Media Room

University of the Rockies (UoR) has begun enrollment for three new specializations, available to all UoR students pursuing an online Master’s or Doctoral degree in Psychology: Health and Wellness Psychology, Organizational Consulting, and Sports & Performance Psychology. 

“Our new specializations look to the future of the field – what experts say Psychology will resemble in 5 to 10 years,” said Dr. Stephen Kirkpatrick, Dean of the School of Organizational Leadership for UoR.  “This curriculum – as well as our other academic coursework – was designed with that future state in mind, building upon an established, solid foundation of standard Psychology courses.” 

With special regard to the Heath and Wellness Psychology specialization, Kirkpatrick added, “An increasing number of professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and wellness program business consultants, have begun working in the healthcare field.  Research consistently shows a strong return on investment for such programs, and experts agree on their obvious value to individuals, communities and the society as a whole.”  

While the Organizational Consulting specialization is similar to other UoR specializations,
such as Executive Coaching, Organizational Leadership and Business Psychology, this program was specifically designed to prepare students to consult with organizations of all sizes, and on all leadership levels. 

“When we constructed this program, we were thinking, specifically, of entrepreneurial firms with less than 100 employees,” explained Dr. Kirkpatrick.  “These firms are often managed by one or more founders and a technical expert.  They may enjoy early success, but may also suffer unanticipated loss when they realize they are not mentally prepared to lead an increasingly large team.  The curriculum for this program caters to students who wish to fulfill this professional need.”    

The Sports and Performance Psychology specialization was established to meet a growing demand for trained professionals who are academically prepared to work in the Sports Psychology field. 

According to Dr. David Solly, Dean of the School of Professional Psychology for UoR, “Athletes at all levels have devoted increasing attention to mental and emotional preparation, in order to achieve peak performance.  The same concepts used to apply psychological principles to athletic performance also exist in other arenas, whether the person is a professional basketball player on the court, or a pianist in a concert hall.” 

Graduates of UoR’s Master’s and Doctoral Psychology degree programs with a specialization in Health and Wellness Psychology will be academically prepared for careers in healthcare education, patient and/or employee wellness and personal coaching. 

Those who specialize in Organizational Consulting may opt to become senior associates in a technical, business, or management consulting firm, or may chose to assume leadership positions in organizations dedicated to quality management, process improvement or organizational development.  Ideal careers for students graduating with an MA or PsyD in Psychology, specialization in Sports & Performance Psychology, include: sports psychologist, performance coach, sales motivation trainer, team psychologist and teaching professional.    

As with most academic Psychology programs, students interested in obtaining professional certification or licensure should consult the regulations and statutes in the state(s) where they plan to pursue their careers.  Additionally, the Association for Applied Sports Psychology (AASP) certifies member practitioners as sports psychologists.  Students may become certified in AASP, separate from state licensure.   While the curriculum for UoR’s Sports & Performance Psychology specialization follows AASP guidelines, it does not guarantee AASP certification, and students are encouraged to consult AASP directly.

To learn more or to apply, visit: http://www.rockies.edu or call 866-821-0124.

About University of the Rockies
University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in psychology programs at the master’s and doctoral levels at its campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, University of the Rockies also offers specialized degree programs online. San Diego-based Bridgepoint Education is the parent company of University of the Rockies, formerly known as the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. University students provide free and low-cost psychological services to the underserved through the University of the Rockies Foundation’s Switzer Center. The Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization supporting students through scholarships, assistantships and other activities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858/531-9240 x2513.