The following 25 Best Online Master's Degrees in Sports Medicine exercise students' ability to address every topic involving kinesthetics and delivering an optimized sports performance in 2020.
Earning a Master's degree in sports medicine allows students to exercise, both, their brain and muscles in a broad range of athletic studies. The following list of Grad School Hub's 25 Best Online Master's Degrees in Sports Management includes programs focused on exercise science, health and human performance, kinesiology, physical education, sports coaching, sports management, and strength and conditioning. The curricula cover biological, ethical, legal, professional, and psychological approaches to sports medicine. Graduate study in the field is ideal for those who wish to stretch their sports medicine skills or gain more specialized expertise within the athletic realm. Online degrees offer students the opportunity to do so in an affordable, convenient, and flexible manner.
Graduates of the following programs may be eligible to sit for relevant professional certification or licensure exams. Masters degree holders in Sports Medicine may move into roles as athletic coaches, exercise physiologists, or sports team managers. Exercise physiologists typically assess exercise risk, conduct fitness tests, measure patient health indicators, and develop effective exercise programs. They may work for hospitals, health care providers, athletic clubs, or universities. According to the most recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, exercise physiologists earn a median annual salary of $49,090. The field is growing at a faster-than-average rate of 13 percent. This rise in demand for exercise physiologists may be due to the increasing emphasis on exercise as preventative care.
Methodology
The staff of Grad School Hub has compiled the following 25 Best Online Master's Degrees in Sports Medicine for the 2019-20 academic school year based on public data released from educational, commercial, and government databases. Data contributed from sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, and the U.S. Department of Labor plays a significant role in how graduate degree programs are ranked because institutional transparency is essential for deciding which career path is right for you. Based on this data, GSH organizes information into five weighted categories, which are:
- Alumni Feedback: 20%
- Continued Enrollment: 20%
- Degree Selectivity: 10%
- Graduate Expenses: 25%
- Projected Annual Salary: 25%
A more comprehensive evaluation of how each category is determined and scored is accessible through our Ranking Methodology page.
Here are the 25 Best Online Master's Degrees in Sports Medicine for 2019 – 2020!
#25 – Fresno Pacific University
Master of Arts in Kinesiology, Physical Education Emphasis
Fresno, CA
Website
As a Christian university, all FPU programs incorporate ethical and religious worldviews.
Fresno Pacific University offers a Physical Education Emphasis within its Master of Arts in Kinesiology program. The 36-credit program incorporates ethics, history, and philosophy in its approach to physical education. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, a minimum of 12-semester credits of study in physical education, or four years of full-time professional physical education experience. The fully online program includes courses in Psychology of Sport, Technology in Kinesiology, and Issues in Kinesiology.
FPU was founded by the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches in 1944. Originally called Pacific Bible Institute, the institution changed its name to Fresno Pacific University in 1997. The private liberal arts university is located in Fresno, CA. It operates regional campuses throughout Central California in Bakersfield, Merced, North Fresno, and Visalia. U.S. News & World Report ranks FPU 42nd for best value and 39th in the West. The school mascot is Sunny the Sunbird.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,062
#24 – Sul Ross State University
Master of Science in Health and Human Performance
Alpine, TX
Website
A multicultural university, SRSU is one of Texas' largest producers of Hispanic American teachers.
Sul Ross State University's Master of Science in Health and Human Performance is a fully online fast-track program. It runs on eight-week terms and can be completed in just one full-time year. Students can alternatively complete the program on a part-time basis. Course offerings include Advanced Human Behavior, Group Dynamics, Issues in Sports Law, and Physiological Basis of Human Behavior. All students must pass a comprehensive final exam upon completion of the core curriculum. Students culminate the program with an advanced practicum, or with an internship and accompanying project in Exercise Science.
