MS in Psychology, Sport Psychology, FlexPath option
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Master’s learners in this specialization are frequently school-based
coaches, physical education teachers, or individuals working in parks
and recreation departments who wish to gain current theory and
research knowledge associated with performance enhancement, individual
and team motivation, injury recovery, and stress management as it
applies to amateur athletes. Some learners plan to apply these
principles to settings such as fitness/health clubs, sports camps, and
resort-based wellness programs. Learners who pursue this
specialization through the FlexPath option earn an MS in Psychology
through self-paced demonstrations of competencies. These
specialization requirements are not designed or intended to meet
professional licensure requirements for the counseling or psychology
professions.
Core courses:
PSY-FPX5002 |
Foundations of Theory and Practice for Master’s Psychology Learners
In this course, learners acquire the ability to navigate the Capella
courseroom and use the resources that support academic success,
including the library and writing center. Learners identify and
practice the academic requirements (including APA style and
formatting) necessary to successfully complete the master’s degree
program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization’s
requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and
ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional
identity based on master’s-level psychology training.
For MS in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the
learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 2.5 program points |
---|---|---|
PSY-FPX7610 |
Tests and Measurements
This course is an introduction to the subject of mental measurement
in psychology. Course topics include techniques for correctly
interpreting test scores such as percentiles, standard errors of
measurement, standard scores, and validity and reliability. Learners
acquire and demonstrate knowledge of measuring devices used in the
fields of intelligence, interests, personality, and special aptitudes,
and identify professional standards of test development and use. The
course also includes analysis of the psychometric procedures used to
develop and validate educational and psychological instruments and
requires learners to present appropriate applications for each type of
methodology. | 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX7860 |
Survey of Research Methods
Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain
an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical
considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed
to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also
use their research design skills to analyze and apply research
methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of
scientific research related to their field of interest.
Learners may only earn credit for PSY-FPX7860 or RSCH-FPX7860.
| 2 program points |
PSY-FPX7864 |
Quantitative Design and Analysis
In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed
to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply
quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of
quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and
their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of
measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and
hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of
descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of
measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis
testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also
determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and
consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with
vulnerable and diverse populations.
Learners may only earn credit for PSY-FPX7864 or RSCH-FPX7864.
| 2 program points |
Specialization courses:
PSY-FPX5110 |
Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
In this course, learners analyze multicultural perspectives and
factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their
influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals.
Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the
context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning
principles and standards within their profession. | 2.5 program points |
---|---|---|
PSY-FPX6110 |
Learning Theories in Psychology
Learners investigate the concepts and principles of learning theory and its sub-processes, especially those associated with cognition. Learners evaluate and articulate major learning theories, practice applying these learning theories and their associated processes to teaching, and analyze the effects of various behavioral and cognitive sub-processes on learning. | 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX6810 * |
Principles of Sport Psychology
Learners in this course apply psychological theories to explain and
improve sport performance. Learners evaluate the implications of new
research for professional practice in sport psychology and explore the
ways in which they can meet the unique needs of diverse participants
through customized coaching strategies. In particular, learners
examine personality, attention, anxiety, arousal and arousal
adjustment strategies, cognitive-behavioral intervention, causal
attribution, motivation, and self confidence.
Prerequisite(s): PSY-FPX6110.
| 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX6820 * |
Performance Enhancement in Sports
Learners in this course examine the mechanisms athletes use to exceed
their perceived physical and mental limitations. In addition, learners
apply performance enhancement theories and techniques to help clients
improve athletic performance. Topics include strategies such as
visualization, meditation, hypnosis, autogenic training, biofeedback,
and progressive relaxation.
Prerequisite(s): PSY-FPX6810.
| 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX6830 * |
Applied Sport Psychology
Learners in this course acquire and demonstrate the knowledge,
skills, and abilities needed to apply fundamental sport psychology
concepts to their chosen profession. Learners consider ethical issues,
their personal approach to sport psychology practice, and ways to use
research to inform their work. Learners also examine the significance
of working with diverse populations and expanding their areas of
expertise.
Prerequisite(s): PSY-FPX6820.
| 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX6840 * |
Current Issues in Sport Psychology
In this course, learners critically analyze the research, theories,
and practices of sport psychology. Learners examine current issues in
sports and determine ways to ethically and professionally apply sport
psychology practices to educate sports participants and to improve the
performance of athletes.
Prerequisite(s): PSY-FPX6820.
| 2.5 program points |
PSY-FPX7310 |
Biological Basis of Behavior
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and
associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and
physiology. Learners develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain
functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and
language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human
behavior. Learners also identify the relationship between brain
functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological
psychology research, ethics, and the implications of culture and
diversity on field-related issues. | 2.5 program points |
Taken during the learner’s final quarter:
PSY-FPX5201 * |
Integrative Project for Master’s Degree in Psychology
In this course, learners demonstrate knowledge, scholarship, and
research proficiency in their chosen psychology specialization by
developing a research proposal. As they engage with a faculty mentor
in the preparation of a five-chapter integrative project, learners
develop and demonstrate academic and professional competency in
proposing new and original research, writing and applying for grants,
adhering to ethical standards, addressing diversity and individual
variation in psychology, and explaining psychology concepts.
For MS in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the
learner’s final quarter. Prerequisite(s): All required and
elective coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 2.5 program points |
---|
Total
At least 29 program points
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.
GuidedPath courses and FlexPath
courses fulfill the program requirements and prerequisites for each
delivery model.