Psychology of Peak Performance Graduate Certificate
College of Applied Human Sciences
The online Psychology of Peak Performance Graduate Certificate from WVU’s College of Applied Human Sciences is a flexible program that provides graduate-level training in the psychology of high performance. Rooted in sport and performance psychology, the program teaches evidence-based strategies to build focus, confidence, motivation, and self-regulation in high-pressure settings like sports, business, healthcare, the military, and the performing arts. Ideal for working professionals or those pursuing the Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) credential, this stackable certificate offers practical skills for advancing performance and leadership.
Cost:
$744 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
4 Courses / 12 Credits
Duration:
Variable
Dates:
Next Start: August 18, 2026 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
GMAT/GRE:
Not Required
Program Overview
The Psychology of Peak Performance Graduate Certificate is a fully online program that offers flexible, career-relevant training in the psychological foundations of high performance. Grounded in sport and performance psychology, the certificate explores how skills such as focus, confidence, motivation, and self-regulation can be developed to support success in high-pressure environments.
- CMPC-Aligned, Flexible Coursework Options: The graduate certificate offers choice among a suite of coursework to allow professionals to complete targeted academic requirements without pursuing a full degree. This flexible structure supports credential-seeking practitioners who need specific coursework as well as those seeking a standalone graduate credential in performance psychology.
-
Applied, Industry-Relevant Curriculum: The certificate curriculum options
span applied psychological skills, ethical decision-making, and evidence-informed
strategies relevant to sport, health, and human performance settings.
- Expert-Led, Practitioner-Informed Instruction: Courses are taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty and experienced practitioners in sport, exercise, and performance psychology that draw on WVU’s strong reputation, professional networks, and applied expertise.
- Engaging, Professionally Designed Online Learning: The certificate is delivered through interactive, multimedia-rich online courses developed in partnership with a professional instructional design team to ensure high-quality and engaging learning experience.
Curriculum
This program is designed as a standalone credential that provides graduate-level coursework in psychological principles that drive high performance without the commitment of a full degree or CMPC certification, while also allowing professionals to complete select coursework aligned with CMPC certification requirements.
Ideal for students and working professionals, particularly licensed or license-eligible mental health providers with dual training as well as individuals working in performance-based fields (e.g., coaching, business, sport management, military, and healthcare), this certificate provides evidence-based knowledge to enhance performance in themselves and others. For those pursuing the CMPC® credential, the program allows students to choose four of the ten required courses. This certificate is stackable toward WVU’s online M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology for those who choose to continue.
Additionally, communities of practice opportunities are embedded in some of our courses to foster peer collaboration, applied reflection, and professional identity development.
- SEP 519: Basic Techniques for Performance Enhancement
- SEP 520: Advanced Techniques for Performance Enhancement
- SEP 527: Ethical and Legal Issues in Sport and Performance Psychology
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of foundational theories, evidence-based strategies, and ethical principles of performance enhancement to deepen understanding of individual and group functioning in high-performance settings such as sport, healthcare, business, military, and the performing arts.
- Engage in reflective, collaborative, and culturally responsive practice that fosters continued professional growth and contributes to the advancement of performance enhancement across diverse professional fields.
- Critically examine how performance psychology concepts can inform ethical and effective leadership practices within performance-based professional fields.
- SEP 540: Theoretical Sport and Performance Foundations for Practice, 3 credit hours
- SEP 527: Ethical and Legal Issues in Sport and Performance Psychology, 3 credit hours
- SEP 519: Basic Techniques for Performance Enhancement, 3 credit hours
- SEP 520: Advanced Techniques for Performance Enhancement, 3 credit hours
- SEP 518: Helping Relationships in Performance Domains, 3 credit hours
- SEP 524: Understanding the Psychological Bases of Individual Differences, 3 credit hours
- SEP 521: Psychopathology and Performance Populations, 3 credit hours
- SEP 515: Research Methods and Statistics, 3 credit hours
- SEP 525: Cultural Competencies in Sport and Performance Psychology, 3 credit hours
- ACE 522: Motor Behavior for Sport Coaches , 3 credit hours
Courses are offered in blocks on a 5-semeters course rotation across the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Block 1
- SEP 540: Theoretical Sport and Performance Foundations for Practice
- SEP 527: Ethical and Legal Issues in Sport and Performance Psychology
Block 2
- SEP 519: Basic Techniques for Performance Enhancement
- SEP 520: Advanced Techniques for Performance Enhancement
Block 3
- SEP 518: Helping Relationships in Performance Domains
- SEP 524: Understanding the Psychological Bases of Individual Differences
Block 4
- SEP 521: Psychopathology and Performance Populations
- SEP 515: Research Methods and Statistics
Block 5
- SEP 525: Cultural Competencies in Sport and Performance Psychology
- ACE 522: Motor Behavior for Sport Coaches
Connect With Us
Melinda Gallagher College of Applied Human Sciences
(304) 293-0882 Melinda.Gallagher@mail.wvu.edu
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Program Requirements and Eligibility
- Complete graduate application
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- A minimum GPA of 2.75
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) to be sent to:
- WVU Office of Admissions - P.O. Box 6009 Morgantown, WV 26505-6009
- Or via email: WVUAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
- Resume or CV
- Personal Statement
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- Review the requirements for the program and learn what materials are needed to apply.
- Create an account, start your application and follow the instructions.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application.
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.
Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.
Careers and Employment
This program explores how to help individuals and teams manage stress, strengthen psychological skills, enhance motivation, and sustain high performance under pressure. Through applied, industry-relevant coursework, you will develop practical tools to support ethical decision-making, effective helping relationships, and culturally responsive practice. Communities of practice embedded within select courses foster peer collaboration, reflective learning, and professional identity development. For those pursuing the CMPC® credential, the certificate also offers the opportunity to complete select coursework aligned with certification requirements, providing focused academic preparation while maintaining flexibility for working professionals.
Career Paths
- Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC): Working with athletes, teams/groups, and performers across a wide range of contexts including sport, military, business, health, performing arts, and other tactical populations to enhance mental performance and well-being.
- Licensed Mental Health Therapist or Psychologist (Dual-Trained): Integrating clinical expertise (i.e., a separate graduate degree in counseling or psychology) with advanced training in sport and performance psychology to support athletes and performers with both mental health and performance enhancement needs, often in collaboration with athletic departments, clinical practices, or integrated care teams.
- Academic or Research Professional: Contributing to research and teaching in sport and performance psychology, normally after completing doctoral studies.