The Applied Physiology Elite Sport Performance (MSc) track, or sub plan, is primarily designed for students who wish to work in the Sports Science environment, particularly with elite athletes. As students move through this track in Elite Sport Performance, they will complete 9 credit hours of Internship experience (HPNU 5990) in environments of elite athletic performance.

The program of study will include classes complementary to a greater understanding of human applied physiology and may include courses in other departments to enhance specialized knowledge, research practicum experiences, and independent studies to develop self-sufficiency. Students will complete a comprehensive exam as the capstone experience prior to graduation.

Admission to the Master of Sciences Applied Physiology program MSc or the Elite Sport Performance MSc track requires:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
• Applicants must submit:
  • 3 letters of reference
  • Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate credit was earned
  • Student Statement including relevant experience, why they want to pursue the Elite Sport Performance track in MSc Applied Physiology, and career aspirations.
  • Resume or CV
  • Application fee $60.00.
  • Applicants wishing to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship should include an additional statement of relevant teaching experience and/or proficiency in human anatomy, physiology, or nutrition laboratory work.

Streamlined Admission for UCCS graduating Seniors and Alumni requires:

• Must be about to graduate or graduated from UCCS in the last 4 years
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or above, OR, Human Physiology and Nutrition program specific GPA of 3.25 or above.
• Applicants must submit:
  • 2 letters of reference (one from a current program faculty member)
  • Official transcripts from all institutions where postsecondary credit was earned
  • Student Statement including relevant experience, why they want to pursue the Elite Sport Performance track in MSc Applied Physiology, and career aspirations.
  • Resume or CV
  • Application fee $60.00.
  • Applicants wishing to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship should include an additional statement of relevant teaching experience and/or proficiency in human anatomy, physiology, or nutrition laboratory work.
  • While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to identify a faculty mentor ahead of making an application.

Applications that are fully completed and received by Jan 16th (Priority deadline) will be considered and encouraged to apply for any available Graduate Teaching Assistantships, Scholarships etc. Applications may still be submitted after this date and will be considered if they are fully completed and received by April 1st . 

English Proficiency Requirements

All English as Second Language (ESL) applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency for admission. This requirement can be met if:

• You have received or will receive a post-secondary degree in the United States.
• You have received or will receive a post-secondary degree where English is the language (medium) of instruction.
• You take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo, or another approved English proficiency test and receive a score that is equal to or higher than your program’s requirements (Tests must have been taken in the last two years).
• You successfully complete an English language training program approved by UCCS.

For more information please visit: https://graduateschool.uccs.edu/english-proficiency-requirements

• HPNU 5010: Research and Statistical Design
• HPNU 5900: Graduate Seminar
• HPNU 5990: Internships

For more information regarding program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Variability is expected between semesters, but possible sites of Internship experiences are:

• 10th Special Forces Group
• Switchbacks F.C. 
• Colorado College Athletics
• UCCS Athletics
• US Air Force Academy Athletics
• USA Cycling
• USA Swimming
• United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee 

Faculty Mentors

• Dr. Marissa Baranauskas (Sex differences in physiology)
• Dr. Jeffrey Broker (Sport and Orthopedic Biomechanics)
• Dr. Robert A. Jacobs (Exercise Physiology & Human Bioenergetics)
• Dr. Nathan Morris (Environmental Physiology)
• Dr. James Pearson (Cardiovascular and Environmental Physiology)
• Dr. Andrew Subudhi (Altitude and Exercise Physiology)
• Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS (Sport Science and Strength & Conditioning)

Program Contact

James Pearson, PhD
Associate Professor | Human Physiology & Nutrition
719-255-3806
jpearso5@uccs.edu