Exercise and Sport Science, Master of Science (M.S.)
Dr. Heather Adams, Graduate Coordinator/Advisor
https://www.eku.edu/chs/parks-recreation-exercise-and-sport-science/
(859) 622-1898
The MS in Exercise and Sport Science (Exercise and Wellness Concentration) prepares graduate students to become practitioners with a solid foundation of knowledge and theory as well as practical application in the fields of exercise, fitness, wellness, and strength and conditioning. The program prepares students the foundation skills for future certifications or pursue advanced degrees.
The MS in Exercise and Sport Science (Sport Administration Concentration) prepares graduate students for successful careers in the complex and challenging sports industry. The program is designed to develop leadership and management skills for students to pursue multiple pathways to impact sport and those involved while pursuing areas of personal interest.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School. Additional requirements established by the program are as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Two letters of reference uploaded directly to the EKU Graduate School application.
Applicants who do not meet the Graduate School’s GPA requirement for admission must submit official GRE scores to be considered for Probationary Admission. Expected target scores on the GRE for Probationary Admission are 147 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections and an Analytical Writing score of 3.5.
Admission into the Master of Science degree program in Exercise and Sport Science requires demonstration of adequate undergraduate preparation in a field related to graduate study in Exercise and Sport Science. Adequate preparation may be demonstrated in one of two ways:
- Completion of a baccalaureate degree program with a major or minor or equivalent in physical education/exercise sport science or similarly named major or related discipline. Transcripts serve as adequate documentation for admission.
- Submission of a professional portfolio, which includes a combination of relevant academic and experiential preparation. Presentation of a professional portfolio of work experiences serves as documentation for admission consideration. Portfolio materials must document experiences and may include assessments by supervisors or other valid assessment reports.
Note: Students must submit relevant documents with their original application for admission to the Graduate School.
Program Requirements
CIP Code: 31.0505
Probation and Progress in the Program
If, in any semester of study, a student’s graduate grade point average falls below 3.0 for all courses taken after admission to the program, the student will automatically be on academic probation. The student will be dismissed from the program following any second semester with a cumulative GPA below 3.0. A student in the program is allowed to earn no more than one “C” and no “D”s or “F”s in courses taken after admission to the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| ESS 800 | Research Methods | 3 |
| ESS 823 | Psychology of Sport & Exercise | 3 |
| ESS 835 | Legal Issues in Sports Science | 3 |
| ESS 869 | Organizational Behavior & Leadership in ESS | 3 |
| ESS 875 | Seminar in Exercise and Sport Science | 3 |
| Concentrations | ||
| Exercise and Wellness | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Exercise and Wellness Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| ESS 717 | Bioenergetics of Performance and Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| ESS 812 | Lifetime Fitness and Wellness | 3 |
| ESS 821 | Physiological Bases of Phy Fit | 3 |
| Supporting Course Requirements | ||
| Choose from 3 hours of the following: (*thesis students must take three hours of ESS 897) | 3 | |
| Advanced Strength and Conditioning | ||
| Adapted Physical Activity and Special Populations Programming | ||
| Tests & Measurements | ||
| Special Topics in Exercise and Sport Science | ||
| Sociology of Sport Science | ||
| Thesis | ||
700 and/or 800 Level course with prior departmental approval from non-ESS graduate departments | ||
| Exit Requirements | ||
| ESS 871 | Internship: Exercise/Wellness | 3 |
| or ESS 897 | Thesis | |
| Choose from one of the following: | 0 | |
| MS Exercise and Sport Science Project Oral Defense (non-thesis) | ||
| MS Exercise and Sport Science Written Comprehensive Exam (thesis students) | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
Sports Administration Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| ESS 814 | Sport Marketing, Promoting, & Fundraising | 3 |
| ESS 896 | Sports Administration Capstone (B or higher grade) | 3 |
| Supporting Course Requirements | ||
| Choose from six hours of the following: | 6 | |
| Sports Communications | ||
| Financial Aspects of Sport | ||
| Sociology of Sport Science | ||
| Policy and Governance of Sport | ||
| Event and Facility Management | ||
700 and/or 800 Level course with prior departmental approval from non-ESS graduate departments | ||
| Exit Requirements | ||
| ESS 870 | Internship Sports Administrati | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
A maximum of nine hours of 700 level course works is allowed.
Comprehensive Examination
(GRD 887B MS Exercise and Sport Science Written Comprehensive Exam or GRD 888D MS Exercise and Sport Science Project Oral Defense)
Candidates in Exercise and Wellness will be required to successfully complete a project, with a summary and oral presentation for fulfillment of exit requirements.
Note: The comprehensive exam exit requirement for students who successfully complete ESS 897 Thesis the written comprehensive exam is waived. However, the student must enroll in GRD 887B MS Exercise and Sport Science Written Comprehensive Exam for exit requirement. The score of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory will be assigned according to the thesis defense outcome.
Sports Administration Capstone Course
Candidates in Sports Administration Concentration shall perform satisfactorily (B or higher grade) in ESS 896 Sports Administration Capstone.