SRSU opened in 1917 as Sul Ross Normal College with an intended purpose as a teacher-training school. It was named after former Texas governor and Civil War Confederate general Lawrence Sullivan Ross. The public university is governed by the Texas State University System Board of Regents. It has a main campus in Alpine, TX, serving West Texas. It also operates branch campuses under the name Rio Grande College in Castroville, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde. The university's research facilities and projects include the Chihuahuan Desert Resource, Conservation, and Development Area; the Museum of Big Bend; and the Minority and Small Business Development Center.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $2,082 in-state; $8,943 out-of-state
#23 – Southern Arkansas University
Master of Science in Kinesiology with Coaching
Magnolia, AR
Website
SAU students are nicknamed "Muleriders," and their families often participate in "Mulegating" before home football games.
Southern Arkansas University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a specialization in Coaching. The program is offered through the university's Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation within its College of Education. It can be completed online in its entirety. The 33-credit hour curriculum builds understanding in areas such as administration, coaching philosophy and ethics, communication, and safety and injury prevention. Course examples include Legal Issues in Kinesiology, Methods of Research in Kinesiology, Psychology of Athletic Coaching, and Sport Administration. Students complete the program with a Coaching Capstone Portfolio.
The university was established in 1909 by the Arkansas state legislature. Originally a high school named Third District Agricultural School, SAU has since grown into a public university. Located in Magnolia, AR, the university also operates Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden, AR. Student life traditions include the annual Bed Races, in which students from each residence hall build and race "beds" consisting of a twin-sized mattress atop four bike tires. The university also hosts a Christmas Celebration of Lights, which involves lighting up the campus bell tower and a large Christmas tree, a festive parade, caroling, and a community holiday buffet dinner.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,130 in-state; $7,866 out-of-state
#22 – George Washington University
Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning
Washington, D.C.
Website
GW's Foggy Bottom campus is within blocks of the White House and the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
George Washington University offers an online Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning. The program equips students to help improve athletic performance and prevent inactivity-related health disorders. Most of the 36-credit hour curriculum is taught online, with some live elements. All students are required to attend a three-day on-campus capstone course in the second year of the program. Strength and Conditioning course offerings include Biochemical Analysis, Current Topics in Strength and Conditioning, and Science and Theory of Resistance Training. All students must also complete both a graduate internship and a comprehensive exam. The program spans four semesters or two academic years.
Originally called Columbian College, its name was later changed in honor of George Washington. Records show that Washington had previously expressed wishes for a university to be built in the nation's capital. The private university's main campus, Foggy Bottom, is situated in the heart of Washington, D.C. It is categorized in the top tier of research universities by the Carnegie Foundation. Notable GW research facilities include the National Security Archive and the Institute for International Economic Policy. The university also operates two satellite campuses in the Washington metropolitan area. U.S. News & World Report ranks GW 63rd in the nation and 37th in innovation.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $30,780
#21 – Houston Baptist University
Master of Science in Kinesiology with Sport Management
Houston, TX
Website
HBU's 158-acre campus sits on land that is part of Houston's Chinatown district.
Houston Baptist University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport Management through its Pampell Online Division. The degree program prioritizes critical thinking, ethics, and social responsibility in its approach to athletic management. The 35-credit hour curriculum covers interdisciplinary aspects of the sports world such as advertising, finance, law, and leadership skills. Required courses include History and Culture of Sport, Legal Issues in Sport, Event and Facility Management, and Marketing Management. Additional degree requirements include an internship in Sport Management and a master's thesis.
The private Baptist university is located in Sharpstown, a community in Houston, TX. The campus' Morris Cultural Arts Center houses the Dunham Bible Museum, the Museum of American Architecture and Decorative Arts, and the Museum of Southern History. HBU students are nicknamed Huskies, and the campus' Husky Village is comprised of seven apartment buildings reserved primarily for upperclassmen and university staff. The Christian liberal arts university is ranked 69th in Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report. Its school colors are orange and blue.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,000
#20 – Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Corpus Christi, TX
Website
The TAMU-CC campus features beach and bay views, a scenic trail, and palm tree-lined pathways.
