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The master of arts in sport and performance psychology program is a pioneering academic offering, combining innovative training, applied research and practice. The program is designed to develop individuals in the sport, performing arts, health and fitness, and mental health fields who want to improve the performance and lives of the people with which they work. We focus on the psychological factors that influence human performance while practicing assessment and intervention strategies that enhance an individual’s performance and personal growth.

Program Highlights

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    Specialized Curriculum

    Our curriculum is the most comprehensive sport and performance psychology curriculum available, specifically designed for sports psychology, as opposed to programs that add it on top of their generalized curriculum.

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    Practicum Opportunities

    We offer numerous, diverse options for practicum, with established sites ranging from high school and collegiate athletic departments to local exercise and health-related businesses. We also allow our students to design their own practicum.

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    Exemplary Faculty

    Our faculty members are recognized leaders in the field of applied sport and performance psychology, with experience practicing on a daily basis.

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    Center for Performance Excellence

    Students have the opportunity to work in the Center for Performance Excellence (CPEX), which is a MASPP student-led, faculty-supervised consultation service.

Featured Courses

CPSY 4652

Theoretical Aspects of Sport and Performance Psychology

About this Course

This course is an in-depth exploration of selected aspects of the theories of sport psychology along with applications of these theories to other performance domains. An advanced understanding of the field of sport and performance psychology is pursued in relation to psychosocial aspects involved in both the preparation and performance processes among adults, youth, and children who represent all skill levels. The explored areas include: (a) motivation, confidence, and anxiety in sport and performance, (b) selected topics in social psychology and psychobiology, (c) psychological skills training, and (d) special topics (e.g., personality, flow, injuries, burnout).

CPSY 4671

Theories of Performance Excellence

About this Course

This course is designed to familiarize students with theories of performance excellence developed by leading practitioners. Each week, students are exposed to a different practitioner's approach, which often includes an opportunity to observe the practitioner's style through video. Emphasis is placed on the role of theory in practice, theory-based conceptualizations utilizing a case study format, and comparing and contrasting the different theories.

CPSY 4690

Sport and Performance Psychology Interventions

About this Course

This course is designed to familiarize students with the application of sport and performance psychology interventions. Students experience the building of a sport and performance psychology program. This program includes the cardinal skills of relaxation, concentration, imagery, self-talk, and mental routine; followed by broader topics such as goal setting, motivation, confidence, cohesion, engagement, and mastery. The instructor briefly reviews relevant theory and research followed by demonstrations of techniques and strategies, after which students learn by doing. Specific attention is given to blending the science of peak performance with the art of applying science.

Program Requirements

  • Degree and GPA Requirements
    • Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
    • Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.
    • Program GPA requirement: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for this program is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Standardized Test Scores

    The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency by the deadline. The institution code for the University of Denver is 4842.

  • English Language Proficiency Test Score Requirements

    The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/CAE test score requirements for this degree program are:

    • Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80
    • Minimum TOEFL Score (Paper-based test): 550
    • Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
    • Minimum CAE Score: 169

    English Conditional Admission: No, this program does not offer English Conditional Admission.