Robert Morris University is one of the only undergraduate programs in the country to offer formalized coursework in sport psychology and is the only undergraduate program in Western Pennsylvania that offers training experiences for undergraduates interested in careers in sport and exercise psychology.
Sport psychology explores how psychological factors affect sport performance and how engaging in sport and exercise impacts a person’s physical health and psychological well-being. RMU's sport psychology curriculum is based within the psychology program. Students take a series of six courses related to psychology, sport, learning, performance, physical activity and nutrition, and development.
A Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Sport Psychology is a versatile degree that can prepare students for entry-level jobs in the sport and wellness industries. Students with training in sport and exercise psychology are well-suited for careers in areas such as:
With further education, a student trained in sport psychology will be qualified to work as a consultant or athletic counselor, professor, or in research or educational positions at places such as the NCAA or the Army Center for Enhanced Performance. The sport psychology concentration is designed to prepare students to be competitive applicants to graduate programs in the field.
Below is a typical four-year course of study for sport psychology students, including major requirements and electives. Your own schedule will vary based on your own interests.
| FRESHMAN/Fall Semester | FRESHMAN/Spring Semester |
| General Psychology | survey of Economics |
| Fundamentals of Info. Systems | Principles of Sociology |
| Reading & Writing Strategies | Math Reasoning w/ Apps. |
| Physical Fitness | Argument & Research |
| U.S. History I | Applied Psychology |
| SOPHOMORE/Fall Semester | SOPHOMORE/Spring Semester |
| Humanities: Art and Music | Statistics |
| Public Speaking & Persuasion | Professional Communications |
| Child Psychology | Physiological Psychology |
| Literature elective | Sensation & Perception |
| Social Psychology | Abnormal Psychology |
| JUNIOR/Fall Semester | JUNIOR/Spring Semester |
| Methods in Behavioral Research | Industrial Psychology |
| Cognitive Psychology | Psychology of Learning |
| Psychology of Sport | Sport Psychology elective |
| General elective | General elective |
| General elective | General elective |
| SENIOR/Fall Semester | SENIOR/Spring Semester |
| Applied Psych. Thesis | Sport Psychology elective |
| Applied Psych. Practicum | General elective |
| Sport Psychology elective | General elective |
| General elective | General elective |
| General elective | General elective |
For students in other majors, RMU also offers a psychology minor, which can serve at least two purposes. It can support a major by enabling students to obtain greater depth in a related discipline; and it can provide some competency in an area of interest that is unrelated to a student's major. Ultimately, the psychology minor will help students learn about the science of psychology as well as increase their understanding of contemporary issues in the field to help them think critically about human behavior.
For example, students in elementary or secondary education may decide to minor in psychology in order to enhance their knowledge of the cognitive and behavioral issues pertaining to children and young adults. A business major interested in a human resources career could develop a competitive advantage by pursuing a minor in psychology. Many students simply enjoy psychology topics or are interested in learning more about themselves and can acquire the academic recognition of such interest by completing the minor in psychology.
At Robert Morris University, we’re not just training our students to get a job, we’re educating them for a whole series of professional careers—and for a lifetime of enrichment and contribution. We call the RMU education “engaged learning,” and we are one of a handful of schools around the nation that offers students a Student Engagement Transcript to certify their character-building credentials as well as their academic credentials. Our unique combination of high-quality academics with a professional focus allows us to transform our graduates.
The SESS faculty is comprised of caring individuals who accept the responsibility for educating the "whole" student at RMU. Consequently, our faculty members are specialists in their areas of expertise who effectively implement sound instructional practices when teaching and just as importantly, they engage students in a variety of purposeful enrichment activities outside the classroom setting. As all faculty possess related work experience as practitioners in the field, such as principals, superintendents, teachers, researchers, authors, psychologists, counselors, etc., students learn from them first-hand what it takes to succeed.
Scholarships are available based upon academic achievement.
For freshmen, high school grade point average and ACT/SAT scores are used. For transfer students, the cumulative grade point average of all college courses is used. Scholarships range from $1000 per year up to full tuition. (To calculate your scholarship eligibility, click here.)
Higher education is an investment in your future.
At Robert Morris University, we will work closely with you to show you how to finance your education through a combination of need-based financial aid, scholarships, and financing strategies to make your education attainable. RMU has one of the lowest tuition rates of all private institutions in the state, but we know that financing your education can be complicated, and your family might need help in understanding your options.
Talk to us—we can help!
Email us at finaid@rmu.edu
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