Most everyone is familiar with what a psychologist does on a basic level.  Images of the patient lying on the proverbial couch while the doctor sits close by, pen in hand, drafting a host of notes as the patient discuss his issues with the doctor.

However, the field of psychology is much more than that image suggests.  Among the exciting areas of career opportunities as a psychologist is the field of sports psychology.  Before we explore exactly what that is, it is important to note that certain psychology and sports psychology courses must be completed before you can hit the ground running.  You also need to bring along your enthusiasm, mental focus, optimism, creativity, and goal-setting skills to the field.

A psychologist is one who has completed graduate training in the discipline of psychology.  This individual is also licensed to practice by the state in which he or she resides.  Some states will accept a Master's degree as acceptance to being licensed, while others require completion of a Doctoral degree.  A sports psychologist is a licensed practitioner with expertise received from sports psychology courses in performance enhancement, the psychological well-being of athletes, working with organizations and systems that are present in sport settings, and certain social and developmental factors that influence sports participation.

Recognized as a specific field of study within the framework of kinesiology and physical education, sports psychology is not one of the traditional fields of study offered by graduate-level programs in psychology.  While many psychology departments may offer single classes with respect to sports psychology courses, the opportunities for graduate-level training are limited.

Beyond the requirement of a state license, no additional credentials are needed to practice the discipline of sports psychology.  From a practical and an ethical standpoint, it would behoove you, however, to have expertise generated from completion of sports psychology courses in the aforementioned areas of study.

You Have to Be a Good Sport About It
If you love sports and enjoy engaging the discipline of the mind to enhance athletic performance, then there are two basic components necessary to be come a sports psychologist:  education through completion of psychology and sports psychology courses and related experience.  If the school in which you are presently enrolled does not offer specific sports psychology courses, then the best course of academic action is to complete the credits for a major in psychology and then garner all of the practical experience you can get!

If you are studying within a graduate program that only offers the introductory sports psychology courses, communicate with your academic advisor or department chair about the option of independent study sports psychology courses to further enhance your knowledge in this discipline.  It has been shown that independent sports psychology courses provide you with the direct contact with athletes needed for the specific purpose of sports performance enhancement.

Sport a Great Salary
Annual salaries for sports psychologist go from the low end of $41,850 to $71,880.  Those individuals who attend to faculty positions can see a median annual salary of $55,000.

To get on the right track for a career in sports psychology, lay the initial groundwork by working with amateur and collegiate athletes to gain practical experience.  Further, explore the potential of writing articles for publication to advise others about your accomplishments and areas of expertise.