Kinesiology – Sport Performance
- Master
Advance Human Performance Through Science, Leadership and Innovation
Elite performance begins with evidence.
The online Master of Science in Kinesiology – Sport Performance at the University of Jamestown is a 36-credit, two-year program that prepares professionals to advance human performance through the study of exercise physiology, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sport psychology and performance analytics. Designed for those pursuing careers in collegiate athletics, professional sports, tactical performance, private training, rehabilitation or corporate wellness, the program blends scientific research with practical application.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn to evaluate performance, interpret data and design evidence-based training programs that optimize results. Whether your goal is to coach at the highest level, direct a performance center or prepare for doctoral study, you’ll graduate ready to lead with confidence.
Why Earn Your Master’s in Sport Performance at the University of Jamestown?
Performance is about more than training harder—it’s about understanding why training works.
Built around the evolving needs of the profession, the curriculum prepares graduates to translate scientific evidence into practical strategies that improve human performance. Through advanced study, hands-on application and data-informed decision-making, you’ll develop the leadership and communication skills needed to collaborate with coaches, athletic trainers, physicians and other performance professionals.
The program is also designed to help students prepare for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) exam.
Ready to take the next step?
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across athletics, performance training, health and wellness. Potential career paths include:
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Sport Performance Coach
- Human Performance Specialist
- Performance Center Director
- Tactical Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Exercise Physiologist
- Wellness or Corporate Fitness Director
- High Performance Coordinator
- Sport Scientist
- Performance Consultant
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates pursue careers in collegiate athletics, professional sports, private performance facilities, tactical organizations, corporate wellness, clinical exercise settings and performance consulting.
No. While strength and conditioning is a core component, the program prepares professionals to improve human performance across athletic, tactical, clinical and wellness environments.
The curriculum combines exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, sport psychology, research methods and leadership with specialized emphasis options in Coaching Leadership or Business Management, giving graduates both technical expertise and leadership preparation.
Yes. Students learn to evaluate scientific literature, analyze performance data and apply research to training, coaching and exercise prescription decisions.
The program is designed for individuals with backgrounds in kinesiology, exercise science, athletic training, coaching, health sciences and related disciplines who want to advance their expertise and leadership in sport performance.
Why University of Jamestown?
- At the University of Jamestown, graduate education is built on the belief that exceptional professionals combine knowledge with character.
- Faculty challenge students to think critically, apply research responsibly and lead with integrity.
Student-Centered Education
Small class sizes, personalized mentorship and an applied curriculum create an educational experience that prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions in athletics, healthcare, performance and human movement.
Customize Your Degree
Choose from two emphasis areas:
– Coaching Leadership
– Business Management
What You Will Learn
Graduate Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Integrate exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition and motor behavior to improve human performance.
- Translate scientific research into evidence-based coaching and training practices.
- Conduct advanced performance assessments and interpret performance data.
- Design individualized training programs that improve performance while reducing injury risk.
- Apply emerging technologies to evaluate and monitor athletic performance.
- Lead athletes and clients through effective communication and coaching.
- Practice according to professional and ethical standards.
- Collaborate across interdisciplinary performance teams.
- Commit to lifelong professional growth and leadership.
Curriculum
Built on a foundation of scientific research and practical application, the Master of Science in Kinesiology – Sport Performance prepares students to improve human performance across athletic, tactical and wellness settings.
Throughout the program, you’ll develop advanced expertise in:
- Exercise Physiology – Explore how the body responds and adapts to exercise while examining the physiological systems that influence health and performance.
- Biomechanics – Analyze human movement to improve performance, enhance efficiency and reduce injury risk.
- Strength and Conditioning – Design evidence-based training programs using principles of periodization, long-term athletic development and performance optimization.
- Performance Assessment – Learn to evaluate fitness, movement and performance using modern assessment techniques and technologies.
- Sport Nutrition – Apply nutritional science to support performance, recovery and long-term health.
- Sport Psychology – Understand the mental skills that contribute to motivation, resilience and peak performance.
- Research and Data Analysis – Evaluate scientific literature and use statistical methods to make informed, evidence-based decisions.
- Capstone Experience – Integrate your learning through a culminating project that addresses real-world challenges in sport performance.
All required courses are listed in the academic catalog. To view specific course requirements:
- Visit the academic catalog here
- Select your program of study from the list
- Click “Requirements”
Customized Degree
Students customize their degree through an emphasis in Coaching Leadership or Business Management, preparing them to lead teams, organizations and performance programs.
- Coaching Leadership
Great coaches do more than improve performance—they build culture, develop people and inspire teams. The Coaching Leadership emphasis, developed through the University of Jamestown’s Unruh School of Character in Leadership, prepares students to lead athletes with integrity while strengthening communication, motivation, ethical decision-making and team development. Graduates gain leadership skills that extend beyond the weight room and into every aspect of coaching and organizational success. - Business Management
The future of sport performance requires more than technical expertise. Students pursuing the Business Management emphasis build practical knowledge in business fundamentals, human resource management and innovation. Whether managing a private performance facility, leading a collegiate department or launching an entrepreneurial venture, graduates gain the organizational and strategic skills needed to lead successful operations.