Certificate in Sports Psychology
The Certificate in Sports Psychology at Fort Hays State University is an undergraduate-level credential that provides specialized knowledge in applying psychological principles to athletic and physical performance. It is designed for individuals pursuing careers in psychology, coaching, physical education, or related health and human performance fields.
This interdisciplinary certificate includes coursework from the Department of Psychology and Health and Human Performance. To earn the certificate, students complete four psychology courses, one elective, and two Health and Human Performance courses.
Why pursue a Certificate in Sports Psychology at FHSU?
The Certificate in Sports Psychology is tailored for students from various academic backgrounds, including those majoring in Psychology or Health and Human Performance. It is offered online and on campus to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.
Students complete a structured curriculum while also having the flexibility to choose a psychology elective course that aligns with their individual interests or professional goals. Faculty members developed this certificate based on their active field involvement and strong connections with relevant professional organizations.
Who is this program for?
The certificate is intended for students seeking to enhance their undergraduate degree with applied psychology skills related to performance, wellness, and motivation. It is well-suited for those planning to work directly with athletes, pursue roles in coaching, or continue into graduate study in mental health, education, or behavioral sciences.
- Psychology majors seeking applied skills
- Health and Human Performance majors
- Pre-physical therapy or pre-occupational therapy students
- Future coaches or athletic trainers
- Students interested in human motivation and wellness
- Students preparing for graduate studies in psychology
Which courses will you take?
| Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Required Courses | |
| HHP 290 Introduction to Coaching w/ASEP Certification | 2 |
| HHP 430 Motor Learning | 2 |
| PSY 310 Introduction to Therapeutic Skills | 3 |
| PSY 376 Apprenticeship in Psychology I | 1 |
| PSY 430 Sports Psychology | 3 |
| Elective Course Options: Select 1 from the list below | |
| PSY 300 Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 460 Behavioral Addictions | 3 |
| PSY 462 Eating Disorders | 3 |
| HHP 230 Principles of Nutrition | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 14 |
- No grade lower than a “C” is acceptable for the classes taken to complete the certificate
- PSY100 is a pre-requisite for all psych courses
Students must contact Mr. Will Stutterheim ( wjstutterheim@fhsu.edu) as soon as possible about their interest in the PSY 376 Apprenticeship for Sports Psychology. Apprenticeships are limited and will need to be arranged by Mr. Stutterheim. Find more information about how to apply for PSY 376 Apprenticeship by visiting our internship webpage.
Interested in this Certificate?
Watch this short video (9 minutes) featuring faculty members from our department. They’ll walk you through the certificates we offer and how they can benefit you:
If you're a current FHSU student, follow these steps to add a certificate to your program of study or request your printed certificate once you've completed the requirements.
1. Intent to Complete a Certificate - Form Link
- Use this form to officially add a certificate to your advisory program in Workday.
2. Completion of a Certificate - Form Link
- Once you've successfully completed all required coursework, submit this form to receive your printed certificate. Note: All students must submit the completion form to receive a printed certificate—even if all requirements have been met.
Frequently Asked Questions
The certificate is designed to help students understand how psychological factors influence sport and physical performance through applied, interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Yes, all required courses for the certificate can be completed online or on campus, offering flexibility to meet students’ needs.
No. While the certificate provides a strong foundation in sport psychology, becoming a licensed sport psychologist requires a graduate degree and appropriate professional licensure.
No. The certificate is open to all FHSU undergraduate students, including those majoring in health sciences, coaching, education, wellness, or related fields.
If you are a current student at FHSU interested in earning this certificate, begin by reviewing the certificate requirements. Next, submit the Intent to Complete a Certificate form to add the certificate to your program of study officially.
We're Here to Help!
For any other questions, please contact the Department of Psychology at psecreta@fhsu.edu or call us at 785-628-4405.
Courses taken as part of an advisory certificate are listed on the student's transcript, however the advisory certificate is not listed on the transcript. Many FHSU departments provide a completion certificate that students may use to show they completed the advised coursework, and talk about what it added to their degree. Non-degree students may complete the classes outlined in an advisory certificate and receive a completion certificate if offered by the department, however they are not enrolled in a degree plan or eligible for student aid.