Sports Science (MS)

About the Tracks

Sports science in the United States continues to evolve with multiple sub-disciplines, including strength and conditioning, data analytics, physiology, nutrition, sport psychology, etc. To provide students with an opportunity to shape their graduate experience around their future career goals, Sports Science students will have the opportunity to choose between a nine-credit track in either Strength and Conditioning or Data Analytics at the end of the first term.

Strength and Conditioning

Strength and conditioning coaches are an integral part of the Human Performance Group as they design and implement athlete training programs. They may serve as sport scientists based on athlete testing and program design data that is used to prescribe and modify the training process. Through this process, strength and conditioning coaches aid in the process of improving performance and managing fatigue.

The Strength and Conditioning track within the Sports Science program provides students with the opportunity to gain both the theoretical and practical knowledge to pursue a career as a strength and conditioning coach. This track includes 9 credits focused on strength and conditioning and will build on the real-world experiences of the Sports Science Practicum courses.

Data Analytics

Data analytics has become an important part of assessing and monitoring the overall development of an athlete. To drive evidence-based decision-making, sport scientists may use various pieces of technology and data analysis techniques to provide practical information to key stakeholders within the Human Performance Group. This in turn may aid in the athlete training process as well as assist sport coaches in making competition decisions.

The Data Analytics track within the Sports Science Master’s Program provides students with opportunities to learn various data hygiene, analysis, visualization, coding and reporting techniques to function as a sport scientist. This track includes 9 credits focused on data analytics and will build on the real-world experiences of the Sports Science Practicum courses.

Coursework

Fall Term

• Research Methodology and Applied Statistics
• Sports Science Practicum I
• Advanced Assessment of Athletic Performance
• Advanced Strength and Conditioning I
• Exercise Physiology

Spring Term – Track Coursework

• Sports Science Practicum II
• Sports Nutrition
• Strength and Conditioning OR Data Analytics Track
  • Strength and Conditioning Track
    • Advanced Strength and Conditioning II
    • Coaching Theory and Philosophy
    • Current Topics in Strength and Conditioning Research
  • Data Analytics Track
    • Sports Science Data Analytics
    • Current Topics in Sports Science and Data Analytics Research
    • Advisor-Approved Course

Summer Term

Sports Science Practicum III