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University of Pittsburgh    
2021-2022 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog 
    
 
  Oct 05, 2024
 
2021-2022 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Sports Medicine and Nutrition - Sports Science Concentration, MS


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The Sports Science concentration in the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program is designed for students seeking graduate training to advance their knowledge and skills related to understanding and improving sports performance. Primary areas of focus pertaining to education and training in sports science, nutrition, sports medicine, and research. The curriculum integrates coursework, research, and practical application experiences pertaining to multiple aspects of athletic and human performance. All students will complete a 1-year sports science practical experience with a designated sports team or organization and will also have access to the Sports Medicine and Nutrition research facilities and faculty.

For more information, please contact:

Matthew Darnell, PhD, RD, CSSD
Program Director, MS in Sports Science
Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition
Neuromuscular Research Laboratory
Warrior Human Performance Research Center
3860 South Water Street
412-246-0475
E-mail: med30@pitt.edu
https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/msss

About

The Sports Science (SS) Concentration leading to a Master of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is a one-year graduate program housed within the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition.

Program Summary
33 credits (Full or part-time)
1-3 years (varies)
Program starts fall term only

The curriculum integrates coursework, research, and practical application experiences pertaining to multiple aspects of athletic and human performance.

Students will have access to the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition research facilities and faculty.

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites (satisfactory grades must be earned in all courses)

  • Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Nutrition (3 credits)
  • Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits)

Applications may be submitted while prerequisite coursework is in progress.

Additional Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0). Admission may be considered for applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 if other supporting evidence of their ability to complete the graduate program is provided.

An interview may be required.

Application Procedures

Application Deadline: March 15. If spots are available after the deadline applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the class is full.

Application Deadline for highly competitive practical experience positions: January 15. Some of the practical experiences are highly competitive and may require an on-campus interview. Qualified applicants will be contacted by the department to schedule an interview.

All applicants must:

  • Complete the GradCAS application
  • Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.)
  • Submit an essay - a description of professional and educational goals that are realistically attainable during enrollment in the graduate program
  • Submit three letters of reference, preferably from individuals who have instructed you in academic settings and/or supervised research activities. These letters should address the applicant’s academic, professional, and personal attributes and potential for meaningful graduate study.
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended
  • Additional requirements for international applicants may be found on the SHRS website

 

 

Applied Sports Science Experience (9 credits)


  • HRS 2661  - SPORTS SCIENCE PRACTICUM 1, 3 credits
  • HRS 2662   - SPORTS SCIENCE PRACTICUM 2, 3 credits
  • HRS 2663   - SPORTS SCIENCE PRACTICUM 3 (Capstone), 3 credits

Capstone Project


Master’s degree candidates must successfully complete a capstone project in the last term for completion of the program. The capstone project may be a data-based project, a literature review, program development, or other project as approved by members of the student’s advisory committee.

Sample Curriculum Plan

Year 1

Fall Term

Credits

Spring Term

Credits

HRS 3898 - Laboratory Techniques in Sports Science & Medicine I

3

HRS 3897 - Laboratory Techniques in Sports Science & Medicine II

3

HRS 3896 - Research Seminar in Sports Science & Medicine

3

HRS 2868 Seminar in Sports Science & Medicine

3

HRS 2650 Exercise Physiology

3

HRS 2660 - Advanced Human Performance and Testing

3

HRS 2628 - Nutrition and Performance with Lab

3

HRS 2664 - Sports Science Data Analytics

3

HRS 2661 - Sports Science Practicum 1

3

HRS 2662 - Sports Science Practicum 2

3

Total

15

Total

15

 

Summer 1

Summer Term

Credits

HRS 2663 - Sports Science Practicum 3

3

Total

3

 

 

 

 

Sports Science Practicum


The Sports Science Practicum provides students with a valuable one year supervised practice experience with a designated sports team or organization. The practicum offers students the opportunity to apply their knowledge of sports science, performance, and testing/monitoring in an athletic setting. This involves planned learning experiences with an athletic team at various stages of the training program and season. Students will have the opportunity to observe and then model the functions of a performance specialist. Through the combination of planned learning activities and professional interaction, the students will demonstrate increasing level of proficiency in providing and evaluating comprehensive training to athletes and teams within the athletic setting.

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