Master of Science

Overview

This program offers specialization in the area of health and exercise science and is designed for those who are interested in careers in research, preventive, and rehabilitative programs, and/or further graduate study.

Candidates for the health and exercise science program are not required to have a specific undergraduate major or minor. However, an undergraduate concentration in the sciences is preferred. Candidates for the program generally pursue research careers in exercise science (e.g. exercise physiology, biomechanics, behavioral medicine, or rehabilitation), and/or careers in clinical exercise physiology, rehabilitation, or health behavior promotion (e.g., cardiac rehabilitation, YMCAs, and corporate fitness programs). The prerequisites for this program include course work in human anatomy, human physiology, physiology of exercise, and biomechanics. These courses should be completed before admission to the program. None of the prerequisites may apply toward the graduate degree.

The Department of Health and Exercise Science supports the Healthy Exercise and Lifestyle Programs (HELPS), a chronic disease prevention and management program for the local community. As part of the coursework in HES 761 and HES 765, graduate students serve an internship in HELPS to gain practical experience as clinical exercise specialists. After serving an internship with HELPS during the first academic year, each student will have the opportunity to be certified as an American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

The Department of Health and Exercise Science began offering graduate study in 1967. Departmental graduate committee: Katula (chair), Beavers, Berry, Brubaker, Fanning Marsh, Messier, Mihalko, Miller.