1. Sport psychology Graig M. Chow, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sport Psychology
Sport Psychology Practitioner

2. The Field
Psychological factors that influence participation and performance in sport and exercise
Psychological effects derived from participation
Theories and interventions to enhance performance, participation, and personal growth

3. Areas of Specialization and Interventions
Personality
Motivation
Stress and anxiety
Group dynamics
Mental skills training
Concentration
Exercise behavior/adherence
Injury
Burnout
Clinical sport psychology
Character development
Youth sport
Interventions
Relaxation
Imagery
Goal setting
Self-talk
Routines
Activation
Biofeedback
Mindfulness
Self-regulation techniques
Hypnosis
Team Building
Communication skills

4. Typically there is a mix of these activities
Research
Consulting
Teaching
Typically there is a mix of these activities

5. Employment Opportunities
Faculty position
Research center
Private practice (CC-AASP)
Private practice (clinical or counseling)
Army Center for Enhanced Performance (ACEP)
University counseling center
University athletic department
U.S. Olympic Committee
Sport academies
Academic athletic counselor
Lifestyle coach
Performance psychology with unique populations (musicians, business, performing artists)

6. Graduate Training Sport psychology/kinesiology/sport sciences track
Masters = 2 years
Ph.D. = 3-5 years
CC-AASP
Clinical or counseling psychology track
Ph.D. = 4-7 years, including internship
Postdoctoral training may be necessary
Licensed psychologist
Masters in sport psychology and Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology has been recommended

7. Salary Faculty or athletic department = 55-150k ACEP = 60-90K
Counseling center = 55-90k
Private practice = range is much wider with higher ceiling and lower floor

8. Amount and Stability of Employment
Limited tenure track professor positions and full-time applied work with only athlete clients
ACEP is largest employer of sport psychology graduate students
Adjunct faculty, athletic department, and college and professional retainer opportunities are increasing
Rapid growth in exercise psychology and application of sport psychology to non-athlete populations

9. Dress Code
Business casual in university and clinical or counseling private practice settings
However, because much consulting work with athletes and teams occurs during practice, athletic coaching attire is appropriate

10. Turnover
Low turnover rate for faculty, university (counseling center, athletic department), and USOC positions
Higher turnover rate for private practice and ACEP

11. Undergraduate Experiences
Graduate school is necessary
B.A. in psychology and/or kinesiology
Typical admission requirements (varies by program)
GPA of 3.3 or higher
GRE
At or above the 50th percentile for verbal/quantitative
At or above the 60th percentile for analytical writing
Research experience of one year or higher
Strong letters of recommendation

12. Most Rewarding Aspects
Variety of activities and available opportunities
Research that informs consulting and teaching
Consulting with recreational to professional/ international level athletes across all age groups
Supervision of neophyte sport psychology consultants
International travel opportunities

13. Biggest Drawbacks Tenure track professor positions are limited
Grant funding for research is scarce – need to be innovative
Difficult to find a career with only a Masters
Full-time consulting work with only athlete clients is rare

14. Resources APA Division 47 AASP NASPSPA FSU Sport Psychology
AASP
NASPSPA
FSU Sport Psychology
Directory of Graduate Programs in Applied Sport Psychology