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport and Exercise Science. The program is designed to prepare professionals for the many facets of sports and athletic performance, such as biomechanics, leadership, nutrition, and sport psychology. Required courses include Sport Nutrition, Concepts in Sport Business, and Motor Development in Sport. Students are expected to complete a professional seminar and field experience in Kinesiology. Students can choose to pursue a master's thesis or complete a graduate research project. All students must successfully pass a comprehensive exam to complete the degree.
TAMU-CC opened in 1947 as the University of Corpus Christi, operated by the Baptist General Convention of Texas. In 1970, Hurricane Celia caused extensive damage to the campus. The university joined the Texas A&M University System in 1989. The campus is located on Ward Island in Oso Bay in Corpus Christi, TX. Students are nicknamed "Islanders," the university slogan is "The Island University," and the university greeting is the "Shaka." The public state university conducts research in fields such as coastal and marine sciences, geospatial engineering, and environmental issues facing the Gulf of Mexico. Located on the cultural border with Latin America, TAMU-CC is a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,965 in-state; $12,817 out-of-state
#19 – Concordia University
Master of Science in Exercise Science
Saint Paul, MN
Website
Concordia's 37-acre campus is located in urban Saint Paul, MN.
Concordia University's fully-online Master of Science in Exercise Science prepares students for leadership positions in exercise science. All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field and relevant field experience for admittance. The curriculum focuses on the ways exercise affects human health. It covers topics such as nutrition and metabolism and the psychology of sport and exercise. The course sequence includes Exercise Prescription, Mechanisms of Skilled Neuromuscular Behavior, and Ethics and Policy in Sport and Exercise Science. The 33-credit curriculum culminates in a Master's Capstone.
Concordia University is a private university founded in 1893. It is an affiliate institution of the Concordia University System, which is operated by the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The university offers a liberal arts education while aiming to build students' marketable professional skills. Its online programs use cohort-based learning, with students progressing through the program in groups. As of 2018, Concordia enrolls approximately 5,000 students. According to the university, it has one of the most diverse student bodies among private schools in the Twin Cities. The university is ranked 94th in Regional Universities Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. The school mascot is the Golden Bears.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,550
#18 – Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Kingsville, TX
Website
The architecture on the main Texas A&M – Kingsville campus reflects a Spanish Mission Revival Style.
Texas A&M University – Kingsville offers a flexible online Master of Science in Kinesiology. Students may choose to pursue generalist Kinesiology study or tailor their plan of study to emphasize sport administration/kinesiology pedagogy or health/exercise science. Core research courses include Physiology of Exercise, Research Methods in Kinesiology, and Statistical Analysis of Research Data. Sport administration elective offerings include Sport in the Modern World, Public Relations in Sport, and Sport and Athletic Law. Health and exercise science electives include Drug Education, Healthy Aging, and Cardiovascular Health. The online program follows a courses-only degree plan, with no required thesis or research project.
Texas A&M – Kingsville was chartered as the South Texas Normal School in 1917, but its opening was delayed due to World War II. It was officially founded in 1925 as South Texas State Teachers College. In 1989, it joined the Texas A&M University System and changed to its current name. Today, it is a public research university noted for its degrees in agriculture, music, science, and engineering. It was also the first institution in the United States to offer a doctoral degree in bilingual education. More than half of all students enrolled at the university are Hispanic. The school's diverse student body reflects the culture of its South Texas surroundings.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,017
#17 – Southern Utah University
Master of Science in Sports Conditioning & Performance
Cedar City, UT
Website
The Adams Memorial Shakespeare Theatre at SUU is one of the most authentic Elizabethan theaters in the world.
Southern Utah University offers a Master of Science in Sports Conditioning & Performance through its Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation. The coursework is offered primarily online, though students are required to attend intensive summer workshops on campus for one to two weeks. The 33-credit curriculum includes required courses such as Designing Resistance Training Programs, Evaluation in Sport Fitness, and Advanced Techniques of Sport Conditioning. Elective offerings include Bioenergetics and Sport Nutrition, Motor Skill Acquisition, and Psychological Aspects of Sport Performance and Conditioning. Each student then develops and defends a three-credit master's thesis in their last semester of the program.
