Program Overview

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Master of Science - Exercise Physiology

About

The Master of Science in Exercise Physiology degree is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the physiological effects of exercise on the human body. The program emphasizes academic preparation in exercise physiology, laboratory experience, exercise leadership experience, knowledge of research methodology, and statistics. Students must complete a thesis in the general area of exercise physiology.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the biological foundations of motor control, explain information processing and learning theories, and evaluate current theories and research related to motor behavior.
• Explain biomechanical concepts related to human performance and evaluate current research related to biomechanics.
• Specify physiological responses to exercise for a variety of populations and conditions, and evaluate current exercise physiology research related to human performance.
• Explain sports medicine concepts and their relationship to human performance, and evaluate current research in sports medicine.
• Design and implement a research study.
• Interpret empirical data and communicate effectively in a professional meeting.

Career Possibilities

Graduates are prepared for continued education as well as a career in a wide range of enterprises that include:

• Cardiovascular Technician
• Employee Fitness Director
• Exercise Physiologist
• Personal Trainer
• Physical/Occupational Therapist
• Physician Assistant
• Recreational Therapist
• Respiratory Therapist
• Researcher
• Strength (Sport) and Conditioning Coach

Requirements

Plan Description

The Master of Science – Exercise Physiology is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the physiological effects of exercise on the human body. The program also emphasizes the effect of regular exercise on adults and offers students experience in conducting physical fitness evaluations, and exercise testing. In addition, the graduate is prepared for entrance into a doctoral program in exercise physiology.

The program emphasizes academic preparation in exercise physiology, laboratory experience, knowledge of research methodology, and statistics. Students must complete a thesis in the general area of exercise physiology.

Plan Admission Requirements

• Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.
• Students are admitted in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applicants for admission must have an undergraduate major in kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, athletic training, biology, nutrition, or a related academic discipline.
• Applicants must have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 (A=4.0), or 3.00 (A=4.0) in the last two years. The Graduate Record Examination must be taken prior to applying. Successful applicants generally have a 3.00 undergraduate grade point average and a combined score of 300 on verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE and higher than 3.5 on the analytical section

Interested applicants must send the following information to the Graduate College:

1. A completed application for graduate studies.
2. Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended.

Interested applicants must upload the following information into the Grad Rebel Gateway system:

1. Copies of all transcripts sent to the Graduate College.
2. Official GRE scores.
3. A letter of intent that addresses: Reason(s) for wishing to earn an advanced degree. Motivation for attending UNLV. Summary of educational goals. Summary of research activities and interests. Possible faculty mentors.
4. Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic record and potential for graduate study.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Plan Requirements

• Total Required Credits: 33

Course Requirements

• Required Courses – Credits: 12
  • NUTR 605 - Advanced Nutrition for Physical Activity and Sport
  • KIN 738 - Human Physiology
  • KIN 739 - Evaluation of Physical Working Capacity
  • KIN 740 - Advanced Exercise Physiology

Research Courses – Credits: 6

• KIN 750 - Research Methods in Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Research
• KIN 751 - Selected Application of Statistical Techniques I

Elective Courses – Credits: 9

• Complete 9 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework.

Thesis – Credits: 6

• KIN 749 - Thesis

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 33 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
2. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department's discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Plan Graduation Requirements

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here.

Documents/Downloads

• Plans of Study
• Syllabi
• Degree Worksheets
• Careers
• Graduate Handbooks
• Additional Downloads
• Related Links

Contacts

Graduate Coordinator

• Sara Rosenkranz, Ph.D.
  • Professor, KNS Graduate Coordinator

Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences

• The department of kinesiology and nutrition sciences within the School of Integrated Health Sciences provides a high-quality educational experience in the areas of kinesiology, nutrition sciences, and athletic training. Students receive rigorous classroom instruction aided by computer and multimedia instruction, practical laboratory immersion, and clinical experiences.

School of Integrated Health Sciences

• With many degree offerings that are accredited by national organizations, the School of Integrated Health Sciences offers dynamic classroom instruction, laboratory/clinical practice, research, and mentoring. Our students develop skills that help them break into health-related fields and further their graduate or professional studies.