Exercise Science, M.S.

35 Semester Hours

Purpose of Degree

The M.S. program is available to those students who wish to pursue study of a specialized focus within the body of knowledge underlying Exercise Science. Two options are available to students: a thesis option or an internship option.

The thesis option is designed to provide students with valuable experience in the design and implementation of research within the field of Exercise Science with the goal of subsequently pursuing doctoral study. The internship option supplements classroom and laboratory studies with an extensive internship that allows students to experience applied aspects of Exercise Science. The internship option is designed for those students who wish to become practitioners in the field of Exercise Science.

National Accreditation

The M.S. in Exercise Science is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs (CAAHEP).

Program of Study

Required courses

Thesis Option

Internship Option

NOTE: Additional coursework may be selected above aforementioned requirements to support research interests.

Admission Requirements

Please see the Exercise Science Department web page for information on specific admission requirements for this program.

Final Graduation Requirement

Completion of a thesis or internship is required, and all graduate students in the Exercise Science Department are expected to demonstrate computer literacy.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available through the department. These are awarded based upon merit and achievement to full-time students in the graduate program. Graduate assistants do not teach classes, but complete projects and tasks assigned by professors.

The graduate assistantship is awarded for the first year of full-time study, with the possibility of extension through the first summer. Prospective students should apply for a graduate assistantship at the time of original application to the program, using the application form online.

EXSC 510 Advanced Exercise Assessment and Programming (3)

• This course will address exercise assessment and programming for healthy and special populations (i.e children, elderly, and individuals with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, etc). Establish advanced exercise assessment methodology and techniques commonly used in exercise science will be presented. Case studies focusing on healthy individuals and diseased populations will be reviewed to enhance understanding.

EXSC 511 Motor Learning and Control (3)

• This course is designed to provide the student with a conceptual model of motor learning and control developed within a multidisciplinary framework. The theoretical aspects of motor learning and control drawn from the extant literatures will provide a foundation upon which the student can build and apply directly to practical examples from exercise science to develop appropriate practices that optimize motor skill learning.

EXSC 513 Evaluation in Exercise Science (3)

• Course content will include basic statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting cognitive, psychomotor and affective variables in exercise science. Use of these evaluative tools will be applied to the field of human movement.

EXSC 520 Sports Medicine (3)

• This course is a survey of topics included under the broad umbrella of sports medicine, representing both scientific and clinical branches of the field. Emphasis is placed on factors which can enhance performance, promote, and protect the welfare of participants in exercise, dance, recreational, and competitive sport.

EXSC 524 Advanced Biomechanics Laboratory Techniques (1)

• This course is designed to provide biomechanics laboratory experiences related to the understanding of data acquisition, processing and biomechanical analysis of selected human movement. Laboratory experiences will include advanced measurement of kinematic and kinetic variables using the Peak motion analysis system, force platform and electromyographic equipment. The students will gain knowledge of the signal processing techniques commonly encountered in biomechanics. Prerequisite: Completion or co-enrollment of Biomechanics of Human Performance (EXSC 526)

EXSC 525 Psychology of Human Performance (3)

• This course treats the research and theoretical consideration of the psychological variables in human performance, with special reference to the body self in movement, and the psychology of sport.

EXSC 526 Biomechanics of Human Performance (3)

• This course focuses on the study of basic physical laws relative to human motor performance. Factors such as equilibrium, linear motion, angular motion, ballistic movement, and fluid mechanics are considered as they affect internal body mechanics of the human and his/her interaction with environmental objects. Prerequisite: EXSC 203

EXSC 527 Physiology of Human Performance (3)

• Emphasis is given to study of metabolism and cardiovascular and respiratory human physiology. Prerequisite: EXSC 310

EXSC 528 Advanced Exercise Physiology Laboratory Techniques (1)

• The course is designed to provide exercise physiology laboratory experiences related to the metabolic, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Laboratory experiences will include advanced measurement techniques in maximal exercise testing, supramaximal exercise, lactate and glucose measurement, and anaerobic assessment. Prerequisite: Completion or co-enrollment of Physiology of Exercise (EXSC 527).

EXSC 541 Environmental Exercise Physiology (3)

• This course includes a study of the physiological responses of the human body to maximal and submaximal exercise in various environmental conditions including: heat, cold, varying humidity, air pollution, altitude (hypobaria), and hyperbaria. Focus will be on general and specific mechanisms of adjustment of circulation, respiration, fluid regulation, and metabolism. Both theoretical and laboratory experiences will be provided. Prerequisites: EXSC 310 and 311.

EXSC 547 Advanced Topics in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (3)

• This course is designed to provide the student with the advanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary topics in sports nutrition and exercise metabolism as they relate to sports and exercise performance. Topics will include macronutrients, micronutrients, sports drinks, hydration, disordered eating, herbal and commercial nutritional supplements, meal planning, and exercise metabolism as they relate to sports competition and physical activity.

EXSC 551 Aerobic Fitness Workshop (2)

• This workshop provides a theoretical and practical framework for measurement and evaluation of aerobic fitness across the lifespan. Field tests that can be administered by exercise professionals are practiced, analyzed, discussed, and validated by laboratory demonstration and participation. Concepts and application of aerobic fitness principles are viewed in light of present-day and future needs. Prerequisites: EXSC 100, 310 and/or advanced standing of 90 credits.