SUU was established in 1897 as the first teacher training school in southern Utah. After numerous decades and name changes, the school grew into a public university. It is one of 27 universities in the country to be designated a public liberal arts and sciences university by the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. SUU offers many performing and visual arts opportunities, and vocal students have won a multitude of singing competitions. The university is widely known for hosting the prestigious Utah Shakespeare Festival each summer. U.S. News & World Report ranks SUU 81st in the West and 27th among public schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,574 in-state; $23,784 out-of-state
#16 – University of Western States
Master of Science in Sports Medicine
Portland, OR
Website
The UWS campus is located in Northeast Portland, OR, though it also offers its doctoral and master's programs online.
The University of Western States offers its Master of Science in Sports Medicine in a hybrid format. While most courses are offered online, students are also required to attend hands-on lab sessions in Portland, OR. Alternatively, students can arrange practicum hours with a supervisor in their area. Applicants should hold an initial professional degree and practical experience in a related health care field, or a minimum of 16-semester credits of relevant undergraduate coursework. Students can enter the program in January or April. MS in Sports Medicine courses includes Spinal Rehabilitation, Emergency Management, and Sport Psychology. All students must also complete an original research capstone project. The program spans six to seven quarters or one and a half to two years. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for credential exams.
Founded in 1904, UWS is the second-oldest chiropractic university in the world. It was also the first chiropractic college to receive a research grant through the United States Health Resources and Services Administration. UWS is a private integrated health science university with an enrollment just shy of 1,000 students. It offers programs in the areas of chiropractic care, human nutrition, diagnostic imaging, sport psychology, mental health counseling, and sports medicine. Each program emphasizes an evidence-based, whole-person approach to health care. In 2018, the university's Master of Science in Sports Medicine program was ranked No. 1 in the field by Best Colleges.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,800
#15 – Northcentral University
Master of Education in Athletic Coaching
San Diego, CA
Website
While Northcentral has a virtual campus, it is headquartered in San Diego, CA.
Northcentral University offers a Master of Education with an Athletic Coaching Specialization. Throughout the degree program, students are mentored by professors with professional experience in the coaching field. The curriculum is comprised of 10 courses totaling 30 credit hours. It emphasizes skills in coaching leadership and explores coaching strategies, performance enhancement techniques, and coaching ethics and values. Major core courses include Coaching Psychology, Ethics in Sport, Legal Aspects in Coaching, and Sport Nutrition. Students culminate the program with a three-credit hour capstone course. The degree takes approximately 20 months to complete.
Northcentral opened as a for-profit university in 1996. In 2019, it was acquired by the National University System and changed to non-profit status. The private, fully online university is designated a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. It consists of five schools focused on business, education, health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and technology.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,864
#14 – Liberty University
Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness
Lynchburg, VA
Website
Liberty's Freedom Tower features a replica of the Liberty Bell and is the tallest building in Lynchburg.
Liberty University's Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness is a 100 percent online program with no residency or internship requirements. The 33-credit hour curriculum covers areas such as biomechanics, physiology, and sports nutrition. Students can choose to specialize in either Fitness and Performance or Nutrition and Wellness. Core courses include Fitness Assessment & Programming, Principles of Nutrition, and Research Methods in Exercise Science. Fitness & Performance concentrated courses include Advanced Strength Development and Performance Nutrition for the Physically Active. Nutrition & Wellness concentrated courses include Diabetes, Obesity & Eating Disorders and Promoting Physical Activity in the Community. Each course spans eight weeks. The degree takes an average of a year and a half to complete.
