Troy University’s Master of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Psychology has been ranked No. 4 on SportsPsychology.org’s 2026 list of Best Online Master’s in Sports Psychology Programs.
The ranking recognizes the program’s flexible online delivery, applied learning opportunities, accessibility for working professionals and military-affiliated students, and overall value. SportsPsychology.org evaluated programs on factors including cost, format, outcomes, and preparation for careers in mental performance consulting.
“This recognition affirms the quality and relevance of our Sport Psychology concentration,” said Rebecca Whetstone, M.S., CIC, senior lecturer and Coaching Program Coordinator in the School of Allied Health. “We designed the program to give students both a solid theoretical foundation and practical experiences they can immediately apply with athletes and performers. Seeing that approach recognized at the national level is encouraging for our faculty and our students.”
Housed in the School of Allied Health within the College of Health Sciences, the program offers rolling admissions with no fixed application deadline, allowing students to start on a schedule that fits their lives. Coursework includes sport psychology, motor skills and human performance, ethical and professional issues, research methods, and related applied topics. Students may choose a non-thesis track with an internship or a thesis option, depending on their career goals.
Internship and practicum experiences draw on Troy’s athletics programs, regional sport organizations, and other performance settings, giving students hands-on opportunities to work with athletes.
“Our faculty bring experience from collegiate, professional, and clinical environments, and that real-world perspective shapes everything we do,” said Dr. J. Brandon Sluder, professor and director of the School of Allied Health. “The ranking reflects our commitment to preparing graduates who can make a meaningful difference in athletes’ mental performance and overall well-being.”
The program has already produced its first graduates, including William Graham IV, founder of Alpha Elite Mental and Sport Performance. Graham has spoken about the program’s rigorous yet supportive environment and its direct impact on his professional work.
As demand continues to grow for professionals who can support athletes’ mental skills and resilience, Troy’s ranked program provides an accessible pathway for coaches, trainers, educators, military personnel, and others seeking to expand into mental performance consulting.
Prospective students interested in the Master of Science in Kinesiology – Sport Psychology concentration can visit troy.edu or contact the School of Allied Health in the College of Health Sciences for details on admission and upcoming start dates.
