Master of Science Performance & Applied Sport Science

Master of Science Performance & Applied Sport Science | ��ֽ��

Integrating science, data and faith to prepare leaders in performance and applied sport science.

Master of Science

Performance & Applied Sport Science

Integrating science, data and faith to prepare leaders in performance and applied sport science.

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Is This Program for Me?

��ֽ��’s Master of Science in Performance and Applied Sport Science (MSPASS) prepares you to become certified sport scientists equipped with advanced knowledge in athletic performance, injury prevention and human movement science. The program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on field experience and integrates faith informed leadership to develop ethical, data-driven professionals ready to excel in sport science careers.

Program pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

This degree is ideal for students who:

Hold a degree, certificate or background coursework in exercise science, kinesiology, strength and conditioning or a related field
Are passionate about athletic performance, fitness and rehabilitation
Analytical, detail-oriented and motivated by data and performance
Seek leadership opportunities grounded in Christian ethics and purpose
Plan to pursue a Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) certification or further clinical or academic study

What Makes Us Different?

��ֽ��’s MSPASS program is one of the few graduate degrees nationally aligned specifically with the Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) credential. This 12-month, 35-credit program combines rigorous coursework with 480 hours of supervised field experience to prepare students for the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s CPSS exam and leadership roles in sport science.

Program Highlights

Curriculum aligned with NSCA’s CPSS exam and textbook
480 hours of supervised field experience in sport or human performance settings
Integration of Christian leadership principles and ethical practice
A variety of field experiences tailored to student goals
Partnerships with secondary, collegiate and professional sports organizations

Testing with students

Shape Your Academic Journey

As an MSPASS student, you will develop advanced skills in performance optimization, data analysis and athlete monitoring. You will apply new technologies, conduct research and communicate findings across diverse athletic settings. Throughout your studies, you’ll receive personalized mentorship from expert faculty and have access to state-of-the-art facilities in ��ֽ��’s Kinesiology Department.

Students Will Learn

Christian leadership and ethics: Apply Christian values and ethical
principles in sport science and leadership settings.
Foundational and advanced sport science: Build the knowledge and skills needed for professional certification and athlete performance support.
Training program design: Create evidence-based training plans for
individual athletes and teams.
Technology and performance monitoring: Use wearable devices and
monitoring systems to track and improve athletic performance.
Data management and analysis: Analyze performance data to optimize
outcomes and reduce the risk of injury.

Prepare to Succeed

Field Experience

The MSPASS program includes 480 hours of supervised field experience with organizations like Andrews Sports Medicine, Birmingham Legion soccer team, Nexus Fitness, Plotline Health, ��ֽ�� Division I sports teams, Tinsley Performance and many others. This practical training helps develop skills and professional connections while preparing you for the Certified Performance and Sport Scientist exam and leadership roles in sport science.

Career Preparation

The MSPASS program prepares graduates to lead in sport science or pursue advanced clinical or academic degrees. Whether working with athletes or conducting research, graduates are equipped for success. Careers include:

Strength & Conditioning Coach
Sports Medicine Practitioner
Sport Scientist
Performance Analyst
Rehabilitation Specialist
Performance Director

Admission Requirements

To be admitted in good standing to the MSPASS program, applications must have:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (exemptions apply for students completing ��ֽ��’s Strength and Conditioning Minor in good standing)

And one of the following degrees:

Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, strength and conditioning or a related field from an accredited institution
Bachelor’s degree with a minor or concentration in exercise science, kinesiology, strength and conditioning or a related field
Bachelor’s degree with current NSCA CSCS certification in good standing
Bachelor’s degree with successful completion of two relevant courses such as biomechanics, functional anatomy, kinesiology, human anatomy, human physiology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, sport nutrition, exercise testing and prescription, or strength and conditioning

Application Requirements

Final official transcript verifying completion of bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment
Three letters of recommendation addressing at least two of the following categories: academics, work ethic, character, and/or relevant experiences. References from family or personal friends do not meet the criteria.
Submission of a pre-recorded one-way video interview with the application
Documented experience in an athletic or human performance setting is preferred
English proficiency demonstrated by a minimum TOEFL score of 575 (paper), 90 (internet) or IELTS score of 6.5 for international applicants or those who learned English as a second language