Liberty University began as Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971. It has since grown into the largest private non-profit university in the U.S. and one of the biggest Christian universities in the world. The majority of students are enrolled in an online capacity. The university is informally affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, and it plays a prominent role in Republican politics. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty's campus features a synthetic ski slope, an observatory with research telescopes, and an on-campus shooting range. It also houses the National Civil War Chaplains Museum, the only museum in the country devoted to exhibitions on religious activity during the Civil War era.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,904
#13 – University of Hawaii at Manoa
Master of Science in Kinesiology & Rehabilitation Science with Rehabilitation Counselor Education
Honolulu, HI
Website
UH Manoa is situated in the mouth of Manoa Valley, in a landscape of lush vegetation due largely to its almost-daily rainfall.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program within its Master of Science in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. The program prepares entry-level and experienced professionals alike for work with disabled individuals in rehabilitation services. Courses are delivered entirely online, including one live online session per week. Sample course offerings include Cross-Cultural Counseling, Ethical Issues for Helping Professions, and Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Disability. Students also complete three semesters of field experience in their own communities. The 48-credit hour degree program requires three years of enrollment. Graduates of the program are eligible for related certification and licensure exams.
UH is located in Manoa, a prosperous valley neighborhood in Honolulu, HI, about three miles from downtown. The Carnegie Foundation classifies UH as having very high research activity. Research areas include marine biology, oceanography, underwater robotics, astronomy, aquaculture, and tropical medicine. U.S. News & World Report ranks UH Manoa 157th in the country, 80th among public schools, and 47th for graduate Rehabilitation Counseling.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,600 in-state; $37,080 out-of-state
#12 – The University of Texas at El Paso
Master of Science in Kinesiology
El Paso, TX
Website
The UTEP campus features buildings in the Dzong architectural style, which is rarely seen outside of Bhutan and Tibet.
The University of Texas at El Paso awards a Master of Science in Kinesiology program. In order to be admitted, students must possess an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology or a related field. Students can concentrate in, either, Exercise Science or Pedagogy of Physical Activities, although the Exercise Science concentration is not offered in an online capacity. The 36-credit hour curriculum requires courses in Advanced Exercise Physiology, Biomechanical Basis of Sport, and Motor Learning and Control, as well as statistics and research methods courses. The Pedagogy of Physical Activities concentration requires courses in Effective Instruction in P.E., Physical Activities for Young Children, and Programs of Physical Activity. Students can pursue a master's thesis, or opt for a non-thesis option with a graduate project and an additional three credit hours.
UTEP opened in 1914 as the State School of Mines and Metallurgy. A practice mineshaft remains on campus today. Now a public research university, UTEP is a member of the University of Texas system. As of 2019, it is classified in the top tier of research universities by the Carnegie Foundation. The university is noted as the second-largest U.S. university with a mostly Mexican American student population, at about 80 percent. Located in El Paso, TX, the hilltop campus overlooks the Rio Grande river and offers a view across the border at Mexico's Ciudad Juárez. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university's graduate Physical Therapy programs 154th in the nation.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,941 in-state; $13,649 out-of-state
#11 – Concordia University Chicago
Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science
River Forest, IL
Website
Concordia University Chicago has a main campus in River Forest, IL, a suburban village neighboring Chicago's Oak Park.
Concordia University Chicago awards a Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science. The program offers students five concentrations to choose from, such as Fitness and Health Promotion, Human Movement Science, Sports Nutrition, Sports Performance Training, and Strength Conditioning. Students may choose to pursue multiple concentrations at once. Each concentration option has rolling admissions, can be completed in a fully online capacity and includes courses spanning eight weeks in length. Core courses across all concentrations include Applied Exercise Physiology, Exercise and Sport Nutrition, and Research Design and Methods in Exercise Science. The program is asynchronous, meaning students set their own schedules and do not have to log on at certain times for live class sessions. Students culminate the program with a capstone experience in such forms as a publishable journal article, field experience, conference presentation, or website.
Concordia University Chicago is the oldest institution in the Concordia University System, which comprises eight institutions operated by the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. CUC is now a private, comprehensive liberal arts university. Originally located in Addison, IL, the campus relocated to suburban River Forest in 1913. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 72nd in the Midwest and 44th for best value.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,910
#10 – Louisiana State University
Master of Science in Kinesiology with Sport Management
Baton Rouge, LA
Website
The LSU campus sits on a plateau on the banks of the Mississippi River and features Italian Renaissance-style buildings.
