Best Sports Medicine Schools in the United States
Professionals who work in the field of sports medicine focus on the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries. These professionals include orthopedic physicians as well as physical and occupational therapists, athletic trainers and nutritionists. Educational programs in this field can range from bachelor's degrees in kinesiology to athletic medicine fellowships.
Top Three Schools with Sports Medicine Programs
1. University of Southern California in Los Angeles
In 2011, the University of Southern California (USC) was ranked among the top 50 national universities by Washington Monthly. In 2008, U.S. News & World Report gave USC's graduate physical therapy program a first-place ranking, and the school's graduate occupational therapy program was ranked third. In addition to master's and doctoral degrees in these fields, USC offers a sports physical therapy residency program. Its Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy also offers a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Biokinesiology to aspiring research scientists. Additionally, orthopedic surgeons can receive training in the Keck School of Medicine's athletic medicine fellowship. For students just starting out, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology is available as well.
2. University of Virginia in Charlottesville
In 2012, the University of Virginia was ranked among the best public colleges in the nation by Forbes. In its 2012 list of the Top 10 Best Value Colleges, The Princeton Review ranked the university at first place. Students interested in teaching careers can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education in Kinesiology. The university also offers graduate degrees, including a Master of Education in Kinesiology with concentrations in athletic training, adapted physical education and exercise physiology. A sports medicine concentration is available in the kinesiology doctoral program.
3. University of Pittsburgh
In 2008, the University of Pittsburgh's physical therapy master's and doctoral degree programs were ranked second by U.S. News & World Report, while its occupational therapy master's degree programs were ranked ninth. The university's Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition offers a Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in sports medicine. Current athletic trainers who enter this program can complete graduate assistantships at the university or with local schools. Other programs include a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and a Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Science with a concentration in wellness and human performance. This program is geared toward students who would like to use exercise and proper nutrition to help patients prevent chronic disease.
Ten U.S. Schools with Sports Medicine Programs
| School Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Arcadia University | Provides students with the opportunity to study sports science abroad | Glenside, PA |
| Ohio State University | Offers sports medicine grand rounds and symposiums as continuing education opportunities | Columbus, OH |
| Stanford University | Students and faculty at the Human Performance Laboratory conduct interdisciplinary research and provide care to Sanford's community members and athletes | Stanford, CA |
| University of Delaware | Sports and orthopedic clinical internship program available to students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. | Newark, DE |
| University of Iowa | Athletic training students have access to one of the world's largest university teaching hospitals | Iowa City, IA |
| University of Michigan | Kinesiology department offers programs in movement science, athletic training, physical education and sports management | Ann Arbor, MI |
| University of Pittsburgh | School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences emphasizes research and service for people with disabilities | Pittsburgh, PA |
| University of Southern California | Students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program complete 43 weeks of clinical experience | Los Angeles, CA |
| University of Virginia | Students have access to the Exercise Physiology Lab and the Exercise and Sports Injury Lab | Charlottesville, VA |
| Washington University in St. Louis | Graduate physical therapy program ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report in 2008 | St. Louis, MO |
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30 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
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Doctorate
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- PhD in Education - Sports Management
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Master
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- MEd in Athletic Coaching
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Non-Degree
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- Education Specialist in Sports Management
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- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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Master
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- MS Sport Management: Certificate in International Sport Management
- MS in Sport Management
- MS in Sport Management: Athletic Administration Concentration
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- International MBA in Athletic Administration
- International MBA in Sport Management
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- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
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Associate
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- AS in Health Science
- AAS in Business Administration - Health Club Operations
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- AAS in Medical Assisting
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
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Online Programs
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Master
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- Master of Science in Sport Management
- Master of Science in Sport Management - Tourism - NonThesis
- Master of Science in Sport Management - Tourism Thesis
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- Master of Science in Sport Management Admin - NonThesis
- MA in Human Services - Health & Wellness
- Master of Science in Sport Management Outdoor Recreation - NonThesis
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
School locations:
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
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Master
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- Master of Science in Education - Allied Health Teaching and Leadership
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor of Science - Sport Management
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- BS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
- Colorado (1)
- Minnesota (1)
- Texas (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
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Online Programs
- Master
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