M.S. in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology

• Dr. Alison Ede is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Long Beach. She received her M.S. in Kinesiology/Sport Psychology from the University of North Texas and her PhD in Psychosocial Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity from Michigan State University. Her current research focus is in exercise psychology, specifically examining social aspects of exercise that can be improved to promote healthier exercise environments. Current studies include examining effectiveness of trainer-client relationships, social networks in exercise, and body image among fitness professionals and exercisers. Past research projects have included the use of group dynamics principles to promote improved exercise outcomes among a variety of populations (astronauts, pregnant women, and college students). In addition to research, Dr. Ede also teaches courses in sport psychology, exercise psychology, sport in U.S. culture, and research methods. 
• Dr. Jana Fogaca, CMPC, is an Assistant Professor in the Kinesiology Department at California State University, Long Beach. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the Federal University of RS (Brazil). She also has two master's degrees, one in Sport and Exercise Psychology from University of Jyväskylä (Finland) and one in Counseling from West Virginia University, where she also completed her PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Her research interests include professional development in sport psychology, applied sport psychology, and weight stigma. She hopes to contribute to the continuous improvement of the sport and exercise psychology profession through her research in supervision and training and in applied sport psychology. She is also interested in teaching mental skills to young exercisers to improve their well-being and success beyond sports.
• Dr. Leilani Madrigal,  CMPC, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Long Beach. She received her B.A. and M.A. in General Psychology from California State University San Marcos and Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her scholarly impact on the field of sport psychology heavily lies on the examination of mental toughness, particularly on measurement and development of this positive characteristic. She hopes to help coaches create optimal learning environments for athletes at the high school and collegiate level of competition by utilizing evidence-based strategies to build mental toughness that can be tracked and observed by both coaches and athletes in a given season. Her current research is on developing interventions on coaching training to build mental toughness, as well as develop observational tools to assess mentally tough behaviors in sports such as volleyball and basketball.

M.S. in Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology (36 units total)

Required Coursework for all options (21 units):

• KIN 574 – Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 576 – Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis (3 units)
• KIN 577 – Sport in U.S. Culture (3 units)
• KIN 578 – Psychological Aspect of Exercise and Fitness (3 units)
• KIN 696 – Research Methods and Statistical Analysis (3 units)

Select option A or B as a Culminating Activity

1. 1. Thesis: Complete KIN 698 (6 units)
   2. Project: Complete KIN 694 (3 units) and complete three (3) units chosen from elective courses within the chosen option.

Elective Courses (15 units):

Sport Psychology Option

Complete five of the following elective courses:

• KIN 512 – Professional Ethics and Standards in Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 572 – Applied Sport Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 575 – Psychology of Coaching (3 units)
• KIN 579 – Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury (3 units)
• KIN 630 – Seminar in Motor Learning (3 units)
• KIN 633 – Seminar in Sport Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 697 – Directed Studies (1-3 units)

Exercise Psychology Option

Complete five of the following elective courses:

• KIN 562 – Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3 units)
• KIN 568 – Nutrition for Exercise and Performance (3 units)
• KIN 572 – Applied Sport Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 597 – Independent Research (1-3 units)
• KIN 633 – Seminar in Sport Psychology (3 units)
• KIN 697 – Directed Studies (1-3 units)

Coaching and Student-Athlete Development Option

Complete five of the following elective courses:

• KIN 541 – Applied Biomechanics: Lifting and Work Capacity
• KIN 562 – Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3 units)
• KIN 568 – Nutrition for Exercise and Performance (3 units)
• KIN 572 – Applied Sport Psychology
• KIN 575 – Psychology of Coaching (3 units)
• KIN 579 – Psychological Aspects of Sport Injury (3 units)
• KIN 630 – Seminar in Sport Psychology (3 units)

You have to complete four steps to apply:

1. Fill out Cal State Apply application.
2. Submit official transcripts to Enrollment Services (DO NOT send transcripts to the Kinesiology department). Currently enrolled CSULB undergraduate students do not need to submit transcripts.
3. Upload statement of purpose, diversity statement, and resume/CV directly to Cal State Apply.
4. Submit names and email addresses of 3 people who will write recommendation letters for you via Cal State Apply. They will be emailed a link and should upload a letter using that system.
5. Email Dr. Fogaca (Jana.Fogaca@csulb.edu) with any questions.

Applications are due on April 1st (we only take students in the fall).

*New for Fall 2024 admissions: admitted applicants must accept or decline offer of admission and pay a $150 deposit upon acceptance. This deposit may be waived due to financial need.

You can find more details in our graduate program package: 

We encourage students to join at least one professional organization.  If you wish to become certified, you should make joining AASP a priority.  Please also consider attending their national conferences.  Several of our second-year students present at both AASP and NASPSPA, and we encourage first-year students to attend as the networking and experience gained is invaluable.

• Association for Applied Sport Psychology
• North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity
• American Psychological Association, Division 47