Louisiana State University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with specialization in Sport Management. The non-thesis degree program is a collaboration between the university's business, communication, human sciences and education, and kinesiology. The curriculum covers current best practices in sport management, as well as social and professional issues in the sports world. Courses also equip students with practical and business skills applicable to the field of sport management. Core courses include Economic Issues in Sport, Financial Issues in Sport, and Social Issues in Sport. Students also complete a semester-long internship in an area of sport management. The degree can be completed in as few as 12 months on a full-time basis, though students can choose to complete it at a slower pace on a part-time basis.
LSU was originally established in 1853 but closed with the start of the Civil War. While the seminary reopened when the war ended, the campus was burned to the ground four years later and relocated to its current location of Baton Rouge, LA. LSU is the flagship school of the state of Louisiana and the flagship institution of the Louisiana State University System. The public research university is designated as a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution. It has conducted research endeavors sponsored by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and NASA. The university also operates multiple museums, including the LSU Museum of Art, the LSU Museum of Natural Science, and the LSU Rural Life Museum. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 70th among public schools nationally.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,132
#9 – University of Southern Mississippi
Master of Science in Kinesiology with Physical Education
Hattiesburg, MS
Website
Southern Miss is home to the notable All-American Rose Garden, one of two All-American Gardens in the state of Mississippi.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Physical Education Emphasis. The program is delivered in a 100 percent online format with no residency requirements. The 36-credit hour curriculum includes required courses in Legal Aspects of Sport, Motor Learning, and Sport Skill Analysis. Students who choose to pursue a master's thesis must take six thesis credit hours. Those opting for a non-thesis route must take a three-credit course in Special Problems, wherein they explore an area of interest and produce a scholarly research paper. All students are required to pass a comprehensive exam.
Southern Miss opened in 1910 as Mississippi Normal College. Over the last century, it has grown into a public research university. A dual-campus institution, the university has a main campus in suburban Hattiesburg, MS, and an additional large campus in Long Beach, MS. The school operates five additional research and instruction sires, including the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, the John C. Stennis Space Center, and a polymer science research center. The university mascot is the Golden Eagle, which is reflected by a gigantic three-ton sculpture on campus. It is one of the few universities to allow an annual two-year holiday in celebration of Mardi Gras.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514 in-state; $10,514 out-of-state
#8 – Georgia Southern University
Master of Science in Kinesiology with Coaching Education
Statesboro, GA
Website
The main GS campus in Statesboro is vibrant with life, featuring a wildlife education center and a botanical garden.
Georgia Southern University offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Coaching Education Concentration. The online program is designed for both entry-level and experienced coaches. The annual application deadline is April 1. The 36-credit curriculum consists of 12 fully online courses. Courses cover athletic training, coaching administration and effectiveness, and performance enhancement. The program of study includes courses in Sports Administration and Sports Biomechanics, Injury Prevention and Research Methods for Coaches, and Teaching Analysis and Psychology of Peak Performance. All students must also complete a coaching practicum. The entire degree program spans four semesters.
GS opened in 1906 as a land grant college. Today, the university is comprised of three campuses: a flagship campus in Statesboro, GA; the Armstrong Campus in Savannah; and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville. The public university is a member institution of the University System of Georgia. It is classified as a Doctoral and Research Institution by the Carnegie Foundation. Its research undertakings address advancement in renewable energy and environmental science. The university is home to the Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology, featuring the U.S. National Tick Collection, the world's largest collection of ticks. Georgia Southern's graduate Public Health programs are ranked 71st in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,636 in-state; $26,518 out-of-state
#7 – University of Northern Colorado
Master of Arts in Sport Coaching
Greeley, CO
Website
The residence halls on UNC's Central Campus area designated state historic district.
