The field of sports science and research continues to gain prominence in the U.S., focusing on optimizing sports performance and reducing the risk of injuries. Sports performance programs go beyond exercise for physical improvements. Today these programs are personalized to meet individual goals, using movement analysis and correction, consideration of physiological factors, and nutritional modifications to help clients and patients.
Universities offering advanced graduate-level certification in sports performance provide a deeper understanding of exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, strength training, and program design to improve athletic performance.
A graduate certificate in sports performance is a great way to accumulate valuable knowledge in multiple areas while only spending a year or two in school. Some sports performance programs only take a year to complete!
The return on investment for any college degree is a very real consideration today. Here are some examples of how a graduate-level certification in sports performance can provide a career advantage.
Improved Athletic Performance
Imagine Jane, a college basketball player, experiencing a plateau in her performance. Her coach uses her sports performance knowledge in exercise physiology and training periodization to develop a tailored program that shows results from performance metrics.
Injury Prevention
Imagine a high school soccer team that’s seeing frequent ankle injuries. Sarah, the team’s trainer, introduces a specialized injury prevention program emphasizing proprioception (the body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location) and neuromuscular control. Over the next season, ankle injuries are reduced by 50%.
Improved Training Techniques and Tools
Imagine a city’s club swim team struggling to improve their stroke efficiency. Their coach, with his sports performance abilities, adds video analysis and biomechanics feedback sessions. The swimmers gain insights into their stroke mechanics and make corrections, leading to improved competition times.
Specialization by a Doctor of Chiropractic
Imagine being a chiropractor who can now counsel and offer recommendations for injury recovery, nutrition, and fitness optimization because of an added sports performance specialization.
Career Advancement
Imagine Carlos, a personal trainer, struggling to differentiate himself in a competitive market. After completing his graduate sports performance coursework, he promotes his enhanced qualifications, drawing interest from elite athletes.
Typical required classes include such topics as
Subsequent coursework allows students deeper exploration of these topics and often includes lab or fieldwork.
Cleveland University-Kansas City, a chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, now offers a graduate Certificate in Sports Performance (CSP).
This unique program is entirely online and is designed for those in health, fitness, wellness, and sports fields, including future and current doctors of chiropractic. The CSP program has single-term or three-term completion schedules. It aligns well with our ongoing mission to educate and develop leaders in health promotion and embracing behaviors people can use to control and improve their health.
Learning goals for graduates of the CUKC Certificate in Sports Performance:
All classes within the CSP program are required components of the Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance degree.
For more information, get connected with our advising team and learn about our sports performance certification program here.
