| Graduate Program Head | John Bartholomew |
|---|---|
| Program Code | HPS |
| Campus(es) | University Park (M.P.S.) |
| Degrees Conferred | Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) |
| The Graduate Faculty |
The Master’s in High Performance Sport (HPS) at Penn State is a graduate program focused on optimizing human performance within sport-related environments through evidence-based practices. Integrating physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and data science, the program prepares students for leadership roles in professional, collegiate, and elite sports organizations. The program fosters a transdisciplinary lens that emphasizes collaborative problem-solving within complex sport systems. Students engage in advanced coursework, hands-on experiential learning, and a capstone project, equipping them to apply scientific knowledge to real-world sport performance challenges. Graduates of the HPS program will be equipped to drive innovation, lead interdisciplinary teams, and advance the translation of science to the practice of human performance optimization in sport.
Admission Requirements
Applicants apply for admission to the program via the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.
Applicants to the HPS program should possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., sport science, exercise science, kinesiology, nutrition, biology, psychology, data science, or related disciplines) and demonstrate a strong interest in the interdisciplinary study of human performance. Admission requirements include:
1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
2. Foundational coursework in areas such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, statistics, human nutrition, motor learning, and exercise science.
3. A personal statement outlining career goals, professional experiences, and alignment with the program’s mission.
4. Three letters of recommendation (academic, professional, or research-related).
5. Demonstrated exposure to or experience in human performance, high-level athletics participation, coaching, or human physiology, exercise science, or related fields.
6. Optional qualifications, such as professional certifications (e.g., CSCS), coaching licenses (e.g., USAW, USATF), or prior research experience, are highly encouraged.
Degree Requirements
Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.)
Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies.
The HPS program requires the completion of 35 credits, including core courses, experiential learning, and a capstone project. The curriculum is designed to provide a balance between theoretical foundations, practical applications, and leadership development.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HPS 801 | Physical Preparation 1 | 3 |
| HPS 802 | Sport Biomechanics | 3 |
| HPS 803 | Data Science for Performance Practitioners 1 | 3 |
| HPS 804 | Physical Preparation 2 | 3 |
| HPS 805 | Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition for Performance Practitioners | 3 |
| HPS 806 | Data Science for Performance Practitioners 2 | 3 |
| HPS 807 | Player Care and Injury Management for Performance Practitioners | 3 |
| HPS 808 | Performance Systems Management | 3 |
| HPS 809 | Applied Mental Performance and Sport Psychology | 3 |
| HPS 810 | Experiential Learning in Human Performance | 4 |
| NUTR 487 | Advanced Performance Nutrition | 3 |
| Culminating Experience | ||
| HPS 894 | Capstone in High Performance Sport | 1 |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
Minor
A graduate minor is available in any approved graduate major or dual-title program. The default requirements for a graduate minor are stated in Graduate Council policy GCAC-218 Minors.
Student Aid
Refer to the Tuition & Funding section of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School's website. Students in this program are not eligible for graduate assistantships.
Courses
Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.
Learning Outcomes
- KNOW: Integrate and apply advanced interdisciplinary knowledge in human performance science.
- APPLY/CREATE: Develop and implement comprehensive athlete-centered performance strategies that integrate physical, psychological, and recovery modalities.
- COMMUNICATE: Lead and manage interdisciplinary teams in high-performance environments, fostering collaboration, innovation, and effective communication.
- THINK: Utilize data science and predictive modeling to drive evidence-based decision-making in high-performance settings.
- PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Evaluate and apply ethical leadership, professional integrity, cultural competence, and discipline-specific best practices in high-performance sport environments.