Point Loma Nazarene University: Leading The Way In Innovative Sports Science Education
Brent A, Program Director, Point Loma Nazarene University
In the United States, Sports Science programs have gained significant attention as the demand for expertise in kinesiology, biomechanics, sports psychology, and athletic training continues to rise. Colleges offering comprehensive programs in sports sciences are paving the way for students interested in careers that range from sports performance analysis to clinical exercise physiology and athletic training. One such prominent institution is Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU). Since its inception in 2016, PLNU's Master of Science in Kinesiology program has grown to offer a range of specialized concentrations, including Strength and Conditioning, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Sport Science, Sports Management, and Athletic Training. The program at PLNU is noted for its interdisciplinary approach, which emphasizes a holistic understanding of human movement, performance, and health. By integrating insights from biomechanics, exercise physiology, sports psychology, rehabilitation, and nutrition, the program ensures a well-rounded educational experience.
“It’s becoming clear that the industry standard for sport scientists is to be highly specialized in 1-2 key areas, but with a broad experience allowing them to leverage diverse information, technology, and practices to tackle the problems facing modern athletes. This is why we make sure our graduates spend time in all of our labs and under multiple mentors in the short time we have with them. They leave us ready to innovate through just about any challenge that’s thrown their way,” says Dr. Jacob Goodin, Professor of Kinesiology.
Taking a Modern Approach to Sports Education
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) has become a leader in advancing sports science education through its innovative Master of Science in Kinesiology program. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary integration, providing students with a well-rounded education that meets the evolving demands of the field. PLNU ensures its curriculum is cutting-edge by continually updating courses to reflect the latest research and technological advancements in sports science.
The university’s faculty, actively involved in research and professional organizations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports and the American College of Sports Medicine, contribute to the broader academic discourse. Their work influences both the curriculum at PLNU and national trends in sports science education.
PLNU’s Master of Science in Kinesiology stands out due to its blend of interdisciplinary focus, practical application, and industry relevance. The program offers hands-on learning in advanced facilities such as the Center for Human Performance, Human Performance Laboratory and the Biomechanics Laboratory, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. Students engage in diverse internships and graduate assistantships, gaining practical skills that prepare them for successful careers.
The curriculum, developed in collaboration with industry professionals, stays current with the latest trends and innovations in sports sciences. This forward-thinking approach makes PLNU graduates highly competitive, equipping them with the technical expertise and confidence to excel in various professional settings.
Notably, PLNU alumni work with prestigious organizations such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and US Military, showcasing the program’s impact. The university’s unique focus on interdisciplinary learning, practical experience, and industry connections ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in the sports science industry.
”PLNU is focused on elevating its Master of Science in Kinesiology program to meet the future demands of the sports sciences industry”
Committed to Faculty Excellence, Advanced Facilities, & Financial Support
PLNU emphasizes faculty excellence in its Master of Science in Kinesiology program by ensuring that professors are highly qualified and dedicated to student success. PLNU implements a rigorous selection process for faculty, prioritizing individuals with advanced degrees and significant real-world experience. The faculty’s expertise spans a variety of fields, including injury prevention, sports nutrition, biomechanics, and strength and conditioning, allowing students to benefit from practical insights and a comprehensive understanding of sports sciences.
PLNU supports its faculty with professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and research grants, ensuring they stay current with industry advancements. Faculty members are encouraged to collaborate and engage in interdisciplinary research, enriching the educational experience for students. To maintain high teaching standards, it regularly evaluates faculty performance through student feedback, peer reviews, and self-assessment.
PLNU’s Master of Science in Kinesiology program also stands out for its state-of-the-art facilities. The university’s Center for Human Performance and Human Performance Laboratory, developed in partnership with leading companies like Technogym and Sorinex, offers students access to cutting-edge equipment used to monitor health and athletic performance. This hands-on learning environment allows students to gain practical experience in sports science, preparing them for professional careers.
Additionally, the Biomechanics Laboratory, established in collaboration with the San Diego Padres, provides students with advanced motion capture systems and other sophisticated tools for analyzing human movement and injury prevention. This unique opportunity for real-world research equips students with the skills needed for careers in sports science, rehabilitation, and athletic training.
To support students financially, PLNU offers various scholarships and research grants. These include internal scholarships based on merit, Technogym Student Research Grants, and funding from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. PLNU also offers paid graduate and research assistantships, which help reduce tuition costs while providing valuable work experience. These financial resources enable students to focus on their studies and research, maximizing their educational experience at PLNU.
Preparing Students for Success
“My time in the program has been complemented by various opportunities outside of the classroom that I truly believe I could not have had anywhere else. I feel that I am very fortunate to be able to call each and every professor in the program a mentor. Each one has met with me individually on many occasions to provide support, advice, and opportunities. Through the Biomechanics and Human Performance Laboratories I have had the opportunity to work with organizations like the San Diego Padres, San Diego Legion, and USA Olympic Cycling, to name a few. Outside of the labs, I had the privilege of interning with the Naval Health and Research Center to learn from and collaborate with local experts. During my time I was also provided the opportunity to represent PLNU at the NSCA’s National conference with two research posters and at the American Society of Biomechanics National conference as a student committee member. These experiences and mentors have ignited my passion for the field and provided me with the knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career,” adds Ivan Palomares-Gonzalez - PLNU MS Kin Student.
