M.S. in Exercise Science
The MS in Exercise Science is a 30-hour program that can be completed in 12 months! The purpose of this program is to prepare students for advanced roles in careers that utilize exercise to improve fitness and health among a wide variety of populations: individuals with chronic disease, healthy adults, fitness enthusiasts, and athletes. Our students receive vibrant, face-to-face learning with experts in exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and exercise testing/prescription. Hands-on learning of crucial skills takes place in our advanced Human Performance and Neuromechanics laboratories. At the conclusion of the program of study (included within the 30 hours), students engage in a capstone experience to further develop practical abilities through an internship in preparation for careers in the field, or to learn research through the performance of a thesis in preparation for doctoral work and careers in academia.
Students will develop or enhance their ability to assess clients' fitness, prescribe exercise tailored to individual needs and medical concerns, implement exercise programs, and provide complementary nutritional advice. The knowledge, skills and abilities gained at the advanced educational level will be infused with a deep understanding of the theoretical background, scientific research background, and critical thinking needed to perform in leadership positions and to advance scholarship in the field.
About the Program
Admission can occur for Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. Review of applications typically begin on March 1 (Fall), October 1 (Spring), and Feb 1 (Summer). To receive best consideration for admission and for graduate assistantship opportunities, all application materials should be submitted by March 1.
Admission as a graduate student at ODU does not imply acceptance into the Master of Science in Exercise Science. An Exercise Science program admissions committee will meet to consider applications and make determinations regarding acceptance to the program.
Students with previously completed graduate coursework at a regionally-accredited institution may submit a request for up to 12 credit hours to be transferred. Such transfer hours would go through the admission committee for approval.
Recent graduates of this MS program in Exercise Science have held these positions:
- Clinical Exercise Physiologists: multiple in Virginia; also in Massachusetts and England
- Strength and Conditioning Specialists: multiple in Virginia
- Aerospace Physiologists: with both US Air Force and US Navy
Following the attainment of a doctoral degree after this MS:
- University faculty members: multiple in Virginia; also in North Carolina, Colorado, Kuwait
- Physical Therapists: multiple in varied locations
There are three options for the capstone experience culminating the MS degree program: thesis, research problem, or internship.
A thesis provides students with the opportunity to explore an in-depth research topic, receive individual mentoring from a faculty member, and prepare for the possible pursuit of a PhD. It involves writing a proposal for a committee of three faculty members, performing and analyzing the research, and writing and defending a five-chapter thesis document. It is intended to be a two-semester process.
A research problem provides students with a less traditional research experience that does not involve the writing of a full thesis document. It is intended to be accomplished in one semester.
An internship is a 200-contact hour, hands-on practical experience over the course of one semester in a clinical, corporate, or other professional setting, and is designed to provide students with preparation to enter a career after graduation.
Admission can occur for Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. Review of applications typically begin on March 1 (Fall), October 1 (Spring), and Feb 1 (Summer). To receive best consideration for admission and for graduate assistantship opportunities, all application materials should be submitted by March 1.
Admission as a graduate student at ODU does not imply acceptance into the Master of Science in Exercise Science. An Exercise Science program admissions committee will meet to consider applications and make determinations regarding acceptance to the program.
Students with previously completed graduate coursework at a regionally-accredited institution may submit a request for up to 12 credit hours to be transferred. Such transfer hours would go through the admission committee for approval.
Recent graduates of this MS