Sports medicine

Program Description: The University of Pittsburgh offers a comprehensive Sports Medicine program designed to prepare students for careers in the dynamic field of sports health and performance. This interdisciplinary program integrates principles from biology, exercise science, physiology, and healthcare to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries related to athletic activity. Students will explore various aspects of human anatomy and biomechanics, develop an understanding of injury assessment and rehabilitation techniques, and learn about nutrition, sports psychology, and performance enhancement. The curriculum combines coursework, laboratory experiences, and practical internships to provide a well-rounded education in sports medicine. Graduates will be qualified to work alongside athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals in diverse settings such as sports teams, clinics, hospitals, and fitness organizations. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, ethical standards, and the importance of promoting athlete safety and well-being. Whether pursuing careers as athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians, or other health professionals, students gain the foundational and advanced skills needed to succeed in this exciting and impactful field. The University of Pittsburgh’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and strong industry partnerships ensure students receive a high-quality education that combines theoretical knowledge with real-world application. This program prepares graduates to contribute effectively to the health and performance of athletes at all levels, fostering a lifelong commitment to sports medicine and athletic health promotion.

Students must complete at least 36 credits in order to earn this degree.

Sports Medicine Core (Required)

• HRS 2867   Pathokinesiology of Orthopaedic Injury, 3 credits
• HRS 2868   Seminar in Sports Medicine, 3 credits
• HRS 3896   Research Seminar in Sports Medicine, 3 credits
• HRS 2869   Anatomical Basis of Sports Medicine, 3 credits
• HRS 3898   Laboratory Techniques in Sports Medicine I, 3 credits 
• HRS 3897   Laboratory Techniques in Sports Medicine II, 3 credits
• HRS 2908   Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment and Injury Prevention, 3 credits
• HRS 2017   Injury Epidemiology, 3 credits

Electives (Highly Recommended - Others Available)

• PHARM 5114  Anatomy and Physiology I, 3 credits
• PHARM 5115  Anatomy and Physiology II, 3 credits
• HRS 2650   Exercise Physiology, 3 credits
• HRS 2626   Special Topics in Eating Behavior, 3 credits
• HRS 2628   Nutrition and Performance,  3 credits
• HRS 2629   Special Topics in Nutrition, 2 credits
• HRS 2706   Rehabilitation Biomechanics, 3 credits
• BIOST 2041   Introduction to Statistical Methods 1 (Recommended for Thesis Track), 3 credits
• HRS 2901   Introduction to Research Methods (Recommended for Thesis Track), 3 credits

Thesis Track  

• HRS 2999   Independent Study (NMRL Laboratory), 3 credits
• HRS 2925   Graduate Research (Master's Thesis), 3 credits

Nonthesis Track

• HRS 2926   Scholarly Paper, 3 credits

Requirements

• Students pursuing a master’s degree in sports medicine come to the University of Pittsburgh from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. In order to apply, you must have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited school. Students are admitted into the program after successful completion of a baccalaureate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale)
• Complete the SHRS ApplyYourself online application.
• Submit the application fee of $50 (U.S.) 
• Submit a self-evaluation essay addressing your purpose for applying to the program, your ability to successfully complete the program, and your goals (short and long term).
• Submit three letters of reference, preferably from individuals who have instructed you in academic settings and/or supervised research activities. These letters should address the applicant’s academic, professional, clinical (as appropriate), and personal attributes, and potential for meaningful graduate study.
• Submit transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges/universities you attended.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (as appropriate)
• Note: An on-campus interview with program faculty is mandatory.

The University of Pittsburgh offers a variety of financial support options for students enrolled in its sports medicine programs. Tuition costs vary depending on whether students are enrolled as in-state or out-of-state residents. For the academic year, in-state students can expect to pay approximately $20,000 annually for graduate programs in sports medicine, while out-of-state students may pay around $35,000 per year. These figures include only tuition and do not encompass additional fees such as registration, health insurance, or textbooks.

Financial aid opportunities are available through federal and state grants, scholarships, and assistantship programs. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for need-based grants such as the Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). The University of Pittsburgh also provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students, which can reduce tuition costs significantly.

Assistantship positions, including research and teaching assistantships, offer tuition remission and stipends to qualified students, helping to offset expenses. These positions typically require students to contribute a specific number of hours per week towards research projects or instructional duties under faculty supervision. Additionally, many sports medicine students find part-time employment opportunities either on or off campus to support their studies financially.

The university provides a comprehensive financial counseling service for prospective and current students, outlining funding options and guiding application processes. Payment plans are also available to spread out tuition payments over the course of the semester or academic year. Moreover, some students may qualify for private scholarships or grants through professional sports medicine organizations or local foundations.

International students should be aware that additional visa-related requirements and fees may influence their financial planning. They are advised to consult with the university’s Office of International Services for tailored financial guidance.

Overall, the University of Pittsburgh aims to make its sports medicine programs accessible through a combination of institutional funding, external scholarships, assistantship opportunities, and flexible payment arrangements. Prospective students are encouraged to explore all options early to ensure a manageable financial path throughout their studies.

The University of Pittsburgh offers specialized programs in sports medicine designed to prepare students for careers in athletic training, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and sports performance. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of human biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, and pathology as they relate to sports and exercise. Students gain foundational knowledge through classroom instruction, complemented by practical experience through clinical rotations with athletic teams and sports organizations affiliated with the university. The curriculum often includes courses in emergency care, pharmacology, nutrition, and psychology relevant to athletes and active individuals.

The program is typically intended for students pursuing careers as athletic trainers, sports medicine physicians, or allied health professionals working closely with athletes of all levels. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation centers, and athletic training labs equipped with modern equipment for assessment and treatment. Practical internships and hands-on training are integral parts of the program, enabling students to develop skills in injury assessment, treatment planning, and emergency management.

Graduates of the program often pursue licensure or certification such as the Board of Certification (BOC) for Athletic Trainers, which is required to work as an athletic trainer in many regions. The program also aims to cultivate research skills, encouraging students to participate in sports medicine research projects that contribute to advancements in injury prevention and treatment methods. Partnerships with local sports teams, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers provide additional opportunities for experiential learning.

Overall, the Sports Medicine program at the University of Pittsburgh is designed to produce well-rounded professionals equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the dynamic field of sports health and medicine. It emphasizes student development, ethical practice, and continued education to adapt to emerging trends and innovations in sports medicine.