Human Performance | Ithaca College

Concentration in Human Performance

Test, measure, research, and create programs to optimize performance and physical functioning

The Application for Fall 2025 Entry Is Open!

The application cycle for entry into the master's program in exercise and sport science is open! You can apply to the program until May 1, with rolling admissions decisions until that date or until capacity is reached; early application is encouraged. If you are not ready to apply but would like more information about the program or would like to be notified when future enrollment cycles open, please complete our graduate interest form.

Start Your Application Today

Concentration Specifics

From athletes to medical patients, meet the needs of clients of all abilities through this integrated program combining knowledge and skills form biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior, sport psychology, and strength & conditioning. Learn how to assess clients using laboratory and field based equipment testing protocols. Learn how to evaluate and use data to make evidence based informed decisions and prescribe the most recent evidence-based training programs. Learn how to conduct research and be an informed consumer of science. Gain applied practice with real clients of local collegiate teams and health programs.

Human Performance students have two options: thesis and non-thesis.

Ideal for student planning doctoral /PhD work, but available for any student wanting to develop research skills. Students complete a independent thesis under mentorship of two faculty and develop their research skills preparing for advanced study or careers studies in Sport/Exercise Sciences, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Motor Behavior, or Strength & Conditioning.

Example Theses by Former Students

The effectiveness of back squats and depth jumps on eliciting postactivation potentiation by Julie Landrigan
The effect of foamrolling duration on subsequent power performance by Jake Phillips
The effect of ballistic training on punch kinetics & endurance in trained boxers by George Crouch
The abdominal musculature and cycling performance by Tamara Meuwissen

Ideal for students pursuing careers in strength and conditioning, health/wellness/fitness, exercise physiology, athletic training, and coaching. Obtain a valued evidence based knowledge and skills designed to maximize the potential and performance of clients and athletes of all levels and abilities.

Example course work and experiences include:

Theoretical Perspectives of Mental Performance in Sport and Exercise
Human Movement Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise
Tests and Measurement and Analytics in Sport and Exercise
Physiological Mechanisms of Exercise
The Development of Expertise in Sport and Exercise
Strength and Conditioning: Current Concepts and Applications
Special Populations & Exercise

Explore our Academic Catalog for specific courses and requirements in both thesis and non-thesis tracks.

Wellness Center graduate assistant helping client.

Graduate Job Ready

This concentration prepares you for obtaining external certifications by the American College of Sports Medicine. Career examples of recent graduates include:

US Army human performance research scientist
Major Boston hospital cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist
Professors, Exercise Science / Kinesiology at multiple universities
Professional and NCAA certified athletic trainers
NCAA strength & conditioning coaches
Cayuga Sports Medicine and Athlete Performance certified athletic trainers
Ithaca College Robert R. Colbert Sr. Wellness Clinic Director

student measures biomechanics of client jumping off a box

Questions?

Candace Receno
Graduate Program Chair
Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training
Ithaca College
318 Center for Health Sciences
Ithaca, NY 14850

essg@ithaca.edu

(607) 274-7140