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Exercise Science (M.S.)

The Exercise Science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles, techniques, and strategies that enhance physical activity and sport performance.

Program Overview

The program is led by a faculty of nationally recognized experts in their fields, who are dedicated to student-centered learning in classrooms, laboratories, and community settings. The program's facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories for neuromuscular physiology, cardiovascular physiology, exercise physiology, metabolic and applied physiology, biomechanics/sports medicine, and community-engaged scholarship.

Course Work

Graduate studies in exercise science and physical education will equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to address health issues related to physical inactivity and obesity, and to enhance human performance using evidence-based principles. Graduates will gain critical thinking, research, and technical skills to understand research-based literature and use innovative approaches to problem-solving.

Degree Options

• Degree: M.S.
• Concentration: No concentration
• Hours: 36
• Thesis Option: Non-Thesis
• Location: San Marcos
• Degree: M.S.
• Concentration: No concentration
• Hours: 36
• Thesis Option: Thesis
• Location: San Marcos
• Degree: M.S.
• Concentration: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
• Hours: 36
• Thesis Option: Non-Thesis
• Location: San Marcos
• Degree: M.S.
• Concentration: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
• Hours: 36
• Thesis Option: Thesis
• Location: San Marcos
• Degree: M.S.
• Concentration: Strength & Conditioning and Sport Coaching
• Hours: 36
• Thesis Option: Non-Thesis
• Location: San Marcos
• Degree: M.S.
• Concentration: Strength & Conditioning and Sport Coaching
• Hours: 36
• Thesis Option: Thesis
• Location: San Marcos
• Degree: M.S.
• Concentration: Sport Coaching (Accelerated Online)
• Hours: 36
• Thesis Option: Non-Thesis
• Location: Online

Program Details

Graduates are successful in obtaining employment in clinical, educational, fitness, and sport settings. Many graduates sit for advanced professional certifications, and some choose to pursue doctoral studies.

Program Mission

The mission of the Department of Health and Human Performance is to create and disseminate knowledge promoting evidence-based practice in health promotion, public health, exercise science, and recreation professions. The department aims to be a national leader in promoting human performance and health-related quality of life for all.

Career Options

Graduates will be in demand and able to work in all sectors of the workforce, including federal, state, and local government health agencies, public schools, and universities. Positions include rehabilitation specialists, clinical exercise physiologists, strength, conditioning, and sport coaches, directors of fitness and wellness programs, and physical education teachers.

Program Faculty

The exercise and sports science faculty specialize in several academic disciplines within kinesiology, the scientific study of human movement. Faculty conduct research in state-of-the-art laboratories for neuromuscular and exercise physiology, biomechanics and sport medicine, as well as in community and school settings.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.

• Completed online application
• $55 nonrefundable application fee, or $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
• A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
• A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
• Background course work in at least 9 hours of exercise science undergraduate credit hours (effective Fall 2025: at least 6 hours)
• GRE not required
• Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores (for international applicants)
  • Official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
  • Official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
  • Official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
  • Official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
  • Official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
• Resume/CV
• Statement of purpose (approximately 500 words, typed and double-spaced)
• Three letters of recommendation (including at least two academic references from current or former professors) regarding professional competence and character (effective Fall 2025: two letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference from current or former professors, regarding professional and academic competence and character)

Application Deadlines

In-Person Programs

• Fall - Priority: February 1 (U.S. Citizen), February 1 (International)
• Fall - Standard: August 1 (U.S. Citizen), June 1 (International)
• Spring - Priority: September 1 (U.S. Citizen), September 1 (International)
• Spring - Standard: November 1 (U.S. Citizen), October 1 (International)
• Summer I - Priority: January 1 (U.S. Citizen), January 1 (International)
• Summer I - Standard: May 1 (U.S. Citizen), March 15 (International)

Accelerated Online Programs

• Term: Summer, Part of Term: First 5 Weeks, Deadline: May 11, Start Date: May 26
• Term: Summer, Part of Term: Second 5 Weeks, Deadline: June 15, Start Date: June 29
• Term: Fall, Part of Term: First 8 Weeks, Deadline: August 5, Start Date: August 19
• Term: Fall, Part of Term: Second 8 Weeks, Deadline: September 24, Start Date: October 8
• Term: Spring, Part of Term: First 8 Weeks, Deadline: January 4, Start Date: January 19
• Term: Spring, Part of Term: Second 8 Weeks, Deadline: February 23, Start Date: March 9