Sports Psychology - where to begin

I'm new here and I have a few questions about getting started towards a Psychology degree through DL or Online Learning.

First, my father who has had a very long athletic career, would now at the age of 72 like to get a degree in Sports Psychology. He know it will take quite a few years, but he seems quite excited about it, even at his age.

Second, I'm 44 and would also like to pursue a career as a therapist or counselor (psychology), but I'm not specific yet as to the type therapy I'd like to focus on.

We live in the Bay Area of California. We'd both like to do our course work through DL or Online Classes. I've just finished reading the first 1/2 of Bears 2006 book version of Earning Degrees by DL. I assume a lot of new avenues have come up since 2006. We are not sure where to begin.

Could anyone guide my father and I in the right direction as to where to begin taking classes / reaching our goals? Also, my father has so much background in athletics how could he use some of that learned experience for credits?

Thanks in advance for all your help.
Sheryl

 

What is your current education?

 

Capella has a good looking phych program. If I remember correctly, their doctoral program for psych only requires a bachelor's to start. Check it out to make sure, because it's been a long time since I checked into Capella and it could have changed. With any program you attend, you need to carefully check to insure that it meets licensure requirements for your state. It is possible to go through a great psych program only to find out that the degree will not meet your states requirements.

 

I only have a high school diploma ....

 

Where to begin? Go get yourself a solid Bachelors degree in Psychology. Get good enough grades to get you into grad school because you're going to need AT LEAST a Masters degree and almost certainly a doctoral degree. That should keep you busy enough for a few minutes.

 

Yes, I don't think you can even practice as a counselor with out a master's. But you can do it if you are willing to stick to it.

Here is an attractive looking program at Penn State. A simple web search will reveal more schools.

Penn State | Online Bachelor Degree in Psychology

Be sure, as I said before that any school you choose will meet licensure requirements in your state.

 

I requested info from Penn State. How do I find out if a school meets licensure in California?

And, is a Sports Psyc degree obtained when you get to the Masters degree level? Or is it a BA degree?

Thank you again for your help with my newbie questions.

 

Hi - Here's two. There's probably more.

OnlOnline Sports Psychology Degree

University of the Rockies

My advice: Get your Bachelors degree in Psychology. It is your best ticket into such a grad program. Be advised, these Masters programs are not cheap. Start saving your pennies now.

 

You are welcome! When you talk to someone from there, be sure to ask them those questions. I'm afraid I can't answer those questions. But they will give you the straight scoop. If you were in touch with one of the fake schools that are online, they would lie to you, so be careful. Penn State will tell you the truth.

Do a Google search for online bachelors psychology. But be careful: if you are checking out other schools and aren't sure if they are legit or not, you can ask here and somebody will know.

 

I totally forgot to mention this: Scroll to the top of this page, look in the top right corner and you will find a degree search engine. Type in what you are looking for. I'm pretty sure (not positive) that the schools it will find are all screened and legit.

 

If I can get personal for a second, we're sure it's Sheryl and not Mary Anne or Susanne?

 

You can start here American Board of Sport Psychology - Home for an idea. You will probably have to be licensed as a psychologist (doctorate) or psychological associate (masters) then specialize in sports psychology.

 

Yes, my name is Sheryl ....

Thanks for all your suggestions.
Wow, Penn State is very expensive. One online class, Intro to Psyc is over $1200.00 .... just for one class (3 credits). I don't think I can manage that. Maybe other schools are less expensive. My local community college offers Intro to Psyc. as an online class for $26 per unit/credit, I signed up on the waiting list. But, that is the only psyc class they offer online (Diablo Valley College)

Anymore suggestions, send them over. Thanks again so much.

 

That's not as expensive as some schools. College is outrageously expensive these days. There has got to be some cheaper options though.

You could try Northcentral University. I took a few classes there and found that it wasn't too expensive in the PhD courses, not sure about the bachelor's. You can contact them and find out. Once again, be careful with licnesure. Just checked the price and it's about $1000 a class.
Northcentral University | Online Degrees Programs | School of Behavioral Health Sciences

 

I would suggest that you get as much of your undergrad stuff done at your community college as possible. You will have to take a bunch of unrelated courses before you can work on your major, you know like English 101, and there is no reason to pay $1000 a pop for that. The same course at a community college should cost you about $75, maybe a little more or less.

Can't remember, have we told you about CLEP tests? You can skip a bunch of classes by studying and then testing out with a CLEP. That's even cheaper. Then you only have to pay the higher price in your third year when you begin work on your major. That plan will save you tens of thousands of dollars.

 

Sorry Sheryl. For a minute I thought you might be someone I know. Good luck in your quest.