Master of Arts in Psychology - Sports and Performance Psychology Specialization - Online - University of the Rockies - I1791

Earn your Master of Arts in Psychology, Sports and Performance Psychology Specialization online from University of the Rockies.

Program Outline:
Take advantage of the flexibility of course offerings:

• Online courses are offered in an accelerated six-week format and can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Online courses are taken one at a time.
• Courses are listed in the proposed sequence. Your Academic Advisor will help with scheduling your courses.

Courses:
Courses PSY 6300 Adult Development (3 credits)
This course explores the major theories of adult development related to emotions, personality, cognitive functioning, social and family influences, and physical functioning. Current theoretical approaches and research related to adult development are emphasized as well as practical applications in the therapy setting. Prerequisite (for clinical programs only): PSY 5300 or equivalent.

PSY 5800 Mental Health & Psychopathology in the Workplace (3 credits)
This course acquaints the student with both normal and abnormal behavior evident in the workplace. The focus of the course is creating a healthy culture in the workplace, maintaining a healthy work/life balance, and managing stress. In addition, students learn the common mental disorders and personality disorders manifested in an organizational setting and how to exercise leadership to bring about positive change.
PSY 5290 Theories & Techniques of Counseling & Psychotherapy (3 credits)
This course is an overview of the psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral, and existential/humanistic schools of psychology, as well as corresponding models of counseling and frequently used assessment and therapeutic techniques. The primary focus in the course is on the development of both skills and rationale in the application of intervention strategies to treatment and case management.

PSY 5530 Cultural Diversity & Individual Differences (3 credits)
This course provides a systematic review of the wide range of cultures and individual differences and the ways in which cultural mores, ethnocentrism, and factors such as matters of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, customs and cultures impact behavior of the individual themselves and of those around them. Through this course, students better understand themselves and others, in terms of perceptions and behaviors.

PSY 5400 Statistics & Psychometrics (3 credits)
This course emphasizes statistical concepts related to distributions and methods most appropriate to data and theories in psychology. The focus is on a quantitative approach to the concepts and methods of statistical inference. Topics include sampling, frequency distributions, estimation, and testing. Statistical techniques in analysis and interpretation of experimental data include estimation and testing, analysis of variance, experimental designs, linear regression, and correlation. Various statistical models are discussed including analyses of variance, covariance, and multiple regression; non-parametric statistics; components of variance; and designs and analyses for multi-factor experiments. Emphasis is placed on the role quantitative methodologies play in the quest to discover what the world is like.

PSY 6405 Applied Research in Organizational Leadership (3 credits)
This course is designed to give the student hands-on knowledge of the practices employed in analyzing organization and program data sets. Whether the data is provided as quantitative in nature, primarily through the use of surveys, questionnaires, or outcome data, or qualitative, through interviews or focus groups, students will be able to critically analyze the information in order to provide the appropriate feedback to the requesting entity. Students will be prepared to communicate the research and analysis processes to others and execute an appropriate article on the matter.

PSY 5280 Ethics, Laws & Standards of Professional Practice (3 credits)
This course is a study of the ethical and legal issues confronting the practicing psychologist. Topics related to clinical methodology, standards of practice, and inter-professional relations are explored. Students learn principles of ethical decision making, standards for human and animal use in research, and standards of care specified by state and federal laws. Emphasis is placed on exploration of the emotional impact that major ethical and legal dilemmas have on decision making. Students also master the current code of ethics of the American Psychological Association and other professional codes of ethics, such as the code of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy or the code of the American Counseling Association. This course must be taken at University of the Rockies and may not be transferred from another institution. Cross-listed and equivalent with ORG/PSY 6520. This course must be taken at University of the Rockies and may not be transferred from another institution.

PSY 6301 Cultural & Historical Approaches to Sports & Performance (3 credits)
This course provides a foundation for understanding the cultural and historical perspectives on sports and performance psychology. The curriculum explores the key contributors, important research discoveries and differing roles of professionals in the field. Students investigate models of performance from ancient to contemporary traditions. Emphasis is on the successful integration of various cultural perspectives on sports and performance.

PSY 6310 Physiological & Psychomotor Factors in Sports & Performance (3 credits)
This course provides the foundation for understanding the physiological and psychomotor dimensions of sports and performance. The curriculum will focus on physiological components of behavior and their relationship to the mental and emotional aspects of performance. Attention is given to the areas of regulating arousal, stress, anxiety and fear. Students will learn to assess parameters of the stress response. The course is designed to assist the working professional in creating strategies for optimizing human performance.

PSY 6312 Performance Enhancement (3 credits)
Psychological Skills Training (PST) is the systemic and disciplined use of psychological skills to enhance performance. Similar to physical skills, mental and psychological skills development requires precision and repetition of multiple capacities. These include focusing and concentration, arousal regulation, imagery, increasing confidence, motivation and effective goal-setting.

PSY 6315 Enhancing Health & Well-Being in Sports & Performance Settings (3 credits)
This course explores the central importance of health and well-being in sports and performance. Excellence in performance often demands balanced mental and physical functioning and adherence to a well designed training regimen. In attaining health and well-being, particular attention is given to psychological and behavioral components that either support or detract from performance. Supportive elements include healthy exercise, recovery, diet and relationships. Indicators of imbalance include injuries, illness, eating disorders, addictions, aggression and burnout. Further, the course examines the temptations and dangers of illicit performance enhancing drugs. Attainment of balance is seen as a core ingredient of optimal and sustainable well-being.

PSY 6318 Youth Development & Sports (3 credits)
One purpose of sports and performance psychology is helping people improve performance through the use of mental techniques. Sports and performance psychology also looks at how involving ourselves in sports and performance activities facilitates personal growth and well-being. Students are introduced to several important topics: 1) how physical activity and psychological development are linked, 2) effective coaching practices for youth and young adults, 3) child/parent interaction, and 4) application of this knowledge with adults.

PSY 6320 Group & Team Dynamics (3 credits)
The proper blending of the talents and strengths of individuals can create incredible results. Also significant negative impacts are a reality in dysfunctional groups and teams. This course defines the essential ingredients of cohesive groups and high-performing teams. Students investigate how individuals can maximize both personal and team performance.

Comprehensive Exam