Although some schools might offer a specific degree in exercise psychology, it is generally taught as a division of sports medicine, according to the PsychologySchoolsU website. The subject offers an in-depth look into the mind of athletes. Depending on the career path chosen, an exercise psychologist will encourage people to exercise and maintain physical health, along with helping athletes of all levels overcome psychological barriers that affect physical performance.
Counseling
A person with a degree in exercise psychology might work as a counselor for individual athletes or an entire team. Typically, exercise counseling jobs can be found in fitness centers, with athletic teams, athletic organizations or schools. As an exercise psychology counselor, you will help athletes of all levels psychologically cope with the demands of exercise and athletics. For athletes and sports teams, this might involve mental preparation for training sessions and competitions, along with handling the emotional aspects of a physical injury.
In a fitness center or training gym, an exercise psychologist provides information about remaining focused and motivated without the use of medications.
Coaching
For exercise psychologists who have the appropriate education and experience, coaching is another career option. The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that education and training requirements for a coaching career vary greatly by the type and level of the sport. For example, collegiate sports coaches generally need to meet more qualifications than middle school sports coaches. Although your exercise psychology degree may not help your chances of obtaining a coaching career, the educational background will help you once you obtain the job. Similar to a counseling career, a coaching career allows you to mentally prepare your athletes for training and competition. The Association for Applied Sport Psychology website also explains that a psychology background will help you establish team cohesion and effective communication among the players and staff.
Education
After several years of working in the field, you might choose to transition into a teaching career. Typically, exercise psychology classes are taught only at college-level. Although each school sets its own career qualifications, a master's or doctoral degree generally qualifies you to teach at the collegiate level.
Research
A career in exercise psychology research might be ideal for someone who enjoys learning and yearns for new knowledge. In this type of career, you will be continuously confronted with questions and new ideas. These questions will likely focus on understanding the effect of exercise on a person's psychological well-being, along with the effect of a person's psychological factors on athletic performance. To answer these questions, you will analyze past studies and perform new studies.
References
- St. Louis Psychologists and Counseling Information and Referral: Sports Psychology and Exercise Psychology
- Association for Applied Sport Psychology: About Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
- The British Psychological Society: Sport & Exercise Psychology
- PsychologySchoolsU: Sports and Exercise Psychology Programs: Nov. 20, 2010
- Barry University: What Can You Do With A Sport and Exercise Psychology Degree?
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Coach
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