Sport Psychology : Robert Morris University Sport Psychology | Robert Morris University

Undergraduate

Sport Psychology

RMU's sport psychology curriculum is based within the applied psychology program. Applied psychology is the branch of psychology that seeks to apply current psychological principles to practical problems in the workplace and everyday life.

This comprehensive program provides education and training in psychology to prepare students for successful careers or graduate programs in psychology and related fields, such as child care, counseling, research, law or social work.

Our faculty members are specialists in their areas of expertise, and all have related work experience as practitioners in the field, such as principals, superintendents, teachers, researchers, authors, psychologists, and counselors.

The goals of the B.S. in Applied Psychology degree program are to prepare professionals who can:

  • Demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills in applied psychology.
  • Demonstrate the critical thinking, decision-making and general application skills necessary for ethical and competent performance in human services occupations.
  • Conduct and integrate traditional and developing methods of research and scholarship and apply these methods to practical problems in human endeavors.
  • Communicate clearly and succinctly in professional writing, presentation and scholarship.

Studies lead to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Applied Psychology degree.

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U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics predict that psychology will be one of the fastest growing professions in the next 10 years. The number of social/human service assistants is projected to grow at an above average rate of 36 percent or more. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's 2004 statistics indicate more than 3,000 position openings a year in the social/human services fields.

Sample Business/Industry Job Titles
Social worker, counselor, clinical coordinator, child care provider, recreation specialist, management trainee, research assistant, residential advisor, career counselor, academic advisor, customer service representative, sales associate, recruiter, police officer.

2006 national mean bachelor-level starting salaries by job function:

Administration (Social Services) $27,500

Counseling $27,755

Human Resources/Industrial Relations $31,500

Management Trainee $34,699

Research (Nontechnical) $27,367

Sales $33,374

Social Work $26,100

Teaching $28,348

Below is a typical four-year course of study for sport psychology students, including major requirements and electives. Your own schedule will vary based on your own interests. 

FRESHMAN/Fall Semester FRESHMAN/Spring Semester
General Psychology survey of Economics
Fundamentals of Info. Systems Principles of Sociology
Reading & Writing Strategies Math Reasoning w/ Apps.
Physical Fitness Argument & Research
U.S. History I Applied Psychology
SOPHOMORE/Fall Semester SOPHOMORE/Spring Semester
Humanities: Art and Music Statistics
Public Speaking & Persuasion Professional Communications
Child Psychology Physiological Psychology
Literature elective Sensation & Perception
Social Psychology Abnormal Psychology
JUNIOR/Fall Semester JUNIOR/Spring Semester
Methods in Behavioral Research Industrial Psychology
Cognitive Psychology Psychology of Learning
Psychology of Sport     Sport Psychology elective
General elective                      General elective
General elective General elective
SENIOR/Fall Semester SENIOR/Spring Semester
Applied Psych. Thesis Sport Psychology elective
Applied Psych. Practicum General elective     
Sport Psychology elective         General elective
General elective General elective
General elective General elective

 

The psychology minor can serve at least two purposes. It can support a major by enabling students to obtain greater depth in a related discipline; and it can provide some competency in an area of interest that is unrelated to a student's major. Ultimately, the psychology minor will help students learn about the science of psychology as well as increase their understanding of contemporary issues in the field to help them think critically about human behavior.

For example, students in elementary or secondary education may decide to minor in psychology in order to enhance their knowledge of the cognitive and behavioral issues pertaining to children and young adults. A business major interested in a human resources career could develop a competitive advantage by pursuing a minor in psychology. Many students simply enjoy psychology topics or are interested in learning more about themselves and can acquire the academic recognition of such interest by completing the minor in psychology.

At Robert Morris University, we’re not just training our students to get a job, we’re educating them for a whole series of professional careers—and for a lifetime of enrichment and contribution. We call the RMU education “engaged learning,” and we are one of a handful of schools around the nation that offers students a Student Engagement Transcript to certify their character-building credentials as well as their academic credentials. Our unique combination of high-quality academics with a professional focus allows us to transform our graduates.
Psychology Club  Psychology Club The organization was chartered in Spring 2006, with the main purpose being to allow Robert Morris students majoring or interested in the field, to come together and participate in related activities. Some of these activities include teaching members about the field of psychology and providing opportunities to participate in psychology related field trips and lectures. We would also like to increase the visibility of psychology at RMU and generate interest in psychological issues among the RMU community. Active membership is open to all RMU students.

For more information, contact David Wheeler, associate professor of psychology, at wheeler@rmu.edu or (412) 397-5413.

The SESS faculty is comprised of caring individuals who accept the responsibility for educating the "whole" student at RMU.  Consequently, our faculty members are specialists in their areas of expertise who effectively implement sound instructional practices when teaching and just as importantly, they engage students in a variety of purposeful enrichment activities outside the classroom setting.  As all faculty possess related work experience as practitioners in the field, such as principals, superintendents, teachers, researchers, authors, psychologists, counselors, etc.,  students learn from them first-hand what it takes to succeed.  

Scholarships are available based upon academic achievement. 

For freshmen, high school grade point average and ACT/SAT scores are used. For transfer students, the cumulative grade point average of all college courses is used. Scholarships range from $1000 per year up to full tuition. (To calculate your scholarship eligibility, click here.)

Higher education is an investment in your future. 

At Robert Morris University, we will work closely with you to show you how to finance your education through a combination of need-based financial aid, scholarships, and financing strategies to make your education attainable. RMU has one of the lowest tuition rates of all private institutions in the state, but we know that financing your education can be complicated, and your family might need help in understanding your options. 

Talk to us—we can help! 
Email us at finaid@rmu.edu

  • Call us toll free at 800-762-0097
  • Connect with one of our counselors via Facebook to see what others are learning about college costs

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