What You Should Know About This Degree
Although it has “medicine” in the title, a master’s in sports medicine does not prepare you to work as a medical doctor. Sports medicine is an allied health profession, and your coursework will cover topics in physiology, anatomy, and nutrition through the lens of sports and fitness.
For many jobs in sports medicine and related fields, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum required education level. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field and want to change careers, pursuing a master’s in sports education is a good option. However, if you already have a bachelor’s in sports medicine, the advantages to earning an advanced degree in the field are negligible. According to Payscale.com, there are not significant salary increases for those with a master’s versus those with a bachelor’s in sports medicine.
Sports medicine and its related fields are carefully regulated to ensure safe, ethical practice. Most states require athletic trainers to have a state-issued license and certification through the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer. Other professional organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and the American Council on Exercise offer credentials for health and fitness professionals. To earn and maintain these credentials, you typically have to pay fees, take exams, and earn continuing education credits.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Sports Management programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Admissions qualifications for master’s in sports medicine programs vary. Some programs require an undergraduate degree or professional experience in the field, or you may need prerequisite coursework in areas like anatomy, kinesiology, or physiology. Carefully review the eligibility requirements before selecting programs to which you will apply.
- Does the program require a thesis? Most master’s programs in sports medicine are Master of Science degrees, which usually emphasize research. As such, some programs may have a required or optional thesis. Completing a thesis may add time to the program, but it is a smart move for individuals who plan to pursue a doctorate degree, as many doctoral programs require a thesis as part of the application.
While doing your research, find out what the program’s application requirements and deadlines are. Gathering your application materials well ahead of the submission deadlines can help ensure an easier application process. You should also consider your options for financing your master’s degree. Resources can include financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships. If you are currently employed, find out if you qualify for tuition assistance from your employer.