If you have a passion for exercise and fitness or sport and athletic performance, the master of science (M.S.) in exercise science degree program may be for you. This degree program can prepare you for a wide diversity of careers depending on your interests and background.
The following are some examples of positions held by graduates of the program:
Graduates of this program have worked at a variety of organizations and institutions including the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Triathlon, the Gatorade Institute, the New York Knicks, the University of Pennsylvania, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, George Mason University, SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Plattsburgh, among others. Graduates of the program have also gone on to medical school, doctoral study in exercise science, a certificate program in orthotics/prosthetics or study in other health-related fields.
The graduate program in exercise science provides core coursework in the physiology and biomechanics of human movement, motor behavior, and psychology of sport or exercise. You will develop an understanding of the body’s ability to build strength and endurance, maintain fitness and acquire skill. You’ll also learn how the mind influences these processes. You’ll graduate with the ability to understand and conduct exercise science research.
This degree program requires a combined 30 credit hours of course work and a thesis or comprehensive exam. Students generally complete the degree in three to four semesters.
Coursework. Most of the courses in this program are offered in the evening, allowing students to continue to work full-time while completing this degree. Your coursework will include the following required courses:
Advanced Biomechanics
Advanced Motor Behavior
Advanced Exercise Physiology
Behavior in Sport or Advanced Exercise Psychology
Research in Methods in Exercise Science
Advanced Statistical Applications in Exercise Science
Seminar in Exercise Science
Thesis or comprehensive exam. You have the option of completing a thesis for 6 credit hours, or taking a comprehensive examination for 1 credit hour. If you choose the exam, you will need to complete 9 credit hours of elective course work to meet the 30 credit hour requirement; if you choose to write a thesis, you will need 4 credit hours of elective course work to complete the degree.
Chair: Kate Polasek
Main Office: Professional Studies Building, Room 1164
Phone: 607-753-4300
Fax: 607-753-5596
Email: kinesiology@cortland.edu
Preference will be given to candidates with the following an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and above on a 4.0 scale.
Exceptional applicants who do not meet all of the above requirements will be considered on an individual basis. Qualified applicants without strong preparation in the basic sciences and human movement science may be required to complete specific undergraduate course work within one year of their matriculation. The undergraduate courses that may be required include: anatomy and physiology I &II, motor behavior, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and statistics.
