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.

Why Sage’s Online Master’s Degree in Sport Science?

Russell Sage College’s Sport Science degree program draws heavily on the deep expertise within the Esteves School of Education’s teacher preparation and educational leadership programs, and also on the expertise within Sage’s extensive health sciences programs and other programs with a wellness connection.

Professional NYS Teaching Certificate for Phys Ed

This Sport Science program provides an opportunity for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and initial New York State teaching certification in Physical Education (PK-12) to focus on the coaching aspects of the profession. This degree option aligns with New York State Professional Certification in Physical Education

Physical education teachers and coaches from all states will be able to immediately apply skills and dispositions in coaching and counseling in their work. For teachers outside of New York, check with your state’s department of education for specific certification requirements.

 

Master’s in Sport Science Classes

Our 33-credit master’s degree in Sport Science includes core courses like Counseling Theories and Skills in Sport and Mental Performance, Advanced Strength and Conditioning, Research & Evaluation in Education, Working with Families in Sport and more in the areas of coaching, education, program evaluation, counseling and behavior science.

Students also select cross-disciplinary electives that correspond to their interests. Options include business classes in organizational behavior and leadership, and health education classes in stress management and mindfulness.

Thesis and non-thesis/internship tracks are available.

The internship track is for teachers or fitness/coaching professionals. We’ve designed the internship program to capitalize on experiences you may already be involved with.

The thesis track is for students looking toward doctoral studies, perhaps in a Psy.D. or Ph.D. program that could lead to working as a clinical sports psychologist. Thesis track students also have the option of pursuing an internship as an elective.

 

How Long Does it Take to Get a Master’s in Sport Science?

Full-time graduate students can complete Sage’s online master’s degree in Sport Science: Coaching and Mental Performance within 18 months by taking three courses during the fall, spring and summer semesters and two courses in the final fall semester.

Part-time graduate students can complete the Sport Science master’s in approximately two years by taking two courses for five semesters, and one course in the final summer semester.

 

Online Master’s in Sport Science Learning Experience

Asynchronous

Sage’s master’s degree in Sport Science is completely online with asynchronous learning. This means 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.

Optional Residency

An in-person, two-day residency on Sage’s campus will be available at the beginning of every academic year. This is a great opportunity to meet classmates and faculty in person.

 

“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

Careers 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.

Sport Science Program Summary

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.)

Choose 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

 

Application Requirements

Deadline: Program starts are in the fall, but you can apply at any time.

With your application, we’ll also need:

  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Professional goals statement
  • Proof of initial certification in Physical Education (as applicable)

Next steps?

It’s time to take the next step. Choose yours below.

Have Questions about a Master’s in Sport Science?

Assistant Professor, Department Chair, and Director, Center for Teaching and Learning