Academic Sport Psychology Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the focus on Sport Psychology Professors has never been more profound.

As our understanding of the human mind and its impact on athletic performance evolves, the need for knowledgeable individuals who can educate, research, and contribute to this field deepens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Sport Psychology Professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the requirements of this role,
• A hiring committee formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply captivated by the intricacies of sport psychology education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Sport Psychology Professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on academic job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Academic Sport Psychology Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Sport Psychology Professors employ a combination of teaching, research, and practical application in the field of sport psychology.

They are involved in preparing and delivering lectures, conducting research, publishing findings and working with athletes to improve their psychological well-being and performance.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as sports psychology, kinesiology and wellness
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge, and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
• Stay informed about developments in the field to update curriculum and to keep courses fresh and relevant
• Supervise students’ laboratory and field work
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers
• Provide guidance to students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues
• Perform administrative duties such as serving as department head, and participating in college or university committees
• Provide mental coaching, performance enhancement, and life skills training to athletes
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction

 

Academic Sport Psychology Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Academic Sport Psychology Professor to join our faculty.

The ideal candidate should be well-versed in the science of sport psychology, with a focus on enhancing athlete performance and well-being.

The Academic Sport Psychology Professor will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in sport psychology, conducting original research, publishing findings in academic journals, and serving on academic and administrative committees.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver lectures on topics related to sport psychology
• Conduct research in the field of sport psychology
• Publish research findings in reputable academic journals
• Guide and supervise student research and internships
• Participate in faculty and university committees
• Contribute to curriculum development and improvement
• Assist in the development of learning resources and assessment methods
• Provide mentoring and academic advising to students

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Sport Psychology or related field
• Proven experience as a professor or lecturer
• Published research in the field of sport psychology
• Knowledge of the latest research and trends in sport psychology
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to inspire students and foster a positive learning environment

 

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Academic Sport Psychology Professor
• Work Environment: University setting, with potential for remote teaching
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Department
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and copies of your academic transcripts to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Academic Sport Psychology Professor Do?

An Academic Sport Psychology Professor generally works at universities or colleges in the department of psychology or sports science.

Their main role is to educate students about the psychological aspects of sports and exercise.

These professors deliver lectures on various topics, including motivation, performance enhancement, anxiety management, and the effects of exercise on mental health.

They use real-life examples, case studies, and research findings to enhance the understanding of their students.

Academic Sport Psychology Professors are also responsible for conducting and supervising research in the field of sport psychology.

They might investigate how psychological factors affect performance and how participation in sport and exercise affect psychological and physical factors.

They publish their findings in academic journals and present them at conferences.

This not only contributes to the body of knowledge in their field, but also helps in improving the training and performance of athletes.

Additionally, they may offer consultation and psychological services to athletes, coaches, and sports teams.

This could involve providing mental skills training, team building exercises, or counseling for athletes dealing with performance issues or other psychological challenges.

Academic Sport Psychology Professors also contribute to the development of the curriculum, supervise the work of graduate students, and may serve on academic committees.

 

Academic Sport Psychology Professor Qualifications and Skills

An Academic Sport Psychology Professor should have a mix of technical knowledge, teaching skills, and a deep understanding of sports and psychology.

This includes:

• Extensive knowledge of sports psychology to educate students about mental strategies, team dynamics, and the psychological aspects of sports injuries and rehabilitation.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex psychological concepts and theories in a way that students can easily understand.
• Research skills to conduct and publish academic studies in sports psychology, furthering knowledge in the field and staying updated on latest trends and theories.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with students, colleagues, and other professionals, fostering a positive learning environment and building professional relationships.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze research data, solve academic challenges, and develop innovative teaching methods.
• Organizational skills for managing teaching schedules, academic meetings, research, and student consultations.
• Patience and empathy to understand student challenges and guide them towards academic and personal growth.
• Ability to inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in sports psychology and related fields.

 

Academic Sport Psychology Professor Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of Academic Sport Psychology Professor typically have a significant amount of educational and practical experience in the field of sports psychology.

They are often expected to have a doctoral degree in sports psychology, psychology, or a closely related field.

Some universities may accept a master’s degree accompanied by extensive experience in the field.

Entry-level candidates may have several years of experience, gained through internships, research assistantships, or part-time roles in a university setting.

They may have gained experience providing mental health counseling to athletes, conducting research, teaching sports psychology courses, or presenting at professional conferences.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have additional responsibilities, such as supervising student research, publishing articles in academic journals, developing course curriculum, and participating in faculty committees.

They may also have experience applying for and managing research grants.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have a track record of successful grant applications, a strong publication history, and experience mentoring junior faculty members.

They may also have served in leadership roles in professional associations or on editorial boards of academic journals.

In addition to these general experience requirements, candidates for the role of Academic Sport Psychology Professor should have a strong interest in sports and physical activity, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team-oriented academic environment.

 

Academic Sport Psychology Professor Education and Training Requirements

An Academic Sport Psychology Professor typically requires a doctoral degree (PhD) in sport psychology or a related field.

The path to this role often begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sports science, or kinesiology.

This is typically followed by a master’s degree in sport psychology, kinesiology, or counseling.

The highest level of education in this field is the doctoral degree, which involves extensive research, a dissertation, and an internship.

This provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological components influencing sport performance and well-being.

Licensure is not always required for academic roles, but for those wishing to practice clinically, licensure as a psychologist may be necessary.

Each state has different licensure requirements, but they often require a doctoral degree, supervised professional experience, and passing a state examination.

In addition to formal education, an Academic Sport Psychology Professor should have a strong understanding of research methods and statistics, as well as a passion for sports and physical activity.

They should also have strong communication and teaching skills to effectively educate students.

Continuing education is important for staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field.

Therefore, many professors attend conferences, workshops, and seminars, and maintain active membership in professional organizations like the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP).

It is also beneficial for professors to have some practical experience in the field, such as working with athletes or sports teams, to bring real-world insight into their teaching.

 

Academic Sport Psychology Professor Salary Expectations

An Academic Sport Psychology Professor can expect to earn an average salary of $76,620 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the institution they work for, and the region in which they are located.

 

Academic Sport Psychology Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Academic Sport Psychology Professor need?

An Academic Sport Psychology Professor needs deep knowledge of sport psychology theories and the application of these theories in practice.

They must have excellent teaching skills to present complex ideas in an understandable way.

Professors also need to be proficient in research methods, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and have the ability to mentor students and guide them in their own research.

 

Do Academic Sport Psychology Professors need a degree?

Yes, individuals wanting to become an Academic Sport Psychology Professor generally need a doctoral degree in sport psychology or a related field.

Some universities may also require postdoctoral research experience.

 

What should you look for in an Academic Sport Psychology Professor’s resume?

In addition to a PhD in sport psychology or a related field, look for teaching experience, particularly at the college or university level.

Research experience is crucial as well, so check for published papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Additional credentials, like a certification from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, can also be a bonus.

 

What qualities make a good Academic Sport Psychology Professor?

A good Academic Sport Psychology Professor should have a passion for teaching and a deep knowledge of the field of sport psychology.

They should be capable of inspiring and motivating students, have excellent communication skills, and be able to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of different students.

They should also have a strong research background, with the ability to guide students in their own research projects.

 

What are the daily duties of an Academic Sport Psychology Professor?

An Academic Sport Psychology Professor’s duties can vary widely by day and by semester, but typically include preparing and delivering lectures, designing and grading exams and assignments, conducting original research, writing and publishing research papers, advising students, and participating in departmental and university meetings and committees.

They may also supervise graduate students’ research and teaching.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate aspects of being an academic sport psychology professor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about teaching classes.

It’s about nurturing the minds that will shape the future of sports psychology, one lecture at a time.

Armed with our handy academic sport psychology professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re more than ready to make your move.

But why settle there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your immediate recourse for precision-crafted listings or perfecting your resume to an art.

Remember:

Every lecture you deliver contributes to the broader field of knowledge.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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