To stay aligned with industry trends and standards, PLNU collaborates with leading companies, bringing industry professionals as guest lecturers and engaging in joint research projects. This collaboration ensures students are exposed to the latest developments in sports science, making them industry-ready upon graduation. Through partnerships, students gain practical experience using advanced tools and technologies employed by professional athletes, from motion analysis systems to performance-tracking devices. Companies such as Sorinex, Technogym, and VALD provide access to state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing the learning environment and better preparing students for real-world applications.
In addition to the technical skills provided by the program, PLNU emphasizes career development and networking. The university offers personalized mentorship, professional guidance, and access to a network of industry contacts, helping students transition into the workforce. By building strong connections between students, faculty, and industry professionals, PLNU enables its graduates to succeed in various roles within sports sciences, from rehabilitation and athletic training to strength and conditioning.
PLNU’s approach ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also practically equipped with the latest skills and tools essential for their careers. With its focus on experiential learning, industry partnerships, and mentorship, PLNU continues to foster a well-rounded, professionally adept cohort of sports science graduates.
Future Roadmap for Excellence
PLNU is focused on elevating its Master of Science in Kinesiology program to meet the future demands of the sports sciences industry. Central to its strategy is innovation in pedagogy, expanding industry partnerships, and integrating emerging technologies to enhance education quality and student readiness. A key element of this future vision is the expansion of interdisciplinary learning. PLNU plans to introduce more cross-disciplinary courses and research opportunities, linking sports sciences with fields like data science, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. By encouraging collaboration across departments, PLNU aims to equip students with the skills to address complex, multifaceted challenges in the sports industry.
Technology is a driving force in PLNU’s strategy. The university is enhancing its digital infrastructure to support hybrid and online learning models, exploring the use of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) to create immersive learning environments. These advancements will provide students with interactive and personalized educational experiences, such as simulating real-world scenarios or conducting virtual experiments.
PLNU also plans to expand its state-of-the-art facilities, including the Center for Human Performance and its Human Performance and Biomechanics Laboratories. By incorporating cutting-edge equipment and software, students will have access to the latest tools for precise data analysis and innovative research. Partnerships with emerging companies in areas like wearable technology, sports analytics, and injury prevention will further enrich these facilities.
In addition, PLNU intends to strengthen its industry partnerships, expanding collaborations with sports organizations, technology companies, and research institutions on both national and international levels. These partnerships will provide students with access to internships, research opportunities, and professional networks, ensuring the curriculum aligns with industry trends and demands. Through these initiatives, PLNU is committed to ensuring its graduates lead and innovate in the evolving sports sciences industry.
“It’s becoming clear that the industry standard for sport scientists is to be highly specialized in 1-2 key areas, but with a broad experience allowing them to leverage diverse information, technology, and practices to tackle the problems facing modern athletes. This is why we make sure our graduates spend time in all of our labs and under multiple mentors in the short time we have with them. They leave us ready to innovate through just about any challenge that’s thrown their way,” says Dr. Jacob Goodin, Professor of Kinesiology.
Taking a Modern Approach to Sports Education
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) has become a leader in advancing sports science education through its innovative Master of Science in Kinesiology program. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary integration, providing students with a well-rounded education that meets the evolving demands of the field. PLNU ensures its curriculum is cutting-edge by continually updating courses to reflect the latest research and technological advancements in sports science.
The university’s faculty, actively involved in research and professional organizations like the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports and the American College of Sports Medicine, contribute to the broader academic discourse. Their work influences both the curriculum at PLNU and national trends in sports science education.
PLNU’s Master of Science in Kinesiology stands out due to its blend of interdisciplinary focus, practical application, and industry relevance. The program offers hands-on learning in advanced facilities such as the Center for Human Performance, Human Performance Laboratory and the Biomechanics Laboratory, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. Students engage in diverse internships and graduate assistantships, gaining practical skills that prepare them for successful careers.
The curriculum, developed in collaboration with industry professionals, stays current with the latest trends and innovations in sports sciences. This forward-thinking approach makes PLNU graduates highly competitive, equipping them with the technical expertise and confidence to excel in various professional settings.
Notably, PLNU alumni work with prestigious organizations such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and US Military, showcasing the program’s impact. The university’s unique focus on interdisciplinary learning, practical experience, and industry connections ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in the sports science industry.
”PLNU is focused on elevating its Master of Science in Kinesiology program to meet the future demands of the sports sciences industry”
Committed to Faculty Excellence, Advanced Facilities, & Financial Support
PLNU emphasizes faculty excellence in its Master of Science in Kinesiology program by ensuring that professors are highly qualified and dedicated to student success. PLNU implements a rigorous selection process for faculty, prioritizing individuals with advanced degrees and significant real-world experience. The faculty’s expertise spans a variety of fields, including injury prevention, sports nutrition, biomechanics, and strength and conditioning, allowing students to benefit from practical insights and a comprehensive understanding of sports sciences.
