Colorado State University

What you'll study

This master’s programme covers the scientific, pedagogical and applied dimensions of human movement and sport. Students follow a curriculum that typically includes core topics and electives allowing a choice of research or applied emphasis. Coursework is grounded in evidence-based practice and prepares graduates to assess, design and evaluate programmes for performance, health and education contexts.

• Core subjects: exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and learning, and sport and exercise psychology.
• Research and methods: research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, and biostatistics for human performance research.
• Pedagogy and curriculum: principles of physical education instruction, curriculum development for K–12 settings, assessment in physical education and inclusive/adaptive PE.
• Applied practice: practicum or internship experiences in school settings, athletic programmes, clinical or community fitness facilities; applied strength and conditioning or rehabilitation practicum depending on track.
• Electives and advanced topics: exercise immunology, metabolic physiology, advanced biomechanics, sport analytics, motor development across the lifespan, and injury prevention and management.
• Thesis or project: options commonly include a thesis (research) route or a non-thesis capstone/project route to demonstrate mastery of a chosen area.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, typically in kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, sport science, or a closely related discipline. Admissions assess academic preparation, research or applied experience and motivation for graduate study.

• Official transcripts showing completion of a relevant undergraduate degree.
• A statement of purpose outlining academic and career goals and how the programme fits those goals.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s potential for graduate study.
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé highlighting relevant coursework, practicum, coaching, research, or professional experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests and score requirements follow university policy).

Some applicants may be expected to have completed foundational undergraduate coursework in anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics or statistics; relevant professional experience or preparation can sometimes be considered in place of specific courses. Prospective students should consult the programme’s admissions page or contact the department for guidance on specific prerequisites and application components.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of careers across education, sport, health and research. The programme provides credentials, practical experience and research skills valued by employers and doctoral programmes.

• Secondary school physical education teacher or curriculum coordinator (with appropriate licensure where required).
• Strength and conditioning coach or performance specialist for clubs, collegiate teams or private performance centres.
• Exercise physiologist or clinical fitness specialist in hospitals, cardiac rehabilitation and community health programmes.
• Sport scientist, biomechanist or applied researcher supporting athlete performance and injury prevention.
• Wellness and corporate health programme manager or consultant designing workplace activity and health promotion interventions.
• Progression to doctoral study (PhD or EdD) in kinesiology, sport sciences, motor behaviour or related fields for careers in university teaching and research.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers this programme within a department that combines strong research activity with applied training and community engagement. Students benefit from access to specialised laboratories, teaching facilities and collaborations with campus athletics and local health providers.

• Research and facilities: opportunities to work in human performance, biomechanics and exercise physiology laboratories and use technology for movement analysis and physiological assessment.
• Applied partnerships: practicum placements and collaborative projects with local schools, athletic programmes and healthcare organisations across the Fort Collins region.
• Faculty expertise: supervision from faculty conducting research and applied work in areas such as sport performance, motor learning, exercise and chronic disease, and physical education pedagogy.
• Flexible programme paths: both research (thesis) and applied (non-thesis/project) pathways allow students to tailor the degree to career or doctoral preparation.
• Location and lifestyle: Fort Collins provides an active outdoor lifestyle and a strong regional sports culture that complements fieldwork and applied internships.