Department of Exercise and Sport Science

Graduate Degree Options

The graduate degree options offered by ESS include:

Master of Science, non thesis option

  • This option involves coursework plus practical experience such as an internship, field experience or practicum

  • The non thesis option requires a minimum of 36 credit hours

  • Some programs require more than 36 credit hours

  • Pre-requisites vary by subdiscipline

Master of Science, thesis option

  • This option involves coursework plus thesis research

  • Students wishing to pursue a doctoral degree in the future should do a thesis

  • The thesis option requires a minimum of 32 credit hours

  • Pre-requisites vary by subdiscipline

  • Students wishing to do a thesis must be accepted by a faculty mentor at the time of admission; if a faculty member is not identified then students may be assigned to the non thesis option

Doctor of Philosophy

  • The PhD program requires a minimum of 3 years to complete; most students require 4-6 years

  • Master's degree is required prior to admission

  • Pre-requisites vary by subdiscipline

  • This degree program is research intensive

  • Several courses in research design and statistics are required

  • Students applying to the doctoral program must be accepted by a faculty mentor at the time of admission

Specialization Areas

The graduate program in ESS offers degree options in four subdisciplines:

Exercise Physiology*

  • MS Non Thesis Option in Coaching Wellness PDF

  • MS Non Thesis Option in Sports Dietetic

    • Registered Dietician credential required for this program

  • MS Thesis Option

  • PhD Option

    • Mentorship provided by ESS faculty

    • Mentorship provided by faculty in the Division of Physical Therapy

Psycho-Social Aspects of Sport*

  • MS Non Thesis Option

  • MS Thesis Option

  • PhD Option

Special Physical Education*

Sports Medicine*

Sport Pedagogy*

  • Sport Pedagogy Overview 2008-09.pdf 

  • MS Non Thesis Option for Physical Education Teachers

    • Degree and licensure in Physical Education required for this program

  • MS Non Thesis Option for Secondary Licensure in Physical Education

  • MS Thesis Option for Physical Education Teachers

    • Degree and licensure in Physical Education required for this program

  • Doctoral Program Flyer.pdf 

  • PhD Option

*Course requirements for each degree option can be found within the Handbook (this will be a link, as yet to be determined) Once admitted to a particular subdiscipline, students may not change to a different subdiscipline unless they re-apply.

Once admitted to a particular subdiscipline, students may not change to a different subdiscipline unless they re-apply.