The University of Northern Colorado offers a Master of Arts in Sport Coaching program designed for individuals who already hold a professional coaching position. The program builds advanced expertise in communication, ethics, law, motivation, psychology, and safety in relation to athletic coaching. The 30-credit hour degree is formatted to allow students to focus on one course at a time. Courses are offered entirely online, and most incorporate video technology. The program of study includes courses in Psychology for Sports Coaches, International Perspectives of Sports Coaching, and Teacher and Coach Action Research. The program also involves a graduate internship and a comprehensive exam. Students finish off the program with their own original independent research project.
UNC is a public research university with the main campus in Greeley, CO with additional campus locations in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Loveland. The university also operates a group of cabins called Old Man Mountain in Colorado's Estes Park, which serves as a retreat location for the local community. Campus facilities include the Skinner Music Library; The Lydia Ruyle Room of Women's Art; the UNC Herbarium; and the Southern Rocky Mountain Reference Collection, which is comprised of flower and fruit species of the region. The school mascot is Klawz the Bear.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,476 in-state; $19,551 out-of-state
#6 – University of Texas at Tyler
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Tyler, TX
Website
The picturesque UT Tyler campus is centered around a lake and surrounded by forests of pine and oak trees.
The University of Texas at Tyler offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology. The program prepares graduates for careers in coaching, personal training, health promotion and more. It is also suitable for clinical professionals looking to deepen their understanding of kinesiology. The 36-hour curriculum can be completed in a face-to-face format, a hybrid format, or entirely online. Required courses include Biomechanics, Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology, and Motor Learning. In order to complete the program, each student must successfully pass a comprehensive exam and complete a master's thesis or internship. Practicum partnership sites include The University of Texas at San Antonio; Women, Infants & Children Clinic; and the Cancer Foundation for Life.
UT Tyler opened in 1971 as Tyler State College. It later joined the University of Texas System and gained university status. The public state university is located in Tyler, TX, on a suburban park-like campus situated around Harvey Lake. A prominent campus feature is Riter Tower, which houses a carillon featuring 57 bells. The instrument is connected to an electronic keyboard which can be operated through the university's music department, administration building, or at the tower's base. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 81st in the West and 27th among national public schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,472 in-state; $13,374 out-of-state
#5 – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Rio Grande Valley, TX
Website
UTRGV has campuses in the Texas towns of Brownsville, Edinburg, Harlingen, McAllen, Rio Grande City, and South Padre Island.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a Master of Science in Kinesiology through its Department of Health and Human Performance. Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology or a related field from an accredited institution. Students of UT Rio Grande can follow a thesis track or non-thesis route. The non-thesis route involves an independent study research project. The 36-credit hour curriculum is customizable, allowing students to design their plan of study with a graduate advisor. Required courses include Applied Test and Measurements in Kinesiology or Statistics, History and Philosophy of Kinesiology, and Research Methods. Students can choose from elective offerings such as Ethics in Sport; Planning and Use of Facilities, and Current Readings in Kinesiology.
Founded in 2013, UTRGV is a relatively new university. Entering into full operation in 2015, the university was born from the consolidation of the University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southernmost College, the University of Texas – Pan American, and the UT Regional Academic Health Center – Harlingen. A new medical school was added to the institution. The public state university operates multiple campuses throughout the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas. UTRGV is noted as one of the largest universities in the United States to have a primarily Hispanic student population, at just over 89 percent. The majority of students are Mexican Americans.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,720 in-state; $13,190 out-of-state
#4 – United States Sports Academy
Master of Sports Science
Daphne, AL
Website
The Academy campus is home to the American Sport Art Museum and Archives, a collection of over one thousand art pieces.
The United States Sports Academy offers a 33-semester-hour Master of Sports Science program. Students can begin their studies at any time, and all courses are offered entirely online. The curriculum includes courses in Contemporary Issues in Sports, Psychological Aspects of Health and Fitness Programming, and Sports Club Management. Students can choose to pursue a thesis option, non-thesis option, or mentorship option. The thesis option involves an original research thesis, a master's portfolio, and two 90-minute oral presentations, which may be completed on campus or through video conference. The non-thesis option requires students to successfully pass three additional courses. Alternatively, students can opt for an experiential mentorship component, in which they work with and learn from sports industry professionals in their area. Those choosing the non-thesis or mentorship routes must also take a comprehensive exam to complete their studies.
