Program Overview
High Performance Sport at Penn State
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in High Performance Sport at Penn State is an applied, interdisciplinary graduate program designed to prepare professionals to work in high-performance sport and human performance environments.
Built at the intersection of science and practice, the program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to optimize athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and support athlete well-being.
The field of high-performance sport brings together sport science, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and data analytics. Modern sports organizations rely on professionals who can collaborate across disciplines, interpret data, and apply research in real-world settings.
Preparing for High-Performance Careers
As sports organizations continue to adopt integrated performance models, there is increasing demand for professionals who can work across disciplines, contribute to decision-making, and operate in applied environments.
The Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in High Performance Sport program is designed to meet this need by developing professionals who can analyze data, design training systems, and collaborate effectively within performance teams.
Graduates will be prepared to excel in roles such as:
- Performance Scientist
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Return-To-Play Specialist
- Performance Analyst
- Sport Psychologist*
- Sport Dietitian*
- Sport Scientist
- Sport Coach
- Assistant General Manager
- Director of Player Development
- Vice President of Player Care and Performance
- High Performance Director
Whether you are driven by a passion for sport, human performance, or innovation in sport, Penn State's Master's in High Performance Sport offers the knowledge, experience, and network to take your career to the next level.
*Requires additional certification and licensure
Translating Science to Practice
The Master's in High Performance Sport program at Penn State's curriculum is built to connect scientific understanding with real-world application. Students study physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and data science while learning how to apply their concepts in performance settings.
From the beginning of the program, students learn to interpret data, contribute to training and recovery planning, and support performance strategies used in applied environments. From the curriculum, students will understand the science behind high performance and apply it to make better decisions in the field.
As part of their degree, each student will complete a capstone project to solve performance challenges, demonstrating their ability to apply what they have learned throughout the program.
Embedded Experience in Penn State Athletics
A defining feature of this program is its long-term, embedded internship within Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. Each student is assigned to a varsity team and works within that environment over the course of the program, allowing for continuity, deeper learning, and meaningful contributions during the internship.
Students work alongside strength coaches, sport scientists, athletic trainers, nutritionists, and psychologists, reflecting how high-performance teams operate. This experience develops practical skills in communication, collaboration, and decision-making that are essential for success in modern sports organizations.
