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 for leadership roles in high-performance sport and human performance environments. Built at the intersection of science and practice, the program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to optimize athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and support athlete well-being.
High-performance sport is a rapidly evolving field that integrates sport science, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and data analytics. Today’s elite sport organizations require professionals who can collaborate across disciplines, interpret complex data, and translate research into actionable performance strategies.
Preparing for in-demand careers
As sports organizations increasingly rely on integrated performance models, there is a growing demand for professionals who can think across disciplines, lead diverse teams, and apply science to enhance performance and well-being.
The Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in High Performance Sport program is the first of its kind in the field to meet this demand by developing specialized professionals who understand how to analyze data, design training systems, and collaborate effectively in high-stakes, high-performance environments.
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 High Performance
The Master's in High Performance Sport program at Penn State delivers a forward-thinking curriculum that bridges classroom learning with real-world application. Students gain a deep understanding of the science behind human performance through courses in physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and data science, developing an interdisciplinary mindset and skill set.
From their first day, students learn to interpret data, design evidence-based training and recovery programs, and apply mental performance strategies that support resilience and well-being. This program emphasizes translational science, applying research findings and theories to real-world applications in the field.
As part of their degree, each student will complete a capstone project that showcases their ability to solve performance challenges, preparing them to lead in the fast-paced world of sport and human performance.
Immersive Internship Experience in Penn State Athletics
A defining feature of this program is its long-term internship within Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. Each student is assigned to a varsity team based on the team's needs and the student's interests, allowing for continuity, deeper learning, and meaningful contribution throughout the program.
Students collaborate with strength coaches, sport scientists, athletic trainers, nutritionists, and psychologists, mirroring the structure of elite high-performance environments. This immersive internship develops leadership, communication, and systems-thinking skills that are essential for success in modern sport organizations.
