Overview

The Sport and Exercise Psychology programme at Northern Illinois University provides students with the advanced psychological expertise required to support participants in diverse performance environments. This Master of Science focuses on evidence-based practices to enhance the mental resilience and wellbeing of athletes and professionals.

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances theoretical research with practical application. The department offers state-of-the-art equipment and unique opportunities to engage in faculty-led research projects, grant writing, and community outreach initiatives. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are reflective and competent professionals.

Why Sport and Exercise Psychology at Northern Illinois University?

The university maintains a strong international presence, fostering research collaborations and exchanges with institutions across the globe. Students gain access to exceptional teaching facilities and benefit from the expertise of faculty members who are leaders in the field of kinesiology and physical education.

Distinctive features include the opportunity to participate in Project FLEX, a world-class programme focused on positive youth development. The institution is also a member of the American Kinesiology Association, ensuring that the curriculum meets high academic and professional standards for graduate education.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 775 per credit
National fee: USD 388 per credit
Local fee: USD 388 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum allows students to choose between a thesis or a non-thesis track to suit their career goals. Modules may include:

Sport and Exercise Psychology
Kinesiology and Physical Education
Applied Exercise Physiology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Instructional Strategies
Curriculum Development

Careers with Sport and Exercise Psychology

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles, including mental conditioning coaches, athletic academic advisors, and performance experts. Many alumni find employment within professional sports organisations, such as the New York Yankees, or within collegiate athletic departments and sports academies.

The programme provides the necessary educational and practical experience for those seeking the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential. Additionally, the degree serves as a robust foundation for students intending to pursue doctoral studies in performance psychology or related disciplines.

Common career paths for alumni include working as exercise physiologists, physical fitness trainers, and health educators. Graduates have secured positions at major organisations such as Chicago Public Schools, Northwestern Medicine, and various private consulting firms specialising in mental performance.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Sport Physiology

Motor Development

Psychosocial Aspects of Athletic Injury and Rehabilitation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-10 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Psychology Sport and Exercise Science View 463 other Masters in Sport and Exercise Science in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.

Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program).

Transcripts

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.

Test scores (if required).

Resume or curriculum vitae (optional)

Additional materials required by your program.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14775 USD / year

≈ 14775 USD / year
Out-of-State

8805 USD / year

≈ 8805 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8805 USD / year

≈ 8805 USD / year

Additional Details

National and International: 878.99 per credit Local: 509.75 per credit

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Sport and Exercise Psychology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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