Business Administration - John F. Kennedy University

College of
Professional Studies
College of Professional Studies
Sport Psychology
Ma Sport Psychology
The MA Sport Psychology program curriculum is designed to
expose students to an integrated model of sport psychology
education that includes performance enhancement techniques,
counseling skills, and sport science. The program consists of 77
units which students can complete within approximately a two-year
process. Emphasis is placed on training students to understand the
theories behind sport psychology and to be able to apply
perform ance enhancement techniques in diverse settings.
This program is offered at the Pleasant Hill campus and is one of
the few in the United States specifically designed to integrate
performance enhancement techniques, counseling skills, and sport
science within the field of sport psychology. The sport psychology
coursework covers research, theory, and the applica tion of
psychology to such areas as optimal performance, at-risk youth,
and group dynamics. The counseling skills courses include
theoretical and experiential learning in fundamental counseling
skills, group dynamics, psychopathology, and cross-cultural
dynamics. Sport science courses expose students to the major
biophysical sub-disciplines of kinesiology, biomechanics, sport
injury, and exercise physiology. Students also study the
funda mentals of consultation and the theories and techniques of
problem solving processes. Students learn how to develop their
own consultation practice.
In addition to coursework, students complete four quarters of
supervised field experience in sport psychology. The first and
second place ments are generally in the LEAP Project (Life
Enhancement Through Athletic and Academic Participation). The
first is at the University Summer Camps and the second at a LEAP
site in which student interns work with high school students both
on and off the playing field. The student interns teach athletic teams
how to utilize performance-enhancement techniques across all
areas of their lives. Subsequent field experiences include
community and recreation organizations, high schools,
universities, at risk youth treatment facilities, and club sport.
Concurrent with all field placements, students must participate in
individual and group supervision.
At the end of the first year, students take a written examination. In
their second year, students are required to complete a master’s
thesis in which they pursue in depth a sport psychology research
interest of their choice. At the end of the program, students
complete an oral examination. Students are required to respond to
sport psychology scenarios by the faculty examiners and
demon strate an ability to integrate theoretical models, research,
ethical principles, and issues of diversity within their formulation
responses.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to be a leader in the recognition and dissemination of
sport psychology education, training and practice within a
multicultural context.
Mission Statement
The JFKU Sport Psychology program provides academically
rigorous training to help students become effective sport
psy chology practitioners. Experiential training is guided by
theoreti cal models, research, ethical principles and how diversity
impacts the field of sport psychology. Students who successfully
com plete the innovative program are able to integrate the core
elements of performance enhancement, counseling skills, and sport
science within their practice.
admission requirements
In addition to the University requirements listed previously in this
catalog, applicants to the Sport Psychology Program must submit
the following:
• Official transcripts from bachelor conferring institution and any
post-bachelor credits (including other master’s degrees). With
rare exceptions, a 3.0 GPA is required for admission.
• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
(International applicants to the program must have the
equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.)
• A personal statement, no longer than four double-spaced,
typewritten pages. The statement should reflect the applicant’s
interest in the field of sport psychology and rationale for
applying to this program.
• Three letters of recommendation which attest to the applicant’s
suitability for the program are required. Two of the three
recommendations will preferably be from former or current
instructors.
110 College of Professional Studies JOHn F. KEnnEdy UnIvErSITy