MS in Exercise Science and Nutrition

Program Description

There are three major components of the graduate exercise science and nutrition curriculum: (1) core courses, (2) major track (clinical or performance), and (3) a graduate project or thesis requirement. Students will complete the core courses and select one of two available tracks depending upon their interest. The full degree program will be 39 credit hours taken over two academic years (full-time model).

Program Goals

Core Objectives

The MS in Exercise Science and Nutrition program will prepare graduates to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, human anatomy, performance/health-field specific research methodology, and nutrition as it relates to chronic disease prevention.
• Appropriately prescribe post-orthopedic rehabilitation resistance training protocols.
• Actively engage the professional literature to demonstrate current, best practice in these work settings.
• Contribute to research activities in clinical exercise settings, sport or clinical nutrition, and fitness/sport-related exercise programming.
• Continue their education in the acquisition of a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, EdD).

Track-Specific Objectives

The MS in Exercise Science and Nutrition Performance Track will also prepare graduates to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge in strength and conditioning concepts, nutritional influences on training adaptation and performance, coaching methodology/philosophy, and biomechanics.
• Participate in research activities investigating adaptations to training, testing methodologies, sports nutrition, injury reduction strategies, and biomechanics.

The MS in Exercise Science and Nutrition Clinical Track will also prepare graduates to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge in clinical exercise testing and prescription for cardiac, pulmonary, cancer, diabetic, and osteoporotic rehabilitation settings nutrition as it relates to weight management and concepts in health behavior change.
• Participate in clinical research activities with opportunities in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, nutrition, and fitness.

Admissions Requirements

Students will apply through the Graduate Admissions Office of the University. In addition to application materials, applicants must demonstrate completion of the program prerequisites including:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in a related clinical science, such as exercise physiology, exercise science, physical education, athletic training, or nutrition.
• Undergraduate prerequisite coursework in the following courses, or their equivalent:
  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with labs) (8 credit)
  • Exercise Physiology (3–4 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
  • Kinesiology (3–4 credits)

If applying with an unrelated major, students must also take an Exercise Prescription course or enroll in either EX 362 Exercise Testing & Prescription (clinical track students) or EX 363 Developing Strength & Conditioning Programs (performance track students) during their first semester.

Program of Study (39 Credits)

Core Courses (20 Credits):

EX 401	Advanced Applied Physiology	4
EX 403	Research Methods	4
EX 404	Nutrition & Chronic Disease Prevention	3
EX 411	Professional Seminar	2
EX 412	Functional Anatomy	4
EX 413	Healthcare in the U.S.	1
EX 414	Exercise Prescription for Endurance Athletes	2

Clinical Track Courses (19 Credits):

EX 521	Advanced Clinical Testing & Prescription I	3
EX 522	Physical Activity & Behavioral Science	3
EX 523	Clinical Nutrition	3
EX 524	Advanced Clinical Testing & Prescription II	4
EX 560	Thesis Preparation	3
	or
EX 562	Clinical Graduate Project I	3
EX 561	Thesis Completion	3
	or
EX 563	Clinical Graduate Project II	3

Performance Track Courses (19 Credits):

EX 531	Nutrition & Performance	3
EX 532	Coaching Methods	3
EX 533	Advanced Concepts in Strength & Conditioning	4
EX 534	Applied Biomechanics	3
EX 560	Thesis Preparation	3
	or
EX 564	Performance Graduate Project I	3
EX 561	Thesis Completion	3
	or
EX 565	Performance Graduate Project II	3