Argosy University, Atlanta; Argosy University, Inland Empire; Argosy University, Orange County; Argosy University, Phoenix
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (MA) in Sport-Exercise Psychology degree program is designed to educate and train students to function as capable and ethical performance enhancement specialists. This two-year degree is intended to meet the needs of students seeking employment in a variety of settings, including private practice, athletic departments, coaching, exercise/ health, and education, as well as those who will ultimately pursue a doctorate degree. The goals of the program include developing student competencies in the following areas: theoretical foundations, helping relationships, individual and group skills, normal and abnormal behavior, sport sciences, research and evaluation, diversity, and professional identity.
Based on the educational requirements outlined by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), the curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation in applied sport psychology, an understanding of normal and abnormal psychological functioning, and a knowledge base in the physiological, motor, and psychosocial aspects of sport behavior. Graduates of the MA in Sport-Exercise Psychology degree program are eligible to apply for “provisional status” as a Certified Consultant, AASP.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Outcome One: Theoretical Foundations
Comprehend and apply core theory and research body in sport-exercise psychology that serves as a foundation for practice
Program Outcome Two: Helping Relationships
Effectively and ethically establish and maintain relationships in professional settings
Program Outcome Three: Individual Skills
Demonstrate an ability to appropriately assess and conceptualize case material and plan and implement interventions to individuals in sport-exercise settings
Program Outcome Four: Group Skills
Demonstrate and ability to appropriately assess case material and develop and implement interventions to groups in sport-exercise settings
Program Outcome Five: Normal and Abnormal Behavior
Identify and label psychopathology and developmental growth in sport-exercise settings
Program Six: Sport Sciences
Comprehend and apply core theory and research of the physiological, motor, and psychosocial bases of behavior in sport-exercise settings
Program Outcome Seven: Research and Evaluation
Critically evaluate research and apply scientific methodology to analysis of case material
Program Outcome Eight: Diversity
Comprehend and value human diversity in professional settings
Program Outcome Nine: Professional Identity
Value and demonstrate attitudes essential for continual learning and scholarly inquiry
Admission Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed below, the Admissions Committee also takes into consideration the qualities essential to becoming an effective applied sport psychology professional. Material is also required which will help to determine the individual’s personal integrity, maturity, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate. Required materials include:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a nationally accredited institution approved and documented by the faculty and dean of the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, or an appropriately certified foreign institution.
- A 2.7 grade point average for the bachelor’s degree used as the basis of admission, or a grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of coursework (including graduate work).
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies, “English Language Proficiency Policy .”
All applications for admission must be submitted to the Admissions Department. An admissions representative is available to help interested applicants complete the following required documentation:
- Completed Application for Admission Form
- Application fee (Non-refundable, except in California and Arizona. In the state of Arizona, the application fee is refundable if the application is canceled within three business days of the applicant signing the Enrollment Agreement.)
- Personal/professional goal statement with a self-appraisal of qualifications for the profession
- Current résumé (or career summary)
- Three completed Applicant Recommendation Forms
- If the basis of admission is an earned bachelor’s degree with a 2.7 grade point average, an official transcript from the degree granting institution
- If the basis of admission is a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) for the last 60 hours of coursework, official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended during the 60 hours of study
Exceptions to the Minimum Grade Point Average
Applicants with grade point average between 2.5 and 2.7 may be considered for admission on an exceptions basis. Exceptions must be approved by the program chair or designee. Exceptions must be documented, signed, placed, and retained in the student’s academic file. Students admitted on an exception basis will be assigned provisional status. See “Exceptions to Admission Requirements .”
Applicants with a grade point average between 2.0 and 2.4 may be considered for admission with significant evidence of academic and professional potential demonstrated by career and/or personal accomplishments indicated in the statement of academic and professional goals, the career summary, and academic or professional letters of recommendation. Exceptions must be approved by the program chair or designee . Exceptions must be justified, documented, signed, placed, and retained in the student’s academic file. Students admitted on an exception basis will be assigned provisional status. See “Exceptions to Admission Requirements .”
Admissions Notification
Students are notified in writing of the decision made by the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Applicants who have been denied admission may reapply after the passage of one year from the date of denial by submitting all documents required of a new applicant. Individuals who intend to reapply for admission are strongly encouraged to contact the Admissions Department prior to reapplying.
Applications to Multiple Campuses
Applicants who are undecided with respect to the location they wish to attend should submit an application and full set of application materials to their location of first choice. Applicants who are accepted into their location of first choice and who, prior to beginning the program, determine they want to complete the same program at a different location, should notify the initial location of record of that intent. Provided that the same program is available, all previous approvals and credits accepted will remain in force. If an individual requests to change programs, he or she will need to meet all admission requirements of the new program.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for graduation, students will be responsible for completing the program requirements that are in effect at the time of admission. Argosy University retains the right to modify these requirements in accordance with the demands of the profession. To be eligible for graduation, students must meet the following requirements:
- Successful completion of 48 credit hours, which must be completed by the end of the fifth year of matriculation. The total credit hours must include:
- 39 credit hours of required coursework
- 3 credit hours of elective coursework
- 6 credit hours of practicum and practicum seminar
- Successful completion of the Sport Psychology Competency Evaluation
- GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0), and a grade of “B-” or better in all required courses
- Completion of all degree requirements within a maximum time frame of five years
- A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration
Writing Program
Students are expected to demonstrate competence in professional writing using APA style. Student writing is assessed to evaluate clarity, organization and style. Some students may be required to complete a writing course or tutorial during the program.
Program Requirements
Students admitted into the MA in Sport-Exercise Psychology degree program are responsible for completing the program requirements that are in effect at the time of their admission. In addition to the credit hour requirements outlined below, students must also complete Professionalization Group and the Sport Psychology Competency Evaluation. The MA in Sport-Exercise degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 48 credit hours, distributed as follows: basic interventions in counseling requirements, 6 credit hours; cognitive bases of behavior requirement, 3 credit hours; elective requirement, 3 credit hours; individual behavior requirement, 3 credit hours; motor bases of sport requirement, 3 credit hours; physiological bases of sport requirement, 3 credit hours; professional ethics and standards requirement, 3 credit hours; psychopathology requirement, 3 credit hours; research design and statistics requirement, 3 credit hours; social bases of behavior requirement, 3 credit hours; sport psychology course requirements, 9 credit hours; and supervised applied sport psychology practicum requirements, 6 credit hours.
