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, fundamentals of performance coaching 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 Coach (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 and part-time basis. This usually takes two and a half to three years. (If you choose to do a project or thesis, you’ll likely take longer).
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.
Hands-on Experiences 2022-2023
- Critical Incident Training Program
- Chicago Marathon PsychTeam
- UIC Flames Athletic Department Mindful Mondays
- UIC Women’s Golf Team
- UIC Flames Dance and Cheer Team
- ASPIRE Resilient Athlete Program for Injured Athletes
- ROTC Performance Consulting
- Health and Performance Coaching
- Career Transitions Program
Program goals and objectives of our program are available upon request.
Year 1 Fall
| KN532 | Cultural Humility in Performance, Sport & Exercise Psychology | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN534 | Professional Ethics in Performance, Sport, and Exercise Psychology | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN432 | Positive Psychology | 3 hours (core class) |
Year 1 Spring
| KN531 | Applied Sports Psychology | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN447 | Athlete Mental Health | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN533 | Consulting Theories and Skills | 3 hours (core class) |
Year 2 Fall
| KN585 | Practicum in Health, Exercise and Sport Behavior Applications | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN500 | Evidence-Based Practice in Kinesiology and Nutrition | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN494 | Counseling in Sports Medicine | 3 hours (recommended class) |
Year 2 Spring
| KN593 | Internship in Kinesiology | 3 hours (core class) |
| KN491 | Professional Preparation | 3 hours (recommended class) |
| KN434 | Business Branding in Performance, Sport and Exercise Psychology | 3 hours (recommended class) |
Access course descriptions here.