The United States Sports Academy opened in response to unsatisfactory performance by the U.S. Olympic team at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Dr. Thomas P. Rosandich felt athletes were lacking effective coaching, so he sought to remedy the problem through a specialized institution. The sports-centric institution offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs as well as certificate programs in sports coaching, management, strength and conditioning, and sports studies. The Academy campus is located in rural Daphne, AL.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,200
#3 – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Master of Science in Exercise Science with Sport Management
Monroe, LA
Website
Bayou Desiard flows through downtown Monroe and the ULM campus.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a Sport Management Concentration within its Master of Science in Exercise Science. The program is offered in a fully online format, except for the required comprehensive exams, which must be taken in person. Sport Management concentrated course offerings include Sport Sociology, Marketing, and Public Relations in Sport, and Safety and Risk Management in Sport. Students may choose to complete an internship, though it is not required. The program totals 36 credit hours.
ULM was established in 1931 under the name Ouachita Parish Junior College. After several name changes, the university was renamed to its current name in 1999. Today, the public university is a member institution of the University of Louisiana System. Its campus is located in urban Monroe, LA. Until 2017, the university's Natural History Museum housed collections of 6 million specimens of fish. The ULM water ski team is the most successful collegiate water ski team in history.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,490 in-state; $18,590 out-of-state
#2 – Texas A&M University – Commerce
Master of Science in Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Studies
Commerce, TX
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TAMUC is part of the Lone Star Conference of NCAA Division II athletics.
Texas A&M University – Commerce offers a Master of Science in Health, Kinesiology & Sport Studies. Students can choose a concentration in Athletic Administration, Health Promotion, Exercise Science, or Physical Education Pedagogy. All concentrations can be completed 100 percent online except Exercise Science, which is offered in a 60-percent-online hybrid format. The Health Promotion and Exercise Science concentrations offer both thesis and non-thesis options. Core courses for all concentrations include Statistical Procedures and History, Philosophy, & Current Topics in Human Performance.
Texas A&M – Commerce was established in 1889 as East Texas Normal College. It relocated to its current campus in Commerce, TX, after an 1894 fire destroyed its original campus in Cooper. Commerce lies on the eastern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, about 65 miles from downtown Dallas. The university also operates satellite campuses in Downtown Dallas, Mesquite, and Rockwall. It also offers courses in the Texas towns of Corsicana, Frisco, McKinney, and Midlothian. The public state research university is the fourth oldest state institution in Texas and the third largest member institution of the Texas A&M University System. Its mascot is Lucky the Lion.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,630 in-state; $11,100 out-of-state
#1 – University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Master of Science in Kinesiology
Odessa, TX
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The UTPB campus features a replica of Stonehenge.
Grad School Hub's No. 1 online master's degree in Sports Medicine is the Master of Science in Kinesiology offered by the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The program is wide-ranging and customizable in its approach to the study of human movement. The 36-credit-hour curriculum includes core courses in Advanced Exercise Physiology, Advanced Sport Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics. Students additionally choose an area of interest in Exercise Science; Psychology of Exercise and Sport; and Teaching, Coaching, and Administration. Students also have the choice to pursue a thesis or non-thesis option. The non-thesis option involves a research project in lieu of a master's thesis.
UTPB was established in 1973 and originally offered only junior, senior, and graduate-level university programs. The university began accepting freshman and sophomores in 1991. Today, the public university is part of the University of Texas System. Located in Odessa, TX, UTPB is growing rapidly as a result of the oil boom in the Permian Basin. Facilities include the JBS Public Leadership Institute and the Center for Energy and Economic Diversification. The Texas – Permian Basin Falcons participate in the National Collegiate Athletic Association as members of the Lone Star Conference. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 88th in the West and 32nd among public schools.