Apr 26, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Exercise Science, M.S.


College of Education  
Department: Educational and Psychological Studies 

Concentrations:

  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Health and Wellness

 


The M.S. in Exercise Science provides and in-depth study of applied human physiology and how it relates to athletic performance and health and wellness. The purpose of the program is to prepare fitness professionals that are equipped to meet the needs of adults in their pursuit of improved health and performance. Exercise science professionals work with adults in leadership positions in areas such as strength & conditioning, worksite health promotion, commercial and community fitness/wellness, hospital/clinical rehabilitation, personal fitness training, online weight loss coaching, and sports performance. In addition, graduates of this program will have the educational background to pursue doctoral education and other advanced degree programs. The major offers three optionsExercise Science, Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength & Conditioning, and Exercise Science with a concentration in Health & Wellness.

Major Research Areas

  • Fat Loss from Diet and Exercise Interventions
  • Heat Stress and Straing
  • Physical Activity Behavior and Adherence
  • Psychobiology of Exercise
  • Sports Nutrition and Exercise Performance 
  • Physique Enhancement
  • Strength & Conditioning

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

  • Resume
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Letter of intent (please include career goals, any type of experience related to the field and/or research experience).

To be successful in this major, the following pre-requisite courses are recommended: Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II, Nutrition, and Exercise Physiology.

Admissions decisions are based on the following: GPA, relevant coursework, experience in the field, letter of intent, research experience, and letters of recommendation. Applicants should be aware that admission into any graduate major is granted on a competitive basis.

Curriculum Requirements


Total Minimum Hours - 33 hours minimum

  • Core – 7 Credit hours
  • General Track or Concentration – 12 Credit hours
  • Non-thesis – 14 Credit hours electives
  • Thesis – 11 Credit hours electives, 3 Credit hours thesis

Core Requirements (7 Credit Hours Minimum)


General Track or Concentration Requirements (12 Credit Hours Minimum)


Students either select one of the following concentrations, or they complete the general track with 12 hours of graduate coursework selected in consultation with their academic advisor.

Health and Wellness Concentration


Electives (11 Credit Hours Minimum)


14 hours minimum (non-thesis students) or 11 hours minimum (thesis students)
Electives can be selected from the following, or other graduate course as approved by the faculty advisor and graduate program coordinator.

Comprehensive Exam


A comprehensive exam is required. For students in the thesis option, the thesis serves in lieu of the comprehensive exam.

Thesis (3 Credit Hours Minimum)


Thesis is not required but considered as elective hours for those who select to do a thesis. Students interested in registering for thesis credit must have the approval of a faculty member that agrees to serve as the thesis chairperson.

Non-Thesis


Students in the non-thesis option take an additional 3 hours of electives