Performance, Sport 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.

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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 2022-2024

Hands-on experiences provide students with the opportunity to learn professional skills while delivering PSEP services to a range of clients across the UIC campus and Chicagoland. Students work independently or collaboratively to develop relationships with individual performers, teams, leaders, and organizations. Service hours are supervised by faculty and count towards becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant.

Army ROTC
ASPIRE Resilient Athlete Program for Injured Athletes
Athlete Career Transition Consulting Program
Critical Incident Training Program
Chicago Marathon PsychTeam
Youth and Adult Dance and Performing Arts
State Departments of Natural Resources: Conservation Police Officers
College Prep Athletics
UIC Flames Athletic Department Mindful Mondays
NCAA Division I Athletes and Teams
Undergraduate Career Performance Consulting
Sports from youth to professional levels: Baseball, Water Polo, Dance and Cheer, Golf, Tennis, Soccer, Softball, Swim & Dive, Track & Field, Cross-country, Basketball, Rugby

Year 1

Explore the each semester schedule — including courses, activities, and opportunities — by clicking through the tabs below.

Fall semester

KN 531	Applied Sport Psychology	3 hours (core class)
KN 533	Consulting Theories & Skills	3 hours (core class)
KN 534	Professional Ethics in Performance, Sport, and Exercise Psychology	3 hours (core class)

Spring semester

KN 447	Athlete Mental Health. CMPC K4	3 hours (core class)
KN 432	Positive Psychology	3 hours (core class)
KN 433	Sociological Perspectives in Performance, Sport &Exercise Psychology	3 hours (core class)

Year 2

Explore the each semester schedule — including courses, activities, and opportunities — by clicking through the tabs below.

Fall semester

KN 500	Evidence-Based Practice in Kinesiology and Nutrition	3 hours (core class)
KN 532	Cultural Humility in Performance, Sport & Exercise Psychology. CMPC K8	3 hours (recommended class)
KN 537	Psychology of Sport Injury	3 hours (core class)

Spring semester

KN 593	Internship in Kinesiology.	3 hours (core class)
KN 536	Non-Sports Performance Psychology. CMPC K2	3 hours (recommended class)
KN 434	Business Branding in Performance, Sport and Exercise Psychology	3 hours (recommended class)

Course descriptons

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.

Questions?

Still wondering what a concentration in performance, sports and exercise psychology can do for you? We’re here to answer your questions.

You can contact John Coumbe-Lilley at:
Email jcoumb1@uic.edu
Phone 312-996-0152
Address 901 W. Roosevelt Rd.
334 PEB, MC 194
Chicago, IL 60608