Exercise Science: Master of Science Degree
Program Overview
Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science
Program Director: Dr. Jeffrey McBride; McBrideJM@appstate.edu; 828-262-6333
Concentrations: Clinical Exercise Physiology; Research; Strength and Conditioning
Location of instruction: On campus
http://www.hles.appstate.edu/graduate-program
The mission of the exercise science program at Appalachian State University is to prepare qualified professionals for employment in athletics programs, exercise/fitness centers, hospital wellness programs, corporate fitness programs, rehabilitation centers, and allied health areas. Additionally, the program prepares students for advanced study in related fields such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, physical therapy, medicine, chiropractic medicine, and for research. The program relies on a scientific core which allows the student to gain a complete understanding of human physiology and biomechanics and how exercise impacts those areas. Once the student completes the scientific core, they have the opportunity to specify areas of concentration in order to develop practical knowledge that uniquely prepares them for a career in their chosen area.
Admission to the program is highly competitive (15% acceptance rate) and 12-15 students are enrolled every fall semester. Related practical experience prior to application is helpful. The program consists of 42 credit hours and requires two academic years to complete.
Program Highlights
- You have the opportunity to assist in on-going research in the biomechanics, exercise biochemistry, human performance, hydrostatic, and neuromuscular laboratories.
- You are encouraged to engage in research that culminates in a professional presentation or publication.
- Hands-on experience in clinical exercise physiology and in the strength and conditioning environment (depending on the chosen concentration).
Application Essentials
Required Entrance Exam: GRE (score must be no more than 5 years old)
Required Number of References to specify in the on-line form: 3
Supplemental Information: Resume (Required upload for application submission); personal statement describing your academic and professional goals (upload on the Additional Information page in the on-line application)
Deadlines for Application. A program not open for a particular term will be marked with an "x." If the program has early screening dates, those dates are listed in parentheses. Applications that are not complete by the early screening date risk denial of admission due to no seats available. Increased enrollment may lead to a term being closed for new applications.
- Spring: x
- Summer Session 1: x
- Summer Session 2: x
- Fall: 3/1
Basic Conditions for Consideration of Admission:
Meeting or exceeding the conditions below does NOT guarantee admission. All applications for a given entry term will be weighed based upon the number of seats available and the quality of the complete application packages. With special permission from the Graduate School, a program may admit a limited number of students with exceptional circumstances who do not meet the graduate school minimums.
Graduate School: 3.0 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores from the appropriate admission test(s), OR 2.5 GPA in the last earned degree and official scores at the 25th percentile level from the appropriate admission test(s).
Admission to Exercise Science: Both qualitative and quantitative aspects of applications are reviewed in comparison to the current applicant pool.
