Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology

The Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology (SEPP) program offers those preparing for careers as coaches, sport practitioners and sport administrators the knowledge of psychological theory and skills development to enhance human behavior in sport and exercise settings. The discipline explores social-psychological concepts such as self-confidence, anxiety or burnout, and shows how these concepts often impact athletes in a sport environment or influence artistic performers. The SEPP major prepares students with essential understanding of sport performance and ethical practice to work in a wide range of sport-related fields, such as coaching, mental conditioning or sport specialists.

What is Sport Psychology?

Sport psychology is the study of psychological factors that influence athletic performance and how participation in sports and exercise can affect the psychological and physical well-being of athletes. Researchers in this field explore how psychology can be used to optimize athletic performance and how exercise can be utilized to improve mood and lower stress levels.

Sport psychology professionals can assist with performance enhancement, motivation, stress management, anxiety control, or mental toughness. They also can help with injury rehabilitation, team building, burnout, or career transitioning.

People in this position don't just work with athletes. They can work with coaches, parents, administrators, fitness professionals, performers, organizations, or everyday exercisers to demonstrate how we can utilize exercise, sport, and athletics to enhance our lives and psychological development.