PLNU supports its faculty with professional development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and research grants, ensuring they stay current with industry advancements. Faculty members are encouraged to collaborate and engage in interdisciplinary research, enriching the educational experience for students. To maintain high teaching standards, it regularly evaluates faculty performance through student feedback, peer reviews, and self-assessment.
PLNU’s Master of Science in Kinesiology program also stands out for its state-of-the-art facilities. The university’s Center for Human Performance and Human Performance Laboratory, developed in partnership with leading companies like Technogym and Sorinex, offers students access to cutting-edge equipment used to monitor health and athletic performance. This hands-on learning environment allows students to gain practical experience in sports science, preparing them for professional careers.
Additionally, the Biomechanics Laboratory, established in collaboration with the San Diego Padres, provides students with advanced motion capture systems and other sophisticated tools for analyzing human movement and injury prevention. This unique opportunity for real-world research equips students with the skills needed for careers in sports science, rehabilitation, and athletic training.
To support students financially, PLNU offers various scholarships and research grants. These include internal scholarships based on merit, Technogym Student Research Grants, and funding from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association. PLNU also offers paid graduate and research assistantships, which help reduce tuition costs while providing valuable work experience. These financial resources enable students to focus on their studies and research, maximizing their educational experience at PLNU.
Preparing Students for Success
“My time in the program has been complemented by various opportunities outside of the classroom that I truly believe I could not have had anywhere else. I feel that I am very fortunate to be able to call each and every professor in the program a mentor. Each one has met with me individually on many occasions to provide support, advice, and opportunities. Through the Biomechanics and Human Performance Laboratories I have had the opportunity to work with organizations like the San Diego Padres, San Diego Legion, and USA Olympic Cycling, to name a few. Outside of the labs, I had the privilege of interning with the Naval Health and Research Center to learn from and collaborate with local experts. During my time I was also provided the opportunity to represent PLNU at the NSCA’s National conference with two research posters and at the American Society of Biomechanics National conference as a student committee member. These experiences and mentors have ignited my passion for the field and provided me with the knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career,” adds Ivan Palomares-Gonzalez - PLNU MS Kin Student.
To stay aligned with industry trends and standards, PLNU collaborates with leading companies, bringing industry professionals as guest lecturers and engaging in joint research projects. This collaboration ensures students are exposed to the latest developments in sports science, making them industry-ready upon graduation. Through partnerships, students gain practical experience using advanced tools and technologies employed by professional athletes, from motion analysis systems to performance-tracking devices. Companies such as Sorinex, Technogym, and VALD provide access to state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing the learning environment and better preparing students for real-world applications.
In addition to the technical skills provided by the program, PLNU emphasizes career development and networking. The university offers personalized mentorship, professional guidance, and access to a network of industry contacts, helping students transition into the workforce. By building strong connections between students, faculty, and industry professionals, PLNU enables its graduates to succeed in various roles within sports sciences, from rehabilitation and athletic training to strength and conditioning.
PLNU’s approach ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also practically equipped with the latest skills and tools essential for their careers. With its focus on experiential learning, industry partnerships, and mentorship, PLNU continues to foster a well-rounded, professionally adept cohort of sports science graduates.
Future Roadmap for Excellence
PLNU is focused on elevating its Master of Science in Kinesiology program to meet the future demands of the sports sciences industry. Central to its strategy is innovation in pedagogy, expanding industry partnerships, and integrating emerging technologies to enhance education quality and student readiness. A key element of this future vision is the expansion of interdisciplinary learning. PLNU plans to introduce more cross-disciplinary courses and research opportunities, linking sports sciences with fields like data science, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. By encouraging collaboration across departments, PLNU aims to equip students with the skills to address complex, multifaceted challenges in the sports industry.
Technology is a driving force in PLNU’s strategy. The university is enhancing its digital infrastructure to support hybrid and online learning models, exploring the use of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) to create immersive learning environments. These advancements will provide students with interactive and personalized educational experiences, such as simulating real-world scenarios or conducting virtual experiments.
PLNU also plans to expand its state-of-the-art facilities, including the Center for Human Performance and its Human Performance and Biomechanics Laboratories. By incorporating cutting-edge equipment and software, students will have access to the latest tools for precise data analysis and innovative research. Partnerships with emerging companies in areas like wearable technology, sports analytics, and injury prevention will further enrich these facilities.
In addition, PLNU intends to strengthen its industry partnerships, expanding collaborations with sports organizations, technology companies, and research institutions on both national and international levels. These partnerships will provide students with access to internships, research opportunities, and professional networks, ensuring the curriculum aligns with industry trends and demands. Through these initiatives, PLNU is committed to ensuring its graduates lead and innovate in the evolving sports sciences industry.
