Master of Science Exercise Science (MS)
Hunter J. Bennett, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
1007A Student Recreation Center
757-683-4387
hjbennet@odu.edu
The Master of Science in Exercise Science is designed for the student who desires to pursue advanced study in the science of exercise. The coursework will help strengthen the background of those individuals already involved in conducting fitness programs for various age groups or to prepare individuals for careers in other health-related fields that utilize exercise as a preventative medicine.
Admission
Admission and Entrance Requirements
Applicants for the M.S. in Exercise Science are required to submit credentials for consideration through the Office of Graduate Admissions at Old Dominion University. Students applying for admission with regular status must have:
- A completed online application via www.odu.edu/admission/graduate
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution
- 2.8 cumulative GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale ) *
- 3.0 GPA or higher in the undergraduate major *
- A combined GRE score of 291 or higher (verbal and quantitative sections) *
- Personal essay (no more than two pages) addressing motivations to apply to program, career interests, and ability to complete graduate level work
- Three letters of recommendation (from former professors or employers)
- Current copy of résumé
- Transcripts from all prior postsecondary institutions
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 on the paper-based test (or 79-80 on the iBT) for non-native English speakers
* Students who have a low GPA or a low GRE score may be considered for admission with provisional status.
* The program admissions committee will consider GRE waiver requests for high potential candidates by considering application elements that demonstrate the ability to take on the rigor of graduate level studies. A request for a waiver does not guarantee that a waiver will be granted.
Prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, one semester of exercise physiology, one semester of physics, and one semester of biomechanics.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science Core | 12 | |
| Exercise Physiology | ||
| Clinical Exercise Testing and Prescription | ||
| Nutrition for Sports and Health | ||
| Advanced Biomechanics | ||
| Research Core | 3 | |
| Applied Research Methods in Education * | ||
| Concentrations | ||
| Select one of the following: | 15 | |
| Thesis Concentration | ||
| Introduction to Applied Statistics and Data Analysis ** | ||
| Thesis Research in Exercise Science | ||
| Thesis in Exercise Science | ||
Restricted Electives | ||
| Internship Concentration | ||
| Internship in Exercise Science | ||
Restricted Electives | ||
| Research Problem Concentration | ||
| Research Problems in Exercise Science | ||
| Introduction to Applied Statistics and Data Analysis | ||
Restricted Electives | ||
| Restricted Electives | ||
6-9 hours with advisor approval. Some options listed below: | ||
| Cellular and Molecular Biology | ||
| Comparative Animal Physiology | ||
| Advanced Human Physiology | ||
| Exercise Prescription for Chronic Disease | ||
| Wellness Programming and Administration | ||
| Strength and Conditioning Applications | ||
| Ergogenic Aids in Sport and Human Performance | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| MATLAB Programming for Kinesiology and Rehabilitation | ||
| Motor Performance: Rhythmic/Cyclic Tasks | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Human Cognition | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Additional Requirements
Continuance and Exit Requirements
Students must meet all requirements for continuance as outlined in the graduate continuance policy for the University. Students completing the program must:
- Have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher
- Have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in the major
- Demonstrate writing proficiency
- Satisfy all course competencies
- Complete an internship, research problem, or thesis
- If completing an internship or research problem, must also pass a comprehensive examination
- Have an exit interview with the program director
- File the necessary paperwork for graduation