Program Overview
Program Overview
The University of Kansas offers a Master of Science in Exercise Science (M.S.E.) program through the Department of Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences. This program is designed to develop the knowledge base necessary for effective research and scholarship development in the field of exercise science.
Program Structure
The M.S.E. program requires a minimum of 31 credit hours for the thesis option or 37 credit hours for the non-thesis option. The program structure includes:
- Coursework: The academic coursework is designed to develop the knowledge base necessary for effective research and scholarship development.
- Project/Thesis: Upon completion of 31 graduate credit hours, the student's culminating activity is either the presentation/defense of a project/portfolio or the completion of a thesis.
- Comprehensive examination: Upon completion of 36 graduate credit hours of coursework, the student's culminating activity is the comprehensive examination.
Program Curriculum
The master's degree requires a minimum of 31 credit hours for the thesis option or 37 credit hours for the non-thesis option. The program curriculum includes:
- EPSY 710/711: Basic Stats
- EPSY 715: Understanding Research in Education
- HSES 805: Lab Experiments & Analysis
- HSES 810: Advanced Exercise Physiology
- HSES 825: Skeletal Muscle Physiology
- HSES 872: Exercise & the Cardiovascular System
Additional Requirements for Thesis Track
- HSES 910: Biochemistry of Exercise
- HSES 995: Field Experience in Exercise Science
- HSES 899: Master's Thesis
Additional Requirements for Non-Thesis Track (Plus Electives)
- HSES 730: Advanced Concepts in Nutrition
- HSES 771: Internship in Exercise Science
Application Deadlines
The application deadlines are:
- December 3, 2025, for the spring semester
- April 1, 2026, for the summer semester
- August 4, 2026, for the fall semester
Application Checklist
Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:
- Online application
- Transcripts
- English translation of transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Online letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
- Financial document (international students only)
- Application fee
- Prerequisites: Applicants are required to have completed credits from the following KU courses, or transfer credit from equivalent non-KU courses: BIOL 240 (Human Anatomy); BIOL 246 (Principles of Human Physiology); HSES 369 (Kinesiology) OR HSES 470 (Biomechanics); HSES 372 (Exercise Physiology).
Program Faculty
The program faculty includes:
- Philip Michael Gallagher, Professor, Director, Applied Physiology Laboratory
- Ashley Ann Herda, Associate Professor, Director, Exercise and Human Performance Laboratory, Edwards Campus
- Trent J Herda, Professor, Director - Neuromechanics Laboratory, Director - Well-Fit (Center for Youth Wellness and Fitness)
- Quincy Johnson, Assistant Professor, Assistant Director, Jayhawk Athletic Performance Laboratory, Program Coordinator, Jayhawk Performance
- Yu Song, Assistant Professor, Director Biomechanics Laboratory
- Jordan M. Taylor, Associate Teaching Professor - Edwards Campus, Undergraduate Exercise Science Program Director
- Joseph Weir, Professor
Nondiscrimination Statement
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy.