How to Apply

Begin Your Journey to a Career in High-Performance Sport

Applying to Penn State’s Master of Professional Studies in High Performance Sport (HPS) is a two-phase process that requires submitting an application to Penn State's Graduate School in addition to the program-specific application. The program seeks motivated individuals with a strong academic foundation and a clear interest in applied human performance and high-performance sport environments.

Application Timeline

Applicants interested in the HPS program are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

International applicants must submit all application materials at least four months before the start of the semester for which they are applying.
Applications submitted after final deadlines may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, depending on program capacity and the strength of the application materials.

Penn State Graduate School Requirements

All applicants must first complete the Penn State Graduate School application, which includes the following university-wide requirements:

A completed online Graduate School application
Official transcripts or academic records from all post-secondary institutions attended
- For institutions outside the United States, required documents may include marksheets, records of courses, degree or study certificates, or original diplomas
- Official English translations are required if the language of instruction was not English
English proficiency documentation, if required based on the country of admission
Payment of a non-refundable application fee (set by the Graduate School)

Program-Specific Requirements

Once your application is processed by the Graduate School, faculty members in the Master's of High Performance Sport program will review the following program-specific materials:

An undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as sport science, exercise science, kinesiology, nutrition, biology, psychology, data science, or a related discipline.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
Foundational coursework in areas including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, statistics, human nutrition, motor learning, and exercise science.
A personal statement describing your career goals, relevant experiences, and alignment with the mission of the Human Performance Science program.
Three letters of recommendation (academic, professional, or research-related).
Demonstrated exposure to or experience in human performance, such as high-level athletic participation, coaching, applied sport science, or related professional settings.
Optional qualifications, such as professional certifications (e.g., CSCS), coaching licenses (e.g., USAW, USATF), or prior research experience, are highly encouraged.

Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for individuals seeking leadership roles in high-performance sport, sport science, strength and conditioning, athlete development, and human performance environments. Applicants should be motivated, collaborative, and committed to applying science in intensive, elite sports settings.

Ready to Apply

Begin your application through the Penn State Graduate School [add link to HPS application] and take the next step toward a career in high performance sport.