Sports Science and Performance Programming, BS
Are you ready to shape the future of human performance? You can work with innovative technologies to assess and train athletes, tactical professionals and rehabilitation clients. Learn to turn data into effective strategies for recovery, resilience and peak performance.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 170 Precalculus
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation and professional licensure
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Sports Science and Performance Programming degree description
The Bachelor of Science program in sports science and performance programming prepares you to work directly with athletes, tactical personnel and recreational participants, equipping you to use evidence-based approaches to elevate human performance.
You gain hands-on experience with performance technologies such as force plates, motion capture systems and wearable monitoring tools, enabling you to learn how to collect and analyze data that informs training and recovery strategies. Coursework emphasizes the integration of physiology, biomechanics and data analytics in the design of innovative performance solutions tailored to the needs of diverse populations.
This program emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving. Through applied training in assessment, exercise programming and recovery planning, you develop the expertise to recognize and respond to the stresses the body undergoes during sport and occupational demands.
Why study sports science and performance programming at ASU?
While many traditional exercise science degrees emphasize health promotion, clinical exercise physiology or general fitness, this program centers on the science and application of human performance. That applied focus mirrors where the modern sport science and performance industry is heading, as technology and data analytics increasingly shape decision-making.
Based in Phoenix, you have access to one of the nation's most dynamic sport, fitness and performance markets. You can build real experience through internships, volunteer roles and professional networking across collegiate athletics, professional sports organizations, private performance facilities, sports medicine clinics and tactical performance settings.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| KIN 101 Introduction to Kinesiology |
| KIN 348 Psychological Skills for Optimal Performance |
| SSP 142 Sports Performance Practical Training |
| SSP 242 Resistance Training Foundations for Performance |
| SSP 275 Fundamentals of Sports Science |
| SSP 315 Exercise and Sport Physiology |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply coaching strategies to maximize efficiency and performance of individuals and reduce the risk of injury under high stress during performance training.
- Understand the scientific foundations that govern adaptation and movement optimization identified as foundational competencies for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist examination and necessary to properly construct advanced performance programs.
- Create evidence-based sports performance programs designed to improve individual and/or team performance and reduce the risk of injury potential during their participation in their activities.
Apply coaching strategies to maximize efficiency and performance of individuals and reduce the risk of injury under high stress during performance training. Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students who study sports science and performance programming work to push the limits of peak sports performance. When participating in a Global Education program, they gain valuable skills in leadership, communication and critical thinking, enabling them to push the limits of their personal knowledge and experience as well. Study abroad experience enables students to stand out in a competitive field and leads to cultural enrichment and competency.
The College of Health Solutions recommends these programs for students majoring in sports science and performance programming.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer | 12.7% | $62,520 | Learn more |
| Coach | 6.1% | $47,320 | Learn more |
| Exercise Physiologist | 12.8% | $59,460 | Learn more |
| Fitness Instructor | 7.3% | $47,160 | Learn more |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinator | 6.2% | $69,770 | Learn more |
| General Manager (GM) | 5.0% | $105,770 | Learn more |
| Sports Medicine Doctor | 3.4% | $265,930 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this sports science and performance programming degree prepares you for
The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills to lead in rapidly evolving fields where technology and human performance intersect. As innovative technologies and data analytics continue to expand, so too do opportunities for professionals who can translate complex information into practical solutions that improve health, performance and recovery. Unlike AI-driven tools, graduates of this program bring critical thinking, hands-on expertise, and a human-centered approach to solving performance challenges across diverse populations.
Graduates are prepared to sit for nationally accredited certification exams in performance training and corrective exercise or to work with tactical populations through the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator credential. Graduates can pursue careers in sports performance, rehabilitation, tactical training and performance, or strength and conditioning, well as advanced graduate study in sports science, athletic training, sports medicine or other exercise-science-related disciplines.
Career options span high school, collegiate, professional, and private sector sports performance training, along with tactical performance roles supporting police officers, firefighters and military personnel. Graduates stand at the forefront of a growing industry driven by the integration of human expertise and technological innovation.
Potential career options include:
- athletic trainer
- fitness center director
- gait analyst
- performance center director
- physical therapist
- sports data technician
- sports engineer
- sports scientist
- strength and conditioning coach
- tactical performance coach
Some of these positions may require additional education.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Human Performance and Lifespan Health
|
HLTHN 4th floor
chs@asu.edu
602-496-3300
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
