The Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department offers a master of science degree in exercise science. The master of science degree in exercise science is a non-teaching degree program intended for students with undergraduate backgrounds in athletic training, biological sciences, health, physical education, physiology, physical therapy and sports science. It is designed to provide the student with a working knowledge in the physiological, biomechanical and nutritional aspects of human movement and exertion.

The master of science degree in exercise science requires a base of 17 course credits that provide a foundation upon which the student may explore special areas of interest related to exercise science. Elective credits enable specialization in areas such as physiology, physical fitness, biomechanics and research. In addition, students must also submit either two formal file papers to the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department (non-thesis option) or complete a four-credit research thesis (ES 599A). A variety of elective courses are available in advanced human physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, electrocardiography, laboratory procedures, sport biomechanics, physical training program design, exercise for special populations and sport psychology.

Applicants are required to comply with the regular admission requirements of the Office of Graduate Education. In addition: 

1. Applicants must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher and a degree in a relevant major or have a minimum of nine semester hours of relevant course work (human anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, physics, nutrition) with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. An applicant with a GPA of less than a 2.75 must submit three letters of recommendation before the application may be considered. 
2. Applicants applying for a graduate assistantship must meet the standards listed above, provide a one-page personal statement and complete a Teaching Checklist available from the department. Normally, selection of graduate assistants is completed by March 15.
3. Applicants are expected to have a solid background in exercise science. The exercise science admissions committee may recommend appropriate courses to strengthen the background of the student. The committee may require the student to complete significant prerequisite courses that are missing or they may recommend that courses be taken in other relevant areas to substitute for the deficiencies.