Andrew Parks, Ph.D. Assistant Professor
In 2021-2022, the Department of Kinesiology at Louisiana Tech launched two new academic programs focused on Sport & Exercise Psychology. For the undergraduate students at Louisiana Tech, a new minor in Sport & Exercise Psychology was added to the curriculum as an opportunity for students to further explore human behavior as it relates to sport, health, wellness, and physical activity programs. Designed to be tailored to each students academic & professional journey, this minor can provide the ability to better understand child development for those wanting to pursue pediatric fields, an introduction into counseling services and practices for those wanting to work with clients to build strategies to manage personal health & wellness challenges, or development of interpersonal skills necessary for aiding athletes & teams in their pursuits of optimal athletic performance. With human behavior serving as the lynchpin for understanding those we serve throughout many of the kinesiology disciplines, this pathway aims to make students at Louisiana Tech more versatile and competitive in a rapidly growing discipline.
Our second program is a Master’s concentration in Sport & Exercise Psychology for student’s seeking advanced educational opportunities in the field. In recent years, we have seen a growing number of athletes at all competition levels seeking support for their mental health and/or guidance to address the social and psychological aspects of their sports. Outside of sport, we have also seen a flood of new health & wellness programs developed for communities and individuals with chronic illnesses, yet understanding what drives these individuals to begin and maintain a new health journey is integral to the success of these programs. We have even seen the application of sport & exercise psychology strategies within the U.S. Armed Forces, as a tool to improve unit cohesion and resilience during periods of extreme stress. Students interested in this advanced degree program have the opportunity to: 1) Study these issues in the classroom setting with experts in the field, 2) Experience real world initiatives developed to address these issues, 3) Participate in one-of-a-kind internships with elite military personnel, collegiate athletes, corporate and community wellness programs, and individuals with special needs, and 4)Explore in the research setting new approaches to improve the quality of life for all those engaged in sport & exercise.
If you would like to know more about these programs you can do so on our website, or please feel free to contact Dr. Drew Parks at parksac@latech.edu or (318)257-2736.
Here is the link to the seminar Drs. Parks, Blazo and Reichter presented April 2023:
The Exponential Factor 