An online doctoral degree in sports medicine may equip individuals with the skills required to train athletes in proper nutrition, exercise, and injury prevention. In these three to five-year programs, students may learn the basics of human physiology and how to treat sports and exercise-related injuries. Program coursework may include research-heavy dissertation courses alongside major-specific coursework including clinical biomechanics, neurophysiology in exercise science, and research methods in kinesiology.

Upon graduation, students may seek employment in their desired field of sports medicine. Doctoral-level graduates may gain employment in professional and collegiate sports organizations, physical therapy clinics, and healthcare facilities.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 30% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for doctoral-level sports medicine degree programs may include a combination of core courses alongside dissertation research classes. These classes may teach students the fundamentals of bioenergetics, muscle structure, and training techniques. Possible sports medicine courses may include the following:

• Evidence-Based Sports Medicine
• Clinical Biomechanics
• Cellular Exercise Physiology
• Advanced Systemic Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Programming and Testing
• Neurophysiology in Exercise Science
• Research Methods in Kinesiology and Sports Science

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may obtain employment in physical therapy clinics, sports organizations, universities, recreational facilities, and healthcare facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in athletic training are projected to increase by 30% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Athletic Trainer
• College Professor
• Exercise Physiologist
• Dietician
• Sports Nutritionist

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook