Purpose of the Degree

The Master of Science degree in Exercise Science offers both a thesis and a non-thesis program of study. Both program of study tracts require 33 credit hours. Specifically, the purpose of the Master of Science in Exercise Science degree is to serve students wanting to work in the areas of health and wellness in the clinical, corporate or commercial environments.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission into the Master of Science degree program in Exercise Science must meet the admission requirements of Graduate Admissions for unconditional or conditional status. In addition, applicants must meet specific program requirements. Candidates who do not meet the Exercise Science program admission requirement will be required to complete undergraduate coursework to meet identified deficiencies. Previously completed coursework will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine if any deficiencies exist in foundation courses for the discipline. Identified courses may be completed concurrently with graduate work, but must be completed before the degree is awarded. In addition, undergraduate deficiency course removal must be sequenced in order to provide the student with the appropriate background knowledge before enrollment into the respective graduate level course will be allowed.

Applicants must present evidence of potential ability to perform academic work at the advanced graduate level. Standardized test proficiency and past grade performance will be used to provide the primary data for judging academic ability. Other indicators, such as quality of writing in the Applicant’s prepared statement and faculty references, will also be considered. Based on past academic performance, an applicant must qualify for either unconditional or conditional admission status.

• For unconditional admission, students are required to have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or 3.25 GPA during the last 60 credit hours of university work.
• For conditional admission, students are required to have a 2.75 cumulative GPA or 3.0 GPA during the last 60 credit hours of university work.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• Official transcripts as verification of all coursework and degree(s).
• A formal Statement of Goals which should explain in at least 500 words why he/she is seeking admission into the program and what plans he/she has following the attainment of the degree.
• A current resume.
• At least two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic potential and professional capabilities. Applicants must have at least one recommendation from a university faculty member who is familiar with the applicant’s work as a student. The professional recommendation should come from a supervisor in which he/she has evaluated the applicant’s current or prior work.

Lastly, faculty may require interviews in addition to written credentials as part of the admission process. In addition to the above requirements, admission to the degree program may require completion of specific prerequisite undergraduate courses. Applicants will be considered for admission during a given review cycle only if all of the above materials have been received by the Graduate Admissions application deadlines. After the initial review of admission materials the committee members can either choose to reject the candidate without an interview or decide to proceed with an interview. Following the interview phase, the Admissions Committee makes its final recommendation to accept the candidate for admission or to deny admission. Incomplete applications will not be considered.