Master of Science

Program Description

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Science is designed to accommodate a broad range of student interests and professional goals who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in the field of Exercise Science. The 36-hour program includes a required 18-hour core with the remaining 18 hours consisting of elective courses designed to meet the professional goals and needs of each individual student. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, with the thesis option for students who have the ability and desire to pursue an individualized research topic within the field of Exercise Science. Full-time students can complete the program in four semesters. 

Students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to personally interact with program faculty in the classroom and laboratory. The Exercise Science “Human Performance Laboratory” is equipped with state of the art equipment such including the Moxus Modular VO2 System (AEI Technologies), True-One 2410 Metabolic Measurement System (ParvoMedic), Bod Pod (COSMED Inc.), Excalibur Sport Anaerobic Power System (LODEBV), Ergomedic 894E Peak Bike (Monark), Quinton Q4500 Stress Test System, 12-lead Electrocardiograph, and numerous other equipment.

Career Opportunities

Exercise Science is the gateway degree for individuals who wish to work in any phase of the fitness industry, e.g., corporate- and hospital-based Wellness, club fitness, YMCA, geriatric programming, personal training, etc. In addition, many students currently at CSU are using the degree as a pre-professional program for graduate programs in Athletic Training, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician's Assistant. Finally, the educational content in Exercise Science also helps prepare students for success in careers such as pharmacology sales, military science, orthotics, etc. (e.g., many health/fitness related fields where the career path is not fixed).

Admission Requirements

Beyond the general graduate program requirements, the M.S. Exercise Science degree program also has the following additional requirements:

• Earn a minimum GPA of 2.75 on all undergraduate work earned in fulfillment of the baccalaureate degree.
• Earn an acceptable GRE score on quantitative, verbal reasoning, and writing.
• Demonstrated competence in basic human anatomy and physiology (recommend BIOL 2221 & 2222, EXSC 4131, or equivalent).
• Provide two acceptable letters of support from academic personnel qualified to attest to the applicant’s potential for success in the program.
• Have good academic standing from all undergraduate or graduate institutions attended.

To be considered for provisional admission students must meet criteria 2 - 5 above with undergraduate GPA of 2.5-2.74

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the M.S Exercise Science program should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced knowledge base in the discipline of Exercise Science
• Demonstrate advanced skills in the areas of assessment techniques used in exercise science-related professions
• Demonstrate advanced skills in exercise prescription and programming in a variety of populations
• Demonstrate ability to design, interpret, analyze, and apply research in the discipline of Exercise Science
• Demonstrate the ability to research, collect, and summarize data and information from a variety of sources and to present that information at a level consistent with the intended audience

Additional Program Requirements

There are no program specific academic regulations.

Program of Study

Area 1 Professional Core Required Hours: 18
EXSC 6118 Advanced Exercise Physiology
EXSC 6119 Research Methods in Human Performance
EXSC 6125 Readings in Exercise Science
EXSC 6135 Data Analysis
EXSC 6237 Advanced Exercise Testing & Prescription
EXSC 6238 Advanced Measurement & Evaluation in Exercise Science

Area 2 Electives Required Hours: 18
2A- Up to 18 Hours Allowed
EXSC 5212 Principles of Strength and Conditioning
EXSC 6115 Advanced Strength and Conditioning
EXSC 6116 Environmental Stressors and Exercise
EXSC 6137 Exercise Electrocardiography
EXSC 6138 Pharm Consid Exer Testing & Training
EXSC 6139 Exercise Epidemiology
EXSC 6145 Advanced Nutrition for Exercise and Sports
EXSC 6225 Fitness for Individuals with Disabilities
EXSC 6775 Seminar in Exercise Science

2B- No more than 9 Hours Allowed
EXSC 6436 Practicum in Exercise Science
EXSC 6898 Directed Research in Exercise Science
EXSC 6899 Independent Study
EXSC 6981 Thesis I
EXSC 6982 Thesis II
Others as Approved by Advisor

Area 3 Additional Requirements Required Hours: 0
EXSC 6000 Comp. Exam/Thesis Defense

Total Hours Required: 36