Program Highlights

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
  • NYS professional teaching certification requirement: 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.
  • Focus on fitness and performance: We combine the fitness/conditioning and the mental performance pieces in a way that other programs don’t.
  • Thesis and non-thesis tracks: 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.
  • Great preparation for CSCS exam: 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.

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.)

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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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.

Student
2025
Joe DeGroot

What drew you to the master’s program in Sport Science: Coaching and Mental Performance at Russell Sage College? I wanted …

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Student
2019, 2025
Emily Moro

Why did you choose the master’s program in Sport Science: Coaching and Mental Performance? I completed my B.S. in Health …

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“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.

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