Wellness and Movement Sciences, Master of Science (MS)
The Master of Science degree in Wellness and Movement Sciences prepares students for a diverse array of careers in areas including athletic administration, coaching, directing fitness facilities and programs in a variety of settings. Additionally, the degree is applicable to those students interested in pursuing advanced graduate studies in related areas.
Within this degree, students have the opportunity to select from two tracks - either Exercise Science or Sports and Recreation Administration. All students are required to take a basic core of courses and then select a specialization area.
Note: each student must successfully complete one of two options: a thesis or other research project; or a written examination, before an MS in WAMS degree is awarded.
Prerequisites
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 from a Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution;
- Program applicants for both tracks must complete an upper division course (i.e., 300- or 400-level) in statistics or biostatistics with a grade of ≥B (3.0);
- For students pursuing the Exercise Science track, the following are required:
- Anatomical or Physiological Kinesiology with a grade of ≥B (3.0);
- Completed series in Anatomy and Physiology
- A course in Mechanical Kinesiology and/or Physics is recommended.
Exercise Science
| Required Core | ||
| PHED 500 | INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDIES | 1 |
| PHED 505 | CURRENT ISSUES AND ETHICS | 3 |
| PHED 517 | SURVEY RESEARCH | 3 |
| PHED 518 | REVIEW OF LITERATURE | 3 |
| PHED 519 | STATISTICS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| PHED 520 | RESEARCH METHODS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| Approved Electives | 11-14 | |
| Required Exercise Science Courses | ||
| EXSC 580 | NUTRITION IN SPORT AND EXERCISE | 3 |
| PHED 550 | ADVANCED BIOMECHANICS | 3 |
| PHED 555 | ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE | 3 |
| PHED 556 | ADVANCED CLINICAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY | 3 |
| PHED 557 | TRAINING, PLANNING AND PERIODIZATION | 3 |
| PHED 600 | THESIS (1-9) | 9 |
| Total Credits | 51-54 | |
Sports and Recreation Administration
| Required Core Courses | ||
| PHED 500 | INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDIES | 1 |
| PHED 505 | CURRENT ISSUES AND ETHICS | 3 |
| PHED 517 | SURVEY RESEARCH | 3 |
| PHED 518 | REVIEW OF LITERATURE | 3 |
| PHED 519 | STATISTICS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| PHED 520 | RESEARCH METHODS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| Approved Electives | 11-14 | |
| Sports and Recreation Administration Courses | ||
| PHED 507 | ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION | 3 |
| PHED 522 | RISK MANAGEMENT: SPORT AND SCHOOL LAW | 3 |
| PHED 524 | SPORTS MARKETING | 3 |
| PHED 525 | FACILITIES PLANNING, OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT | 3 |
| PHED 600 | THESIS | 9 |
| or PHED 601 | RESEARCH REPORT | |
| or PHED 602 & PHED 695 | COMPREHENSIVE PREPARATION and INTERNSHIP | |
| Total Credits | 48-51 | |
Students who earn an MS in Wellness and Movement Sciences should be able to:
- pursue careers in health & fitness, administration, physical education, or sport performance, or for advanced graduate studies in related fields;
- foster critical thought, problem solving skills, and reflective thinking;
- develop skills in oral and written communication;
- design, conduct, and report scholarly work;
- develop collaborative and group interaction skills;
- develop personal character through opportunities to demonstrate responsibility, integrity, self-discipline, creativity, and persistence.