EXSC 552 Exercise and Weight Control Workshop (2)

• This workshop will focus on the role of exercise in regard to its positive influences on weight control. The hazards and implications of being overweight will be studied. Techniques for evaluating energy balance and planning for weight loss programs are discussed in light of established scientific principles and procedures. Exercise along with its dietary counterpart are analyzed to determine their relative importance in the weight-loss regime. Facts and fallacies are discussed, and opportunities for self-evaluation of leanness and fitness provides practical as well as theoretical experience. Prerequisites: EXSC 100, 310 and/or advanced standing of 90 credits.

EXSC 553 Reducing Coronary Heart Disease Workshop (2)

• This workshop examines exercise as a means of evaluation, prescription, and diagnosis of the major threat to health in the United States today: heart disease. Recent studies with their findings and implications will be reviewed. The scientific basis for recommended exercise and associated behavior will provide information with regard to children and adults of both sexes on reducing heart disease risk. Rehabilitative exercise programs for heart victims will focus on accepted training principles and the necessity for changing life styles. Prevention rather than treatment for heart disease will be stressed. Prerequisites: EXSC 100, 310 and advanced standing of 90 credits.

EXSC 554 Anaerobic Training Workshop (2)

• This workshop provides a theoretical and practical framework for measurement and evaluation of anaerobic conditioning, flexibility, strength training, and plyometrics. Field and laboratory tests that can be administered by athletic coaches, teachers, and fitness professionals are practiced, analyzed, and discussed. Prerequisites: EXSC 100, 310 and/or advanced standing of 90 credits.

EXSC 556 Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Workshop (1)

• This workshop will provide structured experiences through instruction in the specific theoretical and practical concepts of strength and conditioning as they relate to the National Strength and Conditioning Association certification requirements. Upon completion of the workshop the student will be eligible to take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam offered through the NSCA. Prerequisites: EXSC 310 and 322.

EXSC 560 Physical Activity Across the Lifespan (3)

• This course will explore the scientific evidence relating the role of physical activity and exercise across the lifespan. The risks and benefits of physical activity from birth to death will be explored. The developmental processes of maturation and aging will be considered. The role of physical activity in various health and disease processes associated with development and maturation will be discussed. Prerequisite: Prior background in either Physical Education or Gerontology.

EXSC 561 Experimental Exercise Physiology (3)

• This course will address various physiology conditions which impact physical performance. Experimental design and data collection techniques commonly used in Exercise Science literature will be addressed. Mini-experiments (sleep deprivation, carbohydrate ingestion, oxygen supplementation, caffeine ingestions, etc.) will be utilized to demonstrate various physiological responses in the exercise arena. Prerequisites: EXSC 310 and 311.

EXSC 563 Neuromuscular Adaptations to Exercise (3)

• This course is designed to study skeletal muscle physiology as it relates to exercise, and the physiological adaptations that occur following alterations in mechanical loading. Concepts relating to skeletal muscle adaptation during exercise training and inactivity are treated in both lecture and laboratory experiences. Prerequisites: EXSC 202, 310, 311.

EXSC 565 Seminar in Strength and Conditioning (3)

• The relationship of exercise, rest, fatigue, nutrition, and heredity to physical performance is studied. Current methods of physical conditioning will be discussed. Programs for fitness and athletic conditioning are developed and discussed.

EXSC 570 Introduction to Research (3)

• This course provides an orientation to graduate study and research in health education and movement studies and exercise science. This seminar is designed to acquaint the graduate student with the methods and materials of graduate study and scientific inquiry. It is required of all graduate students in the degree program. Permission of Graduate Coordinator.

EXSC 571 Independent Research Problem (Semester hours arranged)

• This course utilizes selected research techniques to investigate a specific professional or academic problem. It includes preparation and presentation of a formal report. The student must consult adviser well in advance of registration. This course is required for all students in the research or project program and it may be repeated with permission. Prerequisites: EXSC 570, 574.

EXSC 572 Thesis Seminar (1P3 Semester hours arranged)

• This course utilizes selected research techniques to address a specific professional or academic problem. It includes preparation and presentation of a formal report. Students must consult their adviser well in advance of registration. This course is required for all students in the research or project program and it may be repeated with permission. Prerequisites: EXSC 570, 574.

EXSC 574 Research Laboratory (1)

• The preparation of the research proposal including the development of the purpose and design of the proposed research problem or thesis is the focus. This course must be repeated until "satisfactory" grade is earned. Prerequisite: EXSC 570 or current enrollment.

EXSC 577 Independent Study (Semester hours arranged)

• Under the auspices of a qualified member of the faculty, the student pursues a pattern of readings, study, and research related to professional knowledge and understanding in health or physical education. Topics should be established prior to enrollment. Prerequisite: Permission of the department.

EXSC 586 Field Experience and Internship (Semester hours arranged)

• This course is designed to provide the student with practical experience with public or private organization in some related aspect of physical education and/or sports medicine. Students will coordinate their course work acquired at East Stroudsburg University with specific field experience. This program will be supervised by a member of the Exercise Science Department. Prerequisite: Permission of the department.