If you would like a career in which you work with athletes as well as non athletes (e.g., business people, college students, hospitals ,or the general population), there are several reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree in an APA accredited clinical or counseling psychology program.
First, various career opportunities working with clinical problems require a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology from an APA accredited program that includes a 1-year APA approved internship. There are laws that govern the practice of psychology such that, in most states, these positions typically require applicants to have a state license or certificate to practice. People receiving traditional graduate training from sport sciences departments that are not APA accredited will rarely qualify for these positions. Thus, if you want to provide psychological services for people in general, this track has the distinct advantage of providing the greatest variety of career opportunities as well as the best chance to obtain employment upon completion of a doctoral degree and internship.
Second, very few sport psychologists earn most of their income working full-time with competitive athletes. Those professionals who consult with athletes on a part-time basis usually have other employment, such as an academic position, or a more traditional clinical or counseling practice in which they earn most of their income.
Educational Requirements for Track III:
Primary Employment for Track III:
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