Exercise Science

Program | Faculty | Courses

Web site: www.umass.edu/sphhs/exsci/

The Department of Exercise Science offers programs of study leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Exercise Science. These degree programs prepare a candidate to study and apply exercise from a multidisciplinary approach. There are three areas of concentration: biomechanics, exercise physiology/metabolism, and motor control, and laboratories to support research in each of the areas of concentration. Job opportunities are in the biomedical, health, and fitness-related fields in the public and private sector.

Candidates for the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are accepted for admission under the general regulations of the Graduate School. In addition, M.S. candidates are required to have completed courses in exercise physiology, human anatomy, kinesiology and motor control, and have competency in the use of computer spreadsheets, word processing and graphics.

All applicants must have their scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) forwarded to the Graduate School. For the M.S. program, a combined GRE score of 1,000 is required (verbal plus quantitative). For the Ph.D. programs, a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of at least 1,200 is required. For the Ph.D., an interview is required, and faculty sponsorship must be obtained prior to admission to the program.

The degree requirements for the M.S. program include thesis (30 credits) or nonthesis (31 credits) options. For the thesis option, students complete three independent study credits (Exc Sci 696), and three thesis credits (Exc Sci 699). An oral defense of the thesis is required. For the nonthesis option, students must complete a three-credit research project (Exc Sci 697A). An oral exam is required.

Athletic trainers complete a 36-credit M.S. program which includes a three-credit major research paper (Exc Sci 697B Athletic Trainer Project).

A minimum of 72 graduate credits post-baccalaureate is required for the Ph.D. degree, with a major emphasis on research process. Students develop skills for critical analysis and synthesis of research, grant writing, and publication and presentation of their research.

All students are automatically considered for teaching and research assistantships. These awards are based on overall academic credentials (grades, GREs, and letters of recommendation) and relevant teaching or laboratory experiences. TAs assist with undergraduate courses, and RAs work under the direct supervision of a professor in one of the labs. There are also opportunities to work as fitness instructors/exercise leaders in the five-campus Body Shop Fitness Center operated by the department.