Exercise Science, MS

Contact

Tom Brutsaert, Graduate Program Director

430G Barclay Hall

315-443-9697

tdbrutsa@syr.edu

Description

The master’s program in exercise science is designed to train students for positions in hospitals and in corporate and private agencies that provide fitness and wellness programming and rehabilitative exercise programs. An emphasis on research in applied physiology also prepares students for doctoral programs in exercise science. Students in exercise science have the opportunity for supplemental study in areas such as nutrition, health promotion, and sports medicine.

Admissions

The admissions requirements for this program include: undergraduate degree with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, TOEFL scores (for international applications), undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a resume and personal statement.

Prerequisite course work to be considered for admission to the MS in Exercise Science include:

General Biology - 8 credits (must include labs)
Human Anatomy & Physiology - 8 credits (must include labs)
3 credits Exercise Physiology or 6 credits in other General Science including Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Biology; (excluding BIO I/II and A&P I/II)

Part-Time Study

Part-time study is acceptable; however, time to degree completion depends on available course offerings and number of courses enrolled. Time limit to degree completion is 7 years.

Financial Support

Limited department financial aid is available in the form of graduate assistantships and scholarship credits for students enrolled in masters and doctoral programs. Financial aid is determined based on merit.

Additional information regarding graduate financial aid can be found at https://financialaid.syr.edu/typesofaid/graduatestudentaid/.

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to 9 credits. Substituted/transferred course work should cover material equivalent to that which is covered in the relevant required course. Substitution/transfer requests will need to be approved by the graduate committee for exercise science programs. All students are expected to file a tentative program of study in their second semester. Students transferring courses from another institution must file a program of study prior to completing 12 credits at Syracuse University.

Satisfactory Progress

Certification for an advanced degree at Syracuse University requires a minimum average of 3.0 for work comprising the program for the degree and a 2.8 average for all credits earned.

Degree

MS, 36 credits

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Explain how metabolic, muscle, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems underlie human physical performance.

2. Interpret and critique research findings in the exercise sciences.

3. Apply basic research design to the study of exercise science.

4. Apply quantitative methods and tools to analyze research data (their own collected data or secondary data analysis).

5. Present research findings (their own or the findings of others) in a professional and informative manner.

6. Write a research report/manuscript following established conventions in the field.

Major Requirements

The M.S. degree requires 36 credits of formal course work to be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor.

Required Courses (18 credits)

EXE 606 - Current Literature in Exercise and Sport Science 1-3 credit(s)
EDU 647 - Statistical Thinking and Applications 3 credit(s)
EXE 686 - Systemic Physiology and Exercise 3 credit(s)
EXE 693 - Research Methods in Exercise and Sport Science 3 credit(s)
Plus a minimum of 6 credit hours selected from the following:

Elective Courses (12 credits)

EXE 500 - Selected Topics 1-6 credit(s)
EXE 516 - Exercise Prescription: Health and Disease 3 credit(s)
EXE 517 - Pathophysiology 3 credit(s)
EXE 519 - Metabolic Aspects of Physical Activity 3 credit(s)
EXE 600 - Selected Topics 1-6 credit(s)
EXE 615 - Worksite Health Promotion 3 credit(s)
EXE 627 - Exercise Testing and Interpretation 3 credit(s)
EXE 636 - Scientific Principles of Conditioning 3 credit(s)
EXE 700 - Selected Topics 1-6 credit(s)
In consultation with their advisor, students may chose elective course work from other related programs at Syracuse University.

Thesis or Research Experience - 6 credits

EXE 764 - Internship in Exercise Science 3-6 credit(s)
or
EXE 997 - Master’s Thesis 1-6 credit(s)