D'Youville University Launches Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology Program

D'Youville University is expanding its graduate offerings with a new Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology, preparing students to help athletes and other high performers strengthen the mental skills needed to succeed under pressure.

Designed to be completed in just 15 months, the 36-credit program combines the psychological, ethical, scientific, and counseling foundations of performance enhancement with specialized coursework focused on sport and performance psychology. The curriculum is intentionally aligned with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology's (AASP) Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) Knowledge Areas, preparing graduates for continued professional development and post-degree mentorship opportunities.

"Peak performance isn't determined by physical ability alone," said Dr. Lorrie Clemo, president of D'Youville University. "Whether someone is competing on the field, performing on stage, serving in the military, or leading in the workplace, mental preparation plays an increasingly important role in success. This program prepares graduates to help others perform at their highest level."

The new master's program emphasizes evidence-based practice, professional ethics, helping relationships, cultural responsiveness, and performance enhancement strategies that can be applied across athletics, exercise, business, healthcare, military, performing arts, and other high-pressure professions.

The curriculum includes specialized coursework in psychological skills training, athletic injury psychology, sport leadership, group dynamics, applied sport science, and professional practice. Students also complete comprehensive case analyses, performance consultation projects, and a capstone portfolio demonstrating mastery of the competencies expected of mental performance professionals.

The program addresses a growing educational need both regionally and nationally. While interest in sport and performance psychology continues to grow, relatively few master's programs are intentionally aligned with CMPC preparation, and dedicated graduate options in Western New York are especially limited. D'Youville's program helps fill that regional gap while expanding access to graduate education in this rapidly evolving field.

Career opportunities continue to expand as organizations place greater emphasis on mental performance, resilience, and well-being. Graduates may pursue careers supporting collegiate and professional athletics, military organizations, healthcare systems, performing arts organizations, businesses, and other performance-focused environments.

The announcement also comes as collegiate athletics continues to evolve. Earlier this week, the NCAA Division II Executive Committee approved new age-based eligibility legislation, allowing student-athletes beginning in Fall 2026 to compete for up to five years tied to five years of enrollment. The change reflects a broader emphasis on supporting student-athlete success throughout their collegiate experience and underscores the increasing importance of mental performance resources across college athletics.

The Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology will welcome its inaugural cohort beginning in Fall 2026.

For more information, visit dyu.edu.

About D’Youville University 

D’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.