Masters in Exercise and Sport Science

CIP Code

26.0908

Program Description

There are two major components of the graduate exercise and sport science curriculum: (1) core courses, and (2) an internship-related 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).

Disclosure, Certification, Licensure

Cert Exam
Eligibility for state licensure
NCSARA

Program Mission

The mission of the Masters in Sport and Exercise science is to educate students through physiological and biomechanical principals that underpin human and athletic performance. Through an applied sport science model, students will gain real world experience that will position them uniquely for working in the field of strength and conditioning or sports science.

This mission will be accomplished through education, research, and service at Sacred Heart University.

Program Goals & Objectives

Core Objectives

The MS in Exercise and Sport Science program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate advanced knowledge in exercise physiology, human anatomy, biomechanics, research methodology, data acquisition, interpretation, athlete testing, monitoring, and data analysis.
Appropriately prescribe resistance training and metabolic conditioning to improve athletic performance across a wide spectrum of sports.
Effectively use sports technology to test and monitor athlete of team performance.
Actively engage with the professional literature to maintain best practices.
Think critically about both novel and established concepts in exercise and sport science to advance the field.
Contribute to research activities in collegiate, private, and sports performance settings.
Continue their education in the acquisition of a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, EdD).

Track-Specific Objectives

The MS in Exercise and Sport Science (Performance Track) will also prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate advanced knowledge in strength and conditioning concepts, nutritional influences on training adaptation and performance, and coaching methodology/philosophy.
Participate in research investigating adaptations to training, testing methodologies, sports nutrition, injury reduction strategies, and performance biomechanics.

The MS in Exercise and Sport Science (Sport Science Track) will also prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate advanced knowledge in research methods, data collection and analytics, athlete testing, and performance monitoring.
Participate in applied sport science research through athletic monitoring and testing programs.
Participate in basic exercise science research using state-of-the-art lab and field equipment.

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)
Kinesiology (3–4 credits)

If applying with an unrelated major, students must enroll in EX 363 Developing Strength & Conditioning Programs during their first semester.

Program of Study (39 Credits)

Core Courses (33 Credits):

EX 401	Advanced Applied Physiology	3
EX 402	Athlete Testing and Instrumentation	3.0
EX 403	Research Methods	4
EX 412	Functional Anatomy	4
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

Tracks

You will need to complete 6 credits either in the Performance Track or Sport Science Track

Performance Track (6 credits)

EX 564	Performance Graduate Project I	3
EX 565	Performance Graduate Project II	3

Sport Science Track (6 credits)

EX 560	Thesis Preparation	3
EX 561	Thesis Completion	3