diverse performance populations. Our aim is to assure students graduate from our program with knowledge, skills, and abilities to positively impact the lives of individuals, groups, and communities.
Concentration details
We assume that all students will choose the coursework-only option to become an Association of Applied Sports Psychology (AASP) Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). If you’re considering doing a project or thesis, make sure you reach out to a faculty member to ask if they’re willing to act as your advisor.
You may complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis. This program is designed for two-year full-time study. If a student intends to do a project or thesis completion in two years is possible.
To achieve CMPC recognition, we require a minimum of 24 credits at a 400 or 500 level. Courses are taken in sequence and it is recommended that you register for nine credit hours per semester. View an example of a typical program of study below. Your advisor will help you design a schedule to ensure you complete all the required and experiential courses within two years.
To complete the standard application process to become a CMPC, students are required to complete 400 hours under a registered approved mentor. View the AASP standard application pathway.
Students complete their practicum in the third semester and the internship is completed in the fourth semester. It is possible to complete the practicum in the summer between the second and third semesters and begin the internship in the third semester. Contact the program director to learn more about this option.
Students are prepared to work in over a dozen fields using skills they learned at UIC. View AASP’s Compensation Report for Mental Performance Work.
Program goals and objectives of our program are available upon request.
Skills development
In addition to expected knowledge gains, the PSEP program aims to develop various skills to increase the employability of graduates. These skills include:
Relationship and Communication skills
- Cultural competence
- Read, write and present different forms of information
- Gain audience engagement
- Speak in context-friendly ways
- One-on-one and team/group communication
- Give and receive feedback to peers, mentors, and clients
- Present ideas an audience will understand on first hearing
- Use virtual communications platforms
Mindset Skills
- Open to learning in all circumstances
- Curious co-learner
- Learn by doing through repetition
- Flexible and adaptive mindsets
Technical skills
- Assessment for individuals and teams
- Programming for performance improvement
- Transitioning from performance consulting situations
- Process and outcome evaluation
Consulting Skills
- Client engagement
- Program design and development
- Goal setting, decision-making, planning, and analysis
- Facilitate learning and change
Business Skills
- Administrative
- Business start-up
- Sales
- Marketing
- Networking
Hands-on Experiences 2022-2023
Hands-on experiences provide students with the opportunity to learn professional skills working with a range of clients and populations. Learning occurs working independently, in teams coaches and supervised by faculty.
- Critical Incident Training Program
- Chicago Marathon PsychTeam
- UIC Flames Athletic Department Mindful Mondays
- UIC Women’s Golf Team
- UIC Women’s Tennis
- UIC Flames Dance and Cheer Team
- ASPIRE Resilient Athlete Program for Injured Athletes
- ROTC Performance Consulting
- Health and Performance Coaching
- Career Transitions Program
Course sequence
Year 1 Fall
| KN532/KN433 | KN532: Cultural Humility in Performance, Sport & Exercise Psychology CMPC K8 KN433: Sociological Perspectives in Performance, Sport and Exercise Psychology. CMPC K3 | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN534 | Professional Ethics in Performance, Sport, and Exercise Psychology CMPC K1 | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN432 | Positive Psychology CMPC K7 | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN594 | Advanced Sports Psychology of Injury. CMPC K2 | 3 hours (core class) |
Year 1 Spring
| KN531 | Applied Sports Psychology. CMPC K2 | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN447 | Athlete Mental Health. . CMPC K4 | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN533 | Consulting Theories and Skills. CMPC K5 | 3 hours (core class) |
Year 2 Fall
| KN593 | Internship in Kinesiology. PSEP Applied Experiences | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN500 | Evidence-Based Practice in Kinesiology and Nutrition | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN433/KN532 | KN433: Sociocultural Perspectives in Performance, Sport and Exercise Psychology. KPMC K3 KN532: Cultural Humility in Performance, Sport & Exercise Psychology. CMPC K8 | 3 hours (recommended class) |
Year 2 Spring
| KN593 | Internship in Kinesiology. PSEP Applied Experiences | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN594 | Non-Sports Performance Psychology. CMPC K2 | 3 hours (recommended class) |
| KN434 | Business Branding in Performance, Sport and Exercise Psychology | 3 hours (recommended class) |
Access course descriptions here.
Graduates can take courses in motor control KN372 and exercise physiology KN352 to supplement CMPC knowledge domain requirements. In addition, students can study nutrition courses as well.
Content Section
