M.A./M.S. Physical Education - Sport Science and Coaching

The M.A./M.S. in Physical Education with a specialization in Sport Science and Coaching at The University of Akron is designed to prepare students for careers in coaching, sports science, athletic training, and sports management. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to enhance coaching effectiveness, athlete performance, and sports program management. Students learn about sports psychology, biomechanics, nutrition, injury prevention, and coaching strategies tailored to different sports.

STEM-Designated: While the M.A./M.S. in Physical Education may not typically be STEM-designated, aspects of sport science and coaching may incorporate STEM-related coursework, especially in areas such as biomechanics, physiology, and performance analysis.

Curriculum: The curriculum includes core courses in sport science, coaching theory, exercise physiology, biomechanics of sport, sport nutrition, and sports psychology. Students also take courses in sports management, leadership in athletics, and athlete development. Practical training is emphasized through internships, coaching clinics, and hands-on experiences working with athletes and sports teams.

Research Focus: The program offers opportunities for research in sport science, athletic performance enhancement, coaching effectiveness, and sports psychology. Students may engage in research projects focusing on topics such as sports analytics, injury prevention, talent identification, and performance optimization in athletes.

Industry Engagement: The University of Akron maintains strong connections with local and regional sports organizations, athletic programs, and sports clubs. Students benefit from internships, practicums, and collaborative projects with industry partners, gaining practical experience and networking opportunities in the field of sport science and coaching.

Global Perspective: While primarily focused on local and regional contexts, the program integrates global perspectives on sports science, coaching methodologies, and sports management practices. Students learn about international trends in sports performance, athlete development, and sports psychology, preparing them to work with diverse athletes and sports teams.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their bachelor's degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.

The University of Akron (UA) offers a variety of scholarships to support international students financially. These scholarships are designed to help alleviate the cost of tuition and support academic excellence. 

Merit Scholarships: Merit scholarships at UA are automatically considered for all incoming first-year students. These awards are based on a comprehensive review of the applicant’s academic transcripts, curriculum, and cumulative GPA. 

Williams Honors College Scholarships|: First-year, transfer, and continuing students who meet specific academic qualifications can apply for the Williams Honors College Scholarships. These scholarships range from $1,500 to $2,000 and require an application to the Williams Honors College, including an interview. 

Provost’s Scholarships for Transfer Students: These scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are available to students transferring from another regionally accredited college or university. Transfer students are automatically considered for these awards upon applying for admission​.

International Student Scholarship Opportunities: International students can also benefit from various specific scholarships offered by different departments and programs within the university. For instance, the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences offers numerous scholarships for students pursuing majors within their disciplines. These range from awards for academic merit to those supporting specific fields of study​​.

Graduate Assistantships: For graduate international students, UA offers numerous assistantships that provide stipends and tuition remission. These positions allow students to gain valuable work experience while funding their education. 

Graduates of The University of Akron's M.A./M.S. in Physical Education - Sport Science and Coaching program have diverse career opportunities in sports coaching, sport science, athletic training, and sports management.

Sports Coach: Graduates can work as sports coaches at various levels, including youth sports, high school athletics, collegiate teams, and professional sports organizations. They develop training programs, analyze performance data, and provide guidance to athletes to enhance their skills and performance in specific sports.

Athletic Trainer: Some graduates become athletic trainers, specializing in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall health management of athletes. They work in sports medicine clinics, hospitals, schools, and professional sports teams, providing immediate care and long-term recovery support to athletes.

Sports Scientist: Graduates may pursue careers as sports scientists, focusing on applying scientific principles to enhance athletic performance. They conduct research, analyze biomechanics, physiology, and nutrition data, and collaborate with coaches and athletes to optimize training methods and strategies.

Sports Administrator: Graduates can work in sports administration roles, managing athletic programs, facilities, and operations at schools, colleges, universities, and sports organizations. They oversee budgeting, scheduling, compliance with regulations, and marketing initiatives to promote sports programs.

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Some graduates specialize as strength and conditioning coaches, designing and implementing training programs to improve athletes' strength, speed, agility, and endurance. They work closely with sports teams or individual athletes to maximize physical performance and reduce injury risk.

Sports Consultant: Graduates may work as sports consultants, providing expertise in areas such as talent identification, performance analysis, and sports psychology. They offer advice and strategies to coaches, athletes, and sports organizations to achieve competitive advantages and achieve performance goals.

Sports Educator: Some graduates pursue careers as sports educators, teaching physical education, sports science, or coaching courses at schools, colleges, or universities. They educate future coaches, athletes, and sports professionals on sports theory, techniques, and best practices.