The master’s program in Exercise Science offers preparation for career opportunities
in corporate, community, and private fitness sectors, as well as clinical exercise
physiology, strength and conditioning, and doctoral programs. Thesis and non-thesis
tracks are available for students. The Exercise Science Lab contains state-of-the-art
equipment to facilitate both student and faculty research, including a DEXA, metabolic
carts, an EKG system, land and underwater treadmills, leg and arm ergometers, a hydrostatic
weighing tank, bioelectrical impedance, a lactate and cholesterol analyzer, and a
telemetry EMG system.
Strengthening the Nets
Jeremy Bettle, who earned his M.S. in Exercise Science and his Ph.D. in Human Performance
in 2009 at MTSU, is one of only 30 strength and conditioning specialists in the National
Basketball Association. He was named to the Brooklyn Nets staff in 2011 and traveled
to the summer 2012 London Olympic Games to work with Nets guard Deron Williams. Dr.
Bettle credits his training at MTSU as “one of the key elements in achieving my current
position. The exercise science program created a unique and highly productive learning
environment, which exposes students to a very broad spectrum of topics within the
field as well as allowing students to perform a great deal of independent study. There’s
a lot of opportunity to gain practical experience to compliment your academic study.”
Improving the health of Tennesseans
Russell Cliche (M.S. in Exercise Science, 2002) is state director of the Healthier
Tennessee Initiative in schools for the Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness.
His career has focused on changing environments, policies, and programs to improve
health behaviors and outcomes. “Exercise science isn't just about putting someone
on a treadmill,” Cliche says. “Sometimes it’s about helping people identify physical
activities they truly enjoy, learn proper techniques, and develop strategies to make
their chosen activities sustainable. By far, the best part of being in this field
is having a positive impact on someone’s life.” His time at MTSU was “life-changing”
and convinced him to work in prevention, especially after a cardiac rehabilitation
internship at Vanderbilt’s Dayani Center. Cliche was the first director of Hamilton
County’s Coordinated School Health and Step ONE (Optimize with Nutrition and Exercise)
programs before beginning his current position.
Related Media
-
MTSU College of Graduate Studies
-
MTSU | The University of Opportunities
Graduates gain expertise to advance in positions in fitness and wellness, cardiac
rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, corporate fitness, and research. The degree
also helps prepare candidates to gain certifications through the American College
of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association and to enter
a doctoral degree program in Exercise Science. Graduates can also continue their education
in other health care professions. Potential occupations include, but are not limited
to:
- Bariatric exercise specialist
- Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
- Diabetes educator
- Educator/professor
- Employee fitness director
- Exercise physiologist
- Fitness center/gym owner or manager
- Health coach
- Occupational therapist
- Oncology exercise rehabilitation specialist
- Personal trainer
- Physical therapist
- Pulmonary rehabilitation specialist
- Researcher
- Strength and conditioning specialist
- Wellness coach
Employers of MTSU Exercise Science M.S. alumni include
- Acuff & Associates, Inc.
- Bowling Green University
- Brooklyn Nets
- Cross-fit Rampage
- Cumberland University
- DaVita Renal Dialysis
- Journeys In Community Living
- Middle Tennessee State University
- National Federation of the Blind
- North Carolina State University
- OnLife Health
- Orthotics Manufacturing Co., Chicago, Ill.
- Physiotherapy Associates
- Southern Tennessee Medical Center
- Steadman Orthopedic Group
- Tennessee State Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness
- Tri-Fit Athletics
- University of California-Santa Clara
- University of Tennessee-Martin
- U.S. Army
- Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute
- Vanderbilt Orthopedic Institute Fitness Center
- Well Fit Medicine and Nutrition
- Williamson Medical Center/Cardiac Rehabilitation
- YMCA
Graduate
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Exercise Science is one of three master’s degrees available
from MTSU’s Department of Health and Human Performance. Applicants must have
- a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college;
- coursework in human anatomy and physiology;
- an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken; and
- acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
The department also offers an M.S. in Health and Human Performance with concentrations
in Health and in Physical Education and an M.S. in Leisure and Sport Management with
concentrations in Sport Industry and in Recreation and Leisure Services.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
Other degree programs offered by HHP
A doctoral program leads to the Ph.D. in Human Performance degree, with specializations in Exercise Science, Health, Kinesmetrics, Leisure Studies,
or Physical Education.
Undergraduate majors in the department can attain a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Athletic Training; Exercise Science; Community and Public Health (concentrations in Community and Public Health); Leisure and Sport Management; or Physical Education. Both a B.S. and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree are available in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
The department offers undergraduate minors in Athletic Coaching and Officiating, Driver
and Traffic Safety Education, Health, Health and Physical Education, Health and Human
Performance, Recreation, and Somatic Movement Education, and Speech-Language Pathology
and Audiology
Apply Now!
Exercise Science, M.S.
Dr. Vaughn Barry, M.S. Advisor (A-L)
(615) 898-5535
Vaughn.Barry@mtsu.edu
Dr. John Coons, M.S. Advisor (M-Z)
(615) 494-7973
John.Coons@mtsu.edu
This four-semester degree offers advanced coursework that offers preparation to candidates for certifications in personal training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, and clinical exercise physiology. This degree also offers preparation for entering terminal Exercise Science degree programs. Career opportunities include employment in clinical exercise physiology and corporate, community, or private fitness sectors. The non-thesis option requires completion of 36 semester hours including an internship. The thesis option includes 30-33 hours of coursework. The degree prerequisite is two semesters of human anatomy and physiology.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Admission decisions will be made after reviewing all materials and determining the applicant's capacity, suitability, and preparation for graduate study. Admission decisions are based upon consideration of a number of criteria which are believed to indicate a high potential in the graduate program.
Admission to the Master of Science (M.S.) program in Exercise Science requires
- an earned bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, including successful completion of coursework in human anatomy and physiology;
- an acceptable grade point average (GPA) in all college work taken;
- completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with acceptable scores. Successful applicants to the M.S. in Exercise Science program typically have scores on the GRE Verbal and Quantitative measures that exceed 150 and 141 respectively with a combined score that exceeds 291. The Analytical Writing Assessment score is also considered.
Application Procedures
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Application deadline: Application for admission deadlines: Fall, June 1; Spring, November 1; Summer, March 1. Application deadlines for GTA funding: Fall, February 1; Spring, October 1
Applicants must
- submit application with appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
- submit official scores on the GRE;
- submit official transcripts of all previous college work;
- provide three letters of recommendation from persons who can address their academic qualifications and potential for success in graduate study.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Exercise Science requires completion of 30-33 semester hours (thesis) or 36 semester hours (non-thesis).
Candidate must
- complete either the thesis or non-thesis curriculum as detailed below in the Curriculum section;
- if choosing the thesis option, select a thesis committee composed of two members (at least one of whom must be from the Department of Health and Human Performance) and successfully complete an oral examination relating to the thesis;
- if choosing the non-thesis option, successfully complete a written comprehensive examination during the last semester of coursework (may be taken no more than twice).
Curriculum: Exercise Science
The following illustrates the coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 6 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.
Thesis Option (30-33 hours)
Required courses - preferred sequence (18 hours)
HHP 6700 - Data Analysis and Organization for Human Performance
3credit hours
Pertinent skills needed to analyze and organize research data through introduction of concepts, principles, techniques, and activities that lead to the appropriate organization and analysis of research data collected for health and human performance.
EXSC 6650 - Exercise Physiology
3credit hours
Principles of exercise physiology. Acute responses and chronic adaptations of the body to physical activity, exercise, and sports participation and their impact on homeostasis examined. Physiological systems examined in detail.
HHP 6610 - Research Methods in Health and Human Performance
3credit hours
Location of information, methods of research, methods of collecting data, application of the computer in analyzing data, and preparation and presentation of a research paper.
EXSC 6830 - Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Science
3credit hours
Laboratory experiences in testing, evaluating, and reporting in exercise science. Measurement theory related to validity and reliability of assessments addressed.
EXSC 6840 - Advanced Principles of Exercise Prescription and Assessment
3credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 4240 or EXSC 6650 or equivalent. Provides theoretical and laboratory learning experiences for health risk appraisal, cardiovascular evaluation, and exercise prescription for healthy people and special populations.
EXSC 6880 - Internship and Special Projects
3 to 6credit hours
(Same as HLTH 6880/PHED 6880/LSM 6880.) On-site practical experience in an exercise science, health promotion, or sport management program. Those with extensive work experience will develop, implement, and conclude a project (research or applied) in consultation with the major professor.
Approved electives (9 hours)
- Electives selected in consultation with advisor; six hours must have EXSC prefix.
Thesis (3-6 hours)
EXSC 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6 credit hours
(3-6 credit hours)(3 credit hours required; 6 credit hours maximum)
dotslash:(3 credit hours required; 6 credit hours maximum)
title:(3-6 credit hours)
(3 credit hours required; 6 credit hours maximum)
EXSC 6640 - Thesis Research
1 to 6credit hours
(Same as HLTH 6640/PHED 6640/LSM 6640.) Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Non-thesis Option (36 semester hours)
Required courses (24 hours)
HHP 6610 - Research Methods in Health and Human Performance
3credit hours
Location of information, methods of research, methods of collecting data, application of the computer in analyzing data, and preparation and presentation of a research paper.
HHP 6700 - Data Analysis and Organization for Human Performance
3credit hours
Pertinent skills needed to analyze and organize research data through introduction of concepts, principles, techniques, and activities that lead to the appropriate organization and analysis of research data collected for health and human performance.
EXSC 6650 - Exercise Physiology
3credit hours
Principles of exercise physiology. Acute responses and chronic adaptations of the body to physical activity, exercise, and sports participation and their impact on homeostasis examined. Physiological systems examined in detail.
EXSC 6830 - Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Science
3credit hours
Laboratory experiences in testing, evaluating, and reporting in exercise science. Measurement theory related to validity and reliability of assessments addressed.
EXSC 6840 - Advanced Principles of Exercise Prescription and Assessment
3credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 4240 or EXSC 6650 or equivalent. Provides theoretical and laboratory learning experiences for health risk appraisal, cardiovascular evaluation, and exercise prescription for healthy people and special populations.
EXSC 6870 - Cardiovascular Assessment and Rehabilitation
3credit hours
Prerequisite: EXSC 6650 or equivalent. Overview of the cardiopulmonary system and clinical rehabilitation. Laboratory experiences include cardiopulmonary function assessments, cardiac rhythm interpretation, and standard rehabilitation practices.
EXSC 6880 - Internship and Special Projects
3 to 6credit hours
(Same as HLTH 6880/PHED 6880/LSM 6880.) On-site practical experience in an exercise science, health promotion, or sport management program. Those with extensive work experience will develop, implement, and conclude a project (research or applied) in consultation with the major professor.
Approved electives (12 hours)
Twelve hours of electives selected in consultation with advisor. Six hours must have an EXSC prefix.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
