Master of Science Degree Program
Learn to use the science behind exercise and sport. 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.
Program Highlights
Students learn how movement is generated and controlled, the acute and chronic physiological responses to physical activity, nutritional and exercise-based methods to optimize performance, and how cognition and affect influence activity behaviors. Opportunities for independent research or internships are available and encouraged.
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 skills. You’ll also learn how the mind influences these processes. You’ll graduate with the ability to understand and conduct exercise science research.
Outcomes
This degree program can prepare you for many career paths depending on your interests and background.
Graduates of the program pursue careers in:
- Strength and conditioning
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Physician assistant or medical doctor
- Physical therapy
- Professor
- Collegiate sport
- Prosthetics
- Corporate wellness
- Nutrition/dietetics
- Medical sales
- Chiropractic
Graduates of the program are employed by:
- U.S. military
- Colleges or universities
- Hospitals
- Tech start-ups
- Professional sports teams
- U.S. Olympic Committee
Graduates have also gone on to medical school, a doctoral study in exercise science, a certificate program in orthotics/prosthetics or other health-related fields.
Program structure
This degree program requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a thesis or comprehensive exam. Students generally complete the degree in three to four semesters.
Study on your time
Most of the courses in this program are offered in the evening, allowing students to continue working full-time while completing this degree.
20 Core credits
All students in the program take the following courses:
EXS 587 Biomechanics (3 credits)
EXS 549 Advanced Motor Behavior (3 credits)
EXS 555 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3 credits)
EXS 646 Behavior in Sport OR EXS 667 Advanced Exercise Psychology (3 credits)
EXS 611 Research Methods in Exercise Science (3 credits)
EXS 612 Advanced Statistical Applications in Exercise Science (3 credits)
EXS 525 Seminar in Exercise Science (1 credit, taken two semesters)
Thesis or exam track
Students can choose between taking a comprehensive exam (1 credit) or completing a thesis (6 credits).
Electives
Depending on their track, students will select 4-9 elective credits to complete the 30-credit degree requirements.
Required materials
Completed online Graduate School Application
- A bachelor’s degree in any subject. Forward official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended directly to the SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office
- Two letters of recommendation
- A statement describing your professional and educational goals in 250 words or less
Admissions criteria
- 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 coursework 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.