Masters 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 (17 Credits):
| EX 401 | Advanced Applied Physiology | 3 |
| EX EX401L | Advanced Applied Physiology Lab | 1 |
| EX 403 | Research Methods | 4 |
| EX 404 | Nutrition & Chronic Disease Prevention | 3 |
| EX 411 | Professional Seminar | 2 |
| EX 412 | Functional Anatomy | 4 |
Clinical Track Courses (22 Credits):
| EX 413 | Healthcare in the U.S. | 1 |
| EX 416 | Applied Pharmacology in Exercise Science | 2 |
| EX 521 | Advanced Exercise Testing & Prescription I | 3 |
| EX 522 | Physical Activity & Behavioral Science | 3 |
| EX 523 | Special Topics in Clinical Nutrition | 3 |
| EX 524 | Advanced Exercise Testing & Prescription II | 4 |
| MPH 552 | Physical Activity Behavior | 3 (credits) |
| EX 560 | Thesis Preparation | 3 |
| or | |
| EX 562 | Clinical Graduate Project | 3 |
| EX 561 | Thesis Completion | 3 |
| or | |
| MPH 558 | Public Health Nutrition | 3 (credits) |
Performance Track Courses (22 Credits):
| EX 414 | Exercise Prescription for Endurance Athletes | 2 |
| EX 415 | Fundamentals of Movement Screening | 1 |
| 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 |