Exercise and Sport Science, M.S.
The Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science will prepare you for a variety of careers across four concentrations in High-Performance Coaching, Strength & Conditioning, Sports Psychology and Generalist studies.
Our Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science program is built to prepare individuals who are committed to effecting change in the health and fitness industries and who take a holistic approach to exercise, wellness and fitness. Students will learn anatomy, motor behavior, exercise physiology, fitness assessment, biomechanics, and sport and exercise psychology.
The M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science program allows students to choose from multiple concentrations and still complete the program in as little as a year and a half. Graduates of our program can go on to work in a wide variety of careers, from strength and conditioning coaching to sports performance coaching, from certified personal training to physical education, and from dietary science and sports nutrition to exercise physiology research.
CONCENTRATION: HIGH PERFORMANCE COACHING
The High-Performance Coaching program is specifically designed for those pursuing a career in coaching as well as current coaches at the youth, interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional levels. Throughout this program, aspiring and current coaches will advance their knowledge in organization and administration, strength and conditioning techniques, optimal training methods, biomechanical analysis of sport, and contemporary coaching strategies, as outlined by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE). Completion of the program will prepare students for the Sports Performance Coaching Certificate, improve their marketability, and expand their employment opportunities.
Course List:
- Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport
- Principles of Strength and Conditioning
- Analytics in High Performance
- Applied Foundations in High Performance
- Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise
CONCENTRATION: STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
The Strength and Conditioning concentration is designed for current practitioners, aspiring strength and conditioning coaches, and athletic performance coaches. Our comprehensive program exceeds the requirements for the industry-leading National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification and will prepare students for other advanced certifications.
Course List:
- Sports Injury Prevention
- Program Design in Strength and Conditioning
- Functional Movement Assessment
- Principles of Strength and Conditioning
- Special Topics in Advanced Strength and Conditioning
CONCENTRATION: SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
The Sports Psychology concentration integrates science and application in mental skills training and life skills development. Designed for students interested in applied work and/or research in the sport and exercise psychology discipline, the degree is grounded in the fundamentals of the scientific process and theory for research and supervised applied work within individual and group/team environments.
Course List
- Psychological Aspects of Sport and Exercise
- Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport
- Applied Motor Learning
- Current Topics in Sport Psychology
- Sport in Society
CONCENTRATION: GENERALIST
The Generalist concentration was designed to meet the needs of individuals who are currently working in or hoping to enter into a career in the health and fitness industry. This strand prepares individuals for the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential, which can lead to a job in a rapidly expanding field.
This concentration is unique in that it allows students to choose electives that align with their areas of interest within exercise science and their certification goals.
Course List
- Principles of Strength and Conditioning
- Plus four Electives
CORE CURRICULUM
In addition to the concentration courses, students are required to take the following core courses:
- Applied Research in Exercise and Sports Science
- Exercise and Sport Nutrition
- Leadership: Theory and Practice
- Practicum
- Capstone
HOW TO APPLY
There is no fee to apply to the program. Click here to get started!