Curriculum
With flexible options, you can complete your Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science in as little as nine months or take as much time as you need.
Curriculum and Degree Requirements
This master’s program is comprised of eight courses, a field-based experience, and a capstone project (32 credits total).
The program is designed to give you a foundation in theory and research, as well as to provide an emphasis on practical applications. The required capstone project will be selected by you in collaboration with your advisor. You will have opportunities to interact with faculty from both health and business fields, as well as to engage in a real-world exercise and sports science projects through your field-based and capstone experiences.
Common Core
HSC 5100G Advanced Exercise Physiology - 4 credits
In-depth study of acute and chronic responses to cardiopulmonary, metabolic, biochemical, and cellular adaption to exercise and training with special reference to hydration, thermo regulation, renal and muscular function.
HSC 5350G Research Methods - 4 credits
This course will provide an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods that are commonly used in the field of exercise and health science. The course will focus on acquainting students with skills to identify the questions to address the research questions or real world problems, to understand and apply different study designs, to design different approaches to evaluate a real world program, and to collect, analyze, integrate, and report data.
HSC 5500G Exercise and Sport Psychology - 4 credits
This course explores the history and trends in the emerging and growing field of sport and exercise psychology. The graduate student will examine how science and practice are connected through an exploration of the major theories and the development and application of psychological skills. An emphasis on enhancing health and wellbeing is reinforced for incorporation into practice.
HSC 6200G Sports Nutrition - 4 credits
A study of nutrition as it relates to optimum performance for sport and health. Nutrient needs, sources, functions and interactions are reviewed according to the latest scientific findings. Principles of body conditioning are emphasized with attention to diet and lifestyle practices that promote health and decrease risks of nutrition related diseases.
HSC 6875G Health Sciences Organizational Leadership - 4 credits
This course examines both the theoretical and practical aspects of leadership and business concepts focusing on the role of the leader within health science organizations. Topics to be discussed include personal leadership preferences, leadership theory and practice, organizational communication, developing teams managing change in organizations, financial leadership, basic marketing concepts, and program development. How these theories and concepts are practically applied in the field will be a major focus of this course.
HSC 6900G Capstone - 4 credits
The capstone seminar provides guidance and assistance to graduate students in designing and implementing their capstone project, through group or one-on-one meetings with the course instructor. It also creates a learning community in which students will share their capstone work with others to gain constructive feedback and to generate ideas about the best ways to complete the capstone project. The seminar format of the class means that students should come prepared to discuss their own work as well as carefully consider the work of their peers so they can offer insights as to how projects can be improved. The capstone advisor will provide feedback on student work, answer questions, provide advice, and facilitate successful planning and implementation of the capstone project.
Strength and Conditioning Concentration
HSC 6350 - Strength and Conditioning Coaching - 4 credits
This course will explore foundational concepts of coaching theory and principles of leadership as they apply to strength and conditioning. Through active participation in lectures and practical activities, students will gain an understanding of fundamental coaching theories and leadership principles applicable to various groups. Students will develop and refine their coaching skills through reflective and analytical assignments throughout this course and will critically evaluate current research in strength and conditioning. Course topics include coaching philosophy and leader development, ethical considerations, and team dynamics.
HSC 6300G Advanced Strength and Conditioning - 4 credits
This course will explore exercises meant to prevent injuries, reduce movement deficiencies, improve muscle imbalances, and maximize results by creating safe, individualized training programs by identifying dysfunctions, developing a plan of action, and implementing exercise solutions. This course prepares students to take the National Strength and Conditioning Association CSCS, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam.
Exercise Science Concentration
HSC 5000G Physical Activity and Exercise Technologies - 4 credits
In this course, students will gain competency in skills important in health care (heart rate, blood pressure at rest and during exercise, electrocardiogram), human performance and exercise testing (body composition, strength testing, aerobic capacity, and anaerobic capacity), and promotion of physical activity and health (wearable and related technologies). Students will also learn the physiological basis of the different performance measurements and technologies.
HSC 5320G Foundations of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion - 4 credits
This course is designed to provide the graduate student with an overview and understanding of the significant issues and trends in chronic disease. Topics include: heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung diseases, and musculoskeletal diseases will be studied. In addition, risk factors, extent, and modern public health approaches to prevention and control of major chronic diseases will also be covered.
