2024-2025 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog

Physical Education with Specialization in Exercise Science M.S.

Program Rationale:

Graduates of the M.S. in Physical Education with a specialization in Exercise Science are expected to gain/enhance knowledge and applied skills needed for the professions of certified (State of Connecticut licensed) athletic trainers, certified strength and conditioning specialists, and certified health fitness specialists.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students in the program are expected to:

  • interpret and determine appropriate application of any one or combination of the following theories to their professions: biomechanical, physiological, psychological, and sociological
  • read and interpret research and apply significant findings to their professions

Admissions Requirements:

An undergraduate program in exercise science or related field is preferred for admission to the master’s degree program. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Applicants must also have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.70, preferably a 3.00 on a 4.00 point scale (where A is 4.00).

The admissions application, application fee, and official transcripts from each college and university attended (except Central Connecticut State University) must be submitted to the Graduate Recruitment and Admissions Office. Additionally, a letter of application including the names and contact information for two references must be submitted for admission. A letter of application must demonstrate a command of the English language. 1) a discussion of your path in higher education, 2) a reflection on what is leading you to pursue a Master's degree, and 3) elaboration of how you would use this Master's degree as it relates to your career path in the field of Exercise Science. Suggested length of this letter is no more than two pages. At least one of the two references must be from a former instructor who can attest to the applicant's preparedness for graduate study in exercise science. An interview with exercise science graduate faculty will be required for admissions. Instructions for uploading the letter of application will be found within the online application.

Application deadlines for the MS in Physical Education with a specialization in Exercise Science include:

Fall Semester - Deadline is May 1

Spring Semester - Deadline is November 1

Summer Term - Deadline is March 1*

*The program starts in summer session of even years. Application Deadline is March 1 of even numbered years (March 1, 2016 for the 2016 cohort, etc).

Requirements

Core Courses

NOTE: All students must take a minimum of 15 credits from the Exercise Science category

Sport

EXS 507Sociological Foundations of Sport and Exercise

3

EXS 515Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology

3

EXS 516Foundations of Leadership for Sport and Exercise

3

EXS 507: Spring odd years

EXS 515: Spring even years

EXS 516: Fall odd years

Exercise Science

EXS 519Sport Biomechanics

3

EXS 523Essentials of Sports Performance Training

3

EXS 530Nutrition for Health, Fitness, and Sport Performance

3

EXS 590Independent Study / Topics in Exercise Science or Sports Medicine

1-3

EXS 592Advanced Physiology of Sport & Exercise I

3

EXS 593Advanced Physiology of Sport and Exercise II

3

EXS 519: Fall even years

EXS 523: Summer odd years

EXS 530: Summer even years

EXS 590: Irregular

EXS 592: Fall odd years

EXS 593: Spring even years

Note: Either PE 590 and/or EXS 590 may be taken for a maximum of 6 credits

Research

Fall

PE 597Research in Physical Education and Exercise Science I

3

(Students must take before successful completion of 12 credit hours)

PE 597: Students must take PE 597 and PE 598 in order to proceed with PE 599; Students must take PE 597 in order to proceed with PE 595

Spring

PE 598Research in Physical Education and Exercise Science II

3

(Students must take before successful completion of 24 credits hours)

PE 598: Students must take PE 597 and PE 598 in order to proceed with PE 599

Electives

NOTE: Courses other than Core Courses as approved by faculty advisor

Capstone Requirement

Plan A:

PE 599Thesis

3

Irregular; PLAN A ONLY

Plan B:

Comprehensive Examination

Note: No more than 9 credits at the 400 level, as approved by the graduate advisor, may be counted toward the graduate planned program of study.

Plan C:

PE 595Applied Research in Physical Education and Exercise Science

3

Irregular; PLAN C ONLY