Program Overview

Master of Science in Exercise Science

The Master of Science in Exercise Science is a multidisciplinary degree that consists of courses in Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, and Motor Control & Learning. Students completing this degree will experience an in-depth journey into the world of human movement by focusing on quantitative methods of analysis, understanding the physiological and/or biomechanical changes and underlying mechanisms associated with human performance and pathological states, and learning about central nervous system changes that occur in various skill learning environments.

Careers

Students who study within the Exercise Science option have a multitude of options after completion of their degree that include employment in health-related fields and preparation for graduate and professional school opportunities. Some potential careers include:

• Biomechanist working in sport and rehabilitation programs
• Exercise physiologist working in sports, wellness programs, and clinical settings
• Researcher working in sports medicine, fitness, and pathophysiology
• Exercise specialist working with healthy, clinical, and aging populations
• Research lab technician or manager
• Sport and fitness product development
• Strength and conditioning coach working in sport performance centers, fitness centers, colleges and universities, professional sports, rehabilitation centers, military facilities
• Personal trainer
• Health and Wellness Coach
• Preparation for graduate programs in allied health fields (e.g., medical school, physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthotics & prosthetics, Ph.D. programs)

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the Master of Science in Exercise Science program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a major in Kinesiology/Physical Education or the equivalent
• If a prospective graduate student has a baccalaureate degree in a field other than Kinesiology or Physical Education, he/she may be required to take prerequisite or foundational upper-division undergraduate coursework in Kinesiology
• An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or better and an upper division Kinesiology/Physical Education major GPA of 2.75 or better
• A minimum cumulative score of 150 on the verbal, 141 on the quantitative, and 3.5 on the analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Examination

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Exercise Science degree requires the completion of the following coursework:

Required Coursework (12 units)

• KIN 530 - Neuromotor Control (3 units)
• KIN 541 - Applied Biomechanics: Lifting and Work Capacity (3 units)
• KIN 551 - Advanced Exercise Physiology (3 units)
• KIN 696 - Research Methods and Statistical Analysis (3 units)

Elective Courses (18 units)

Students must select six of the following courses:

• KIN 540 - Biomechanical Factors in Human Movement (3 units)
• KIN 552 - Exercise Testing and Training in Health and Disease (3 units)
• KIN 553 - Environmental Aspects of Human Performance (3 units)
• KIN 562 - Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3 units)
• KIN 563 - Exercise Physiology Laboratory Practicum (3 units)
• KIN 565 - Clinical Exercise Electrocardiography (3 units)
• KIN 566 - Biochemical and Hormonal Adaptations to Physical Activity (3 units)
• KIN 568 - Nutrition for Exercise and Performance (3 units)
• KIN 594 - Exercise Science Internship (3 units)
• KIN 630 - Seminar in Motor Learning (3 units)
• KIN 697 - Directed Studies (1-3 units)

Culmination Activity (6 units)

Students must select one of the following options:

1. Pass written and oral portions of Comprehensive Exam and complete 6 units of electives from within or outside of the department offerings selected from appropriate areas of interest in consultation with advisor.
2. Thesis/Project: Complete KIN 698 (6 units)

Program Details

• Plan: KPE_MS01PB
• Career: Graduate
• CIP: 31.0505
• CSU Code: 08355
• College: 15, College of Health and Human Services
• Department: Kinesiology
• Delivery: Hybrid
• Non-STEM

The Master of Science in Exercise Science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles underlying human movement and exercise. The program is tailored to meet the needs of students who wish to pursue careers in health-related fields, research, or graduate and professional school opportunities.