BS in Kinesiology: Sport Psychology & Leadership

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology & Leadership prepares students for careers in coaching, fitness leadership, sport performance enhancement, and related fields. This interdisciplinary program combines foundational knowledge of human movement with psychological principles and leadership theories specific to sport and physical activity contexts.

Students develop expertise in understanding how psychological factors affect athletic performance and how sport participation influences psychological development. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based approaches to enhancing athlete performance, improving team dynamics, and promoting physical activity across diverse populations.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the Sport Psychology & Leadership program will:

• Apply psychological theories to enhance sport performance and participation
• Demonstrate effective leadership skills in sport and fitness settings
• Conduct and interpret research related to sport and exercise psychology
• Evaluate ethical issues in sport psychology and leadership
• Design programs that promote lifelong physical activity
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations in sport and exercise contexts

Admission Requirements

Students must complete the following requirements to declare the Sport Psychology & Leadership concentration:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Completion of GNST 1010: Introduction to Psychology with grade of C or higher
• Completion of KINE 1010: Introduction to Kinesiology with grade of C or higher
• Submission of a one-page statement of purpose

Core Requirements (45 credits)

All Kinesiology majors must complete the following foundation courses:

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
KINE 2010	Human Anatomy	4
KINE 2050	Human Physiology	4
KINE 2100	Biomechanics	4
KINE 2150	Motor Learning & Control	3
KINE 3010	Exercise Physiology	4
KINE 3100	Nutrition for Physical Performance	3
KINE 3200	Research Methods in Kinesiology	3
KINE 4010	Statistics for Health Sciences	3
KINE 4200	Capstone in Kinesiology	3
KINE 4250	Professional Issues & Ethics in Kinesiology	3
KINE 4300	Physical Activity for Special Populations	3
KINE 4400	Kinesiology Practicum	6

Sport Psychology & Leadership Concentration (30 credits)

In addition to core requirements, students in the Sport Psychology & Leadership concentration must complete the following courses:

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
KINE 2600	Introduction to Sport Psychology	3
KINE 2610	Sport Leadership & Management	3
KINE 3600	Psychology of Performance Excellence	3
KINE 3610	Team Dynamics & Communication	3
KINE 3620	Motivation in Sport & Exercise	3
KINE 3630	Youth Sport Development	3
KINE 4600	Applied Sport Psychology Interventions	3
KINE 4610	Sport Coaching Methodology	3
KINE 4620	Advanced Sport Psychology	3
KINE 4630	Leadership for Change in Sport Organizations	3

Supporting Coursework (15 credits)

Students must select 15 credits from the following approved list:

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
PSYC 3010	Developmental Psychology	3
PSYC 3020	Social Psychology	3
PSYC 3050	Abnormal Psychology	3
PSYC 3100	Personality Theory	3
LEAD 2010	Foundations of Leadership	3
COMM 3010	Interpersonal Communication	3
COMM 3050	Group Communication	3
SOCI 3200	Sociology of Sport	3
EDUC 3010	Learning Theories	3
HLED 3100	Health Behavior Change	3

Practical Experience Requirements

The practicum course (KINE 4400) represents a critical component of the Sport Psychology & Leadership program. Students must complete 300 hours of supervised practical experience in an appropriate setting related to sport psychology or leadership. This may include coaching positions, fitness leadership roles, or assisting with sport psychology interventions.

Students should meet with practicum coordinators at least one semester prior to enrollment to discuss placement opportunities. All practicum sites must be approved by the program faculty.

Program Progression & Academic Policies

To remain in good standing in the Sport Psychology & Leadership concentration, students must:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Complete all concentration courses with a grade of C or higher
• Complete the practicum requirement during the senior year
• Apply for graduation by the published deadline in their final semester

Students who fall below the required GPA will be placed on academic probation and given one semester to meet the minimum standard. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from the concentration.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Sport Psychology & Leadership program pursue diverse career paths including:

• Sport Psychology Consultant
• Coach at various levels (youth, high school, collegiate)
• Fitness Center Manager/Director
• Sport Administrator
• Corporate Wellness Coordinator
• Athletic Development Coach
• Sport Performance Enhancement Specialist
• Recreational Sport Programmer

Many graduates continue their education in master's programs in sport psychology, counseling, or business administration. Students planning to pursue graduate study in psychology are encouraged to take additional courses beyond program requirements to meet admission requirements for many graduate programs.

Faculty Advisors

Students are assigned a faculty advisor upon acceptance into the concentration. Regular advising appointments are essential for program completion. Students should meet with their advisor at least once per semester to discuss course selection, practicum placements, and career planning.