An online master’s degree in sports medicine may provide the skills and training required to prevent, diagnose, and treat sports-related injuries. These one to two-year programs may provide instruction in sports nutrition, injury recognition, and rehabilitation program development. Program coursework may consist of health-related electives and core coursework including advanced exercise science, health science leadership, and manual therapy for athletic trainers.

Upon graduation, students may either seek employment or pursue a doctoral degree in sports medicine. Master’s-level graduates may seek employment at universities, sports organizations, rehabilitation centers, recreation facilities, and sports wellness programs.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 30% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for master’s-level sports medicine degree programs may consist of specialized health-related courses alongside major-specific courses. These courses may teach students how to prevent and treat exercise-related injuries, provide emergency care, and plan and implement sports wellness programs. Core sports medicine courses may include the following:

• Sport Nutrition
• Advanced Function Human Anatomy
• Health Science Leadership
• Health Behavior and Therapeutic Exercise
• Advanced Exercise Science
• Obesity and Weight Management
• Manual Therapy for Athletic Trainers

Career Options

Master’s-level students may pursue employment in fitness centers, universities, physician offices, secondary schools, and recreational sports centers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, athletic training employment opportunities are projected to increase by 30% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Athletic Trainer
• Exercise Physiologist
• Sports Medicine Program Coordinator
• Wellness Coach
• Sports Nutritionist

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete a master’s-level degree in sports medicine may wish to continue their studies by enrolling in a doctoral program. A doctoral degree in sports medicine may prepare students for an academic career in athletic training and kinesiology.

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