The primary goal of the overall program is to provide students the opportunity to study in depth one area of specialization and to develop necessary research skills to enhance their professional competence. The master's program is designed to prepare students for future graduate study, while the doctoral program is directed toward careers in research and in teaching at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels in colleges and universities. Six areas of study are available at both the master's and doctoral levels:

• Athletic training and sports medicine
• Biomechanics
• Exercise physiology
• History and philosophy of sport
• Motor control
• Psychology of physical activity

Several well-equipped research facilities are available to support graduate study, including the Biomechanics Laboratory, Motor Behavior Laboratory, and Noll Physiological Research Center.