PhD in Psychology: Performance Psychology (Qualitative)
PhD in Psychology: Performance Psychology (Qualitative)
journey today.
Peak performance psychology focuses on human psychology during professional performance, often psychomotor performance. Grand Canyon University’s qualitative Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology is designed for learners who want to apply research about emotion, cognition and motivation to the study of peak performance. Graduates of the PhD in General Psychology: Performance Psychology program are taught to use psychology to improve and enhance all kinds of human performance.
Those looking to position themselves for career advancement in peak performance psychology, medicine, business, sales and marketing can benefit from this general psychology doctoral degree. The PhD in psychology with an emphasis in qualitative performance psychology program at GCU integrates the research and hands-on methodology needed to complete a dissertation.
In addition to the online coursework, this program includes two in-person doctoral residencies. During this time, you will have the opportunity to work with faculty, advisors and peers to receive feedback on your dissertation research.
This degree does not lead directly to licensure. Admission into this Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with Performance Psychology emphasis program requires a graduate degree and related coursework.
The College of Doctoral Studies developed this performance psychology emphasis around the following aspects of the field:
Performance vs. Industrial Organizational Psychology
When peak performance psychology is applied outside of the realm of sports and physical performance, it is closely related to industrial and organizational psychology. Both practices intend to improve employee performance. The disciplines even use some similar strategies, such as goal setting, to enhance work output.
However, human performance psychology digs deeper into the principles of behavior modification to determine how to improve work and leadership. Additionally, it studies traits of high achieving leaders to learn how to motivate and change work habits from the top down.
Earn Your Online PhD in Psychology: Performance Psychology
At GCU, the online PhD in psychology allows you to complete your program coursework through an online learning platform for added flexibility and convenience. You will have access to knowledgeable faculty and advisors as well as dissertation resources throughout your doctoral program.
Residency Opportunities
In addition to the online classes, you will participate in two five-day residencies on or near GCU’s Phoenix campus. These are opportunities to network and collaborate in-person with other doctoral students and faculty.
During the first residency in the performance psychology emphasis, you will apply research design principles to develop foundational elements for your potential dissertation. Research skills will continue to be developed through hands-on activities. In the second residency, you will present and defend a preliminary design of your dissertation research from the first residency.
GCU’s online PhD in psychology with performance psychology teaches you to conduct empirical research and learn theories related to mental and thought processes.
In addition, graduates examine:
Factors affecting individual behavior
Mass communication’s impact on social awareness and control
The construction, analysis and interpretation of psychological tests
Measurement of learning outcomes
How to improve learning and performance conditions
The dimensions that impact information processing, decision making and regulating emotions
Learn and Practice Peak Performance Psychology Concepts
When pursuing the qualitative PhD in psychology for performance psychology you will have the opportunity to expand your skill set by developing a research study and gaining insight into how and why people think, believe and behave in a certain way — particularly in the area of human performance psychology. This differs from GCU’s quantitative PhD in performance psychology, which focuses on developing expertise in human performance psychology through the creation of a sampling plan and in the collection of numeric data.
GCU’s online PhD in psychology with a focus on peak performance psychology can lead you into many different fields, including higher education, fitness and nutrition, research and training. As a doctoral learner, you are guided throughout the program to become capable of consulting or leading change in an organization.
Some areas you may pursue with this degree and relevant credentials are:
Sports performance psychology
Industrial-organizational psychology
Social science research
Higher education
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in a performance psychology career, learn more about the field and earning your PhD in psychology from GCU.
Performance psychology examines psychological factors that impact peak human performance in business, sports and other areas. It applies human performance psychology principles to help people achieve optimal performance in their careers and personal goals.1
The time to completion for the PhD in psychology program will vary with each learner and how long it takes to complete the online coursework and dissertation. The maximum time allotted to complete the doctoral program is seven years.
To become a performance psychologist, you will likely need a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology. Depending on your preferred area of human performance psychology, you should plan to take classes in kinesiology, physiology, sports medicine, business and marketing.2 If you want to pursue a career in clinical psychology or counseling, you will also need a license to practice based on your state’s requirements.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 American Psychological Association. (2014). Sports and Performance Psychology Delivers Peak Performance. Retrieved on May 15, 2023.
2 American Psychological Association. (2014). A Career in Sport and Performance Psychology. Retrieved on May 15, 2023.