Masters in Exercise and Sport Science
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 38 credit hours taken over two academic years (full-time model).
Disclosure, Certification, Licensure
- Certification 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 principles that underpin human and athletic performance. Through an applied sports 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 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.
The Graduate Transfer Credit Policy governs the approval of transfer credits.
Transfer Credit Limit: 6
Minimum Grade Required: C
Program of Study (38 Credits)
Core Courses (32 Credits)
| EX 401 | Advanced Applied Physiology | 3 |
| EX 402 | Athlete Testing and Instrumentation | 3 |
| 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 530 | Data Analytics for Sport Science | 3 |
| 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)