Admission Requirements
Curriculum Sequence
Graduation Requirements

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This program prepares graduates to address individual and systemic issues that affect sport performance and health. These two areas overlap considerably in the types of interventions used to produce positive changes (e.g., goal setting and self-monitoring to improve consistency of practicing or to lose weight). Both sport and health goals also share the influence of various social and community factors (e.g., coaches, family members, culture, access to facilities). Therefore, this unique program provides training and understanding of assessment, intervention and analysis of systems that will allow graduates to work within communities, schools and professional organizations to address the diverse needs of people of a wide variety of ages, health issues and athletic accomplishments. The curriculum prepares students to consider the political, social and structural influences that impact health and that affect athletes (e.g., coaches, athletic directors, parents, teachers, medical professionals). Larger issues related to media marketing and development through the lifespan are also integrated into the curriculum.

Dual-Credentials

This program is a dual-credential program preparing graduates to take the exam for Professional Counselor Licensure in Illinois (LPC) and to become certified by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

Job opportunities for MA counseling graduates with specialized training in sport and health psychology include:

• Health promotion programs such as obesity prevention and treatment; exercise promotion and adherence; cardiac rehabilitation; prevention and treatment of cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases; employee wellness; geriatric programs to enhance cognitive functioning and quality of life; and personal training in health clubs and in clients' homes
• Counseling athletes regarding items like stress management, injury management, and career transitioning.
• Sport performance enhancement interventions for athletes (e.g., coping with pressure; persistence during performance plateaus; maintenance of training regimens; and training coaches in such techniques).

What sets this program apart from other institutions?

• Educational training is focused on social responsibility, emphasizing the application of skills in advocacy, consultation, systems change, and leadership.
• This program prepares students to apply for certification as a consultant by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).
• Graduates of this program are prepared to apply for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) examination in Illinois.
• With additional supervised experience, graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) examination in Illinois. Licensure requirements in other states are similar, but specific requirements may vary.
• The opportunity to take courses in a variety of formats including face-to-face and online.
• Faculty members include licensed professionals who combine practice with their instructional duties.
• Downtown Chicago location provides students with a diverse learning environment.
• As the oldest Independent psychology school in North America, Adler School offers students a vast alumni network.

You're invited to attend our upcoming presentation "Mind Matters: How Sport Psychology Helps Athletes Win."  Click Here for more information.

Professional Affiliations for Student Networking

APA Division 47: Exercise and Sport Psychology
http://www.apa47.org

APA Division 38: Health Psychology
http://www.apa38.org

Society of Behavioral Medicine
http://www.sbm.org

Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
http://appliedsportpsych.org/Home

SportPsychology.com
http://www.sportpsychology.com

Psychwatch
Sport Psychology Resources
www.psychwatch.com/sport_psychology.htm

American Counseling Association
http://www.counseling.org

Psi Chi – The National Honor Society in Psychology
http://www.psichi.org