PURPOSE (Goals and Objectives): This master’s program is designed to produce individuals who understand and utilize evidence-based practices in sport science and coaching such as strength and conditioning.
Specific objectives for the program are to:
- Provide a strong foundation in sport physiology that enhances the quality of coaching;
- Advocate for using a scientific approach to address challenges in athletic performance;
- Emphasize that a coach's primary responsibilities are for athletes' well-being and competition success;
- Influence perceptions to understand that research is a part of coaching; and
- Elevate the academic status of coaches.
IMPACT: This M.S. program enhances education and research for sport scientists, strength and conditioning specialists, and coaches. It contributes to national interest by raising awareness of the need to academically train sport scientists, strength and conditioning specialist, and coaches, with an emphasis on improving athletic performance rather than just participation. This shift in focus aims reduce sport-related injuries and enhance athletic performance, thereby supporting sport and athletes through research and education.
The master’s program is integrated with the ETSU Center of Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education (CESSCE). The students have the opportunity to engage in clinics for coaches, continuing education programs, and activities that span the sports community, from elite athletes to the grade-school children participating in school or recreational sports. The CESSCE objectives include improving athlete performance and better understanding the role of sport and sport performance in the overall health and well-being of the nation. Additionally, the center explores the impact of disability, injury, and disease on sport participation and performance. The research conducted through the CESSCE has the potential to substantially enhance the quality of life for athletes and the general public.
Applied Sport Science Concentration
CURRICULUM: The M.S. degree in Sport Science and Coach Education – Applied Sport Science Concentration
requires completion of 33 credits for the thesis option and 36 credits for the non-thesis
option distributed as follows:
| Core Requirements | 15 Credits |
| Concentration | 12 Credits |
| Advisor Approved Electives | 3 - 6 Credits (Thesis/Non-Thesis) |
| Thesis or Internship (Non-Thesis) | 3 Credits |
| TOTAL | 33 - 36 Credits |
Thesis: The thesis option requires 33 total credits. This includes 3 credits of advisor approved electives
Non-Thesis: The non-thesis option requires 36 total credits. This includes 6 credits of advisor approved electives.
Strength and Conditioning Concentration
CURRICULUM: The M.S. degree in Sport Science and Coach Education – Strength and Conditioning
Concentration requires completion of 36 credits (no thesis option) distributed as
follows:
| Core Requirements | 15 Credits |
| Concentration | 12 Credits |
| Advisor Approved Electives | 6 Credits |
| Internship | 3 Credits |
| TOTAL | 36 Credits |
Note: Students in the Strength and Conditioning Concentration are required to complete a comprehensive exam during their last term as one of the requirements for graduation.
Concentrations: 1) Strength and Conditioning and 2). Applied Sport Science.
The M.S. degree has two concentrations that each provides a uniqueness that helps add to the overall mission of improved levels of sport science and coach education regionally, nationally, and internationally. The Strength and Conditioning Concentration is offered exclusively online and caters to students who are working with or have a desire to work with competitive athletes at the high school, college, professional, and elite levels. Students will gain an understanding of coaching issues, physiology of training and conditioning, and fatigue management. The Applied Sport Science Concentration immerses students in the training environment as they work directly with highly trained athletes through the CESSCE and ETSU Athletics as well as other local colleges and high schools. Students will have a significant number of opportunities to acquire experience as a sport scientist and strength and conditioning specialist.
For more program information please see the ETSU Graduate Catalog:
To apply please go to the Graduate School website:
ETSU School of graduate Studies
MASTER'S PROGRAM COORDINATOR:
Applied Sport Science Coordinator:
Dr. Satoshi Mizuguchi
Department of Exercise and Sport Science
Box 70671
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN, 37614-1701
Voice: (423) 439-5387
Fax: (423) 439-5383
E-mail: mizuguchi@etsu.edu
Strength and Conditioning (online) Coordinator:
Jeremy Gentles
Department of Exercise and Sport Science
Box 70671
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN, 37614-1701
Voice: (423) 439-4733
Fax: (423) 439-5383
E-mail: gentlesj@etsu.edu
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Various forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Financial Aid. In addition, Graduate Assistantships are available in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science (EXSS). Other opportunities may be available in campus recreation, intercollegiate athletics, student activities, and other campus areas. More information for Graduate Assistantship positions may be obtained from the Program Coordinator.