Men's basketball coach and student-athletes during game

A Timely Sport Science Degree

Our online master’s degree in Sport Science: Coaching and Mental Performance responds to the increased awareness of the mental health needs of teams and individuals with competition or performance-related goals.

Tuition & Fees

33 credits

$645 per-credit

$2,935 Graduate Assistantships available per semester (enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per semester)
Must be available for in-person Graduate Assistantship work on either Albany or Troy campuses

Length & Format

18 months to 2 years
to graduate, choose a full-time or part-time schedule

100% Online
program delivery

About The School of Education

Professors at the Esteves School of Education include distinguished researchers, experienced classroom teachers, and respected program directors, principals, superintendents and district administrators with connections to schools and school districts throughout New York state.

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Specialties in our Sport Science master’s program

Choose from the following electives:

  • Stress Management Techniques
  • Administrative Organizational Behavior
  • Foundations of Professional Coaching
  • Integrating Mindfulness into Professional Practices
  • Leadership and Ethics
  • Grant Writing
  • Strength and Conditioning for the PK-12 Professional

Satisfies master’s degree requirement for NYS professional teaching certification. Plus, physical education teachers who are coaching can utilize those experiences toward internship requirements, as applicable.

We combine the fitness/conditioning and the mental performance pieces in a way that other programs don’t.

You’ll have to study, but the materials used in the Advanced Strength and Conditioning course are aligned to the Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach process.

The thesis track can prepare you for a doctoral program, that could lead to working as a clinical sports psychologist.

  • Affordable and established: We offer one of the most affordable master’s options in sport science at an institution with longevity in the field of physical education.
  • Online and asynchronous: You are not required to be in a class meeting at the same time every week. You will watch lectures, contribute to online discussions and complete other assignments on your own schedule, while following course deadlines.
  • But still personal: An optional in-person, two-day residency on Sage’s campus at the beginning of every academic year is a great opportunity to meet classmates and faculty in person.

Easily Apply

Rolling admissions, so apply anytime, and start your program in the fall or spring semesters.

Application Requirements:

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Professional goals statement
  • Proof of initial certification in Physical Education (as applicable)
  • An RSC graduate school application
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Course Requirements

Credits and Completion

The M.S. in Sport Science: Coaching & Mental Performance provides the opportunity for teachers and coaches with undergraduate degrees in physical education and related areas the opportunity to focus more on the coaching aspects of their professional journeys.

View Program Catalog

Required courses:

  • Sport in Society
  • Advanced Strength and Conditioning
  • Brain and Behavior in Exercise and Sport
  • Foundations of Professional Coaching
  • Counseling Theories and Skills in Sport and Mental Performance
  • Working with Teams: Athletic Injury and Prevention
  • Working with Families in Sport

Requirements by track:

  • Internship track students: Internship in Coaching and Mental Performance
  • Thesis track students: Both the Proposal Design and Thesis courses (Students are also able to choose an internship as an elective course.)

Meet Our Students

Whether you’re pursuing educational requirements for NYS professional certification in physical education or you’re looking to improve your understanding of the mental aspect of sports to be a better coach, this program has something to offer.

“We know that in PK through 12 schools today, students’ mental health, social-emotional learning and fitness are areas in need of further support and development. This Sport Science program allows our graduate students to gain a deeper understanding of psychological elements related to athletic performance. Graduates of this new program will be well prepared to help students and student-athletes at all levels find success.”

Peter Stapleton, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor of Physical Education
tennis coach on court with two athletes

Your Future Career with a Master’s in Sport Science

Graduates of Sage’s Sport Science master’s program will be prepared to pursue New York State Professional Teaching Certification for Physical Education or to work in college athletics or as coaches in a variety of fields.

While our curriculum is focused on athletes and athletic teams, graduates may also pursue coaching opportunities in business, health and wellness or other fields.

Those outside of the teaching and coaching professions with this degree will be well-positioned for doctoral studies that could lead to becoming a sports psychologist.

Meet the Faculty
Peter J.
Stapleton, Ph.D.

Assistant Provost for Strategic Initiatives

Learn more about Peter
Kristiana Freeser
Kristiana M.
Feeser, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Sports Science

Learn more about Kristiana

Recent Posts about our Master of Sport Science

Still Exploring Your Options? Consider Related Graduate Programs:

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Need help?
Kristiana M. Feeser, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Sports Science
[email protected]

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