All students must meet the Requirements for the Master's Degree.
Overview
The Master of Science in Exercise Science is for future exercise professionals to acquire a defined scope of theoretical understanding and translational knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the science of exercise, health, and physical performance. Students are provided with a sound understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of human movement and exercise prescription. This knowledge base and skills are critical to address the growing need for evidence-based exercise applications in healthy aging, injury prevention and recovery, prevention and management of chronic disease, and optimizing human performance. With the option for two tracks, non-thesis and thesis, the curriculum has a set of core classes anchoring students in fundamentals of critical inquiry and statistics. Students develop competencies in exercise science through four core courses. Additionally, students in the thesis track will develop strengths in understanding and using the research tools within exercise science. The program affords elective pathways that enable students to tailor their M.S. program to their individual academic and professional goals, including the option to earn their certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching with eligibility to sit for national board certification.
Specific Requirements
Minimum Degree Requirements
There is a 30-credit requirement for students who choose the non-thesis Master’s Degree in Exercise Science, and a 36-credit requirement for students who choose the thesis option.
| Requirement Description | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | 6 | |
| NH 6899 | Fundamentals Critical Inquiry | 3 |
| STAT 5020 | Applied Statistics I | 3 |
| or PH 6030 | Biostatistics I:App Rsch in PH | |
| or CTS 6200 | Analyze Clin&Translational Res | |
| 12 credits from the following choices: | 12 | |
| Advanced Exercise Physiology | ||
| Physical Activity and Health | ||
| Advanced Biomechanics | ||
| Sports Medicine and Performanc | ||
| Adv Motor Control and Learning | ||
| Metabolism, Chronic Conditions | ||
| Lived Experience & Technology | ||
| Research Methods in Exsc Sc | ||
| Non-Thesis Students | ||
| EXSC 6090 | Capstone Experience (for non-thesis students) | 3 |
| 9 credits of electives | 9 | |
| Thesis Students | ||
| EXSC 6995 | Graduate Independent Research | 6 |
| EXSC 6391 | Master's Thesis Research (for thesis students) | 6 |
| 6 credits of electives | 6 | |
At least 6credits must be course credits at the 6000-level or above. With the prior approval of their program and the Graduate College, students may apply one 3000- or 4000-level course toward their graduate program.
The program can be completed in 3 or 4 semesters (1.5-2 academic years, respectively).
A maximum of 9 credits may be transferred into the program. Transfer credit may be completed prior to admission to the program provided that the credit is approved by the student's graduate studies committee, course(s) content overlaps with program curriculum content, and the credit conforms to all other Graduate College requirements. Up to 6 additional credits taken at UVM prior to admission may also be transferred.
Comprehensive Examination
Students must complete a comprehensive exam, integrating their knowledge of core course material in an oral and/or written paper format, by the end of their final semester in the program.
Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science
Successful completion of all required courses and the comprehensive examination. Students who choose the thesis option are required to successfully defend a thesis proposal by the mid-point of their 3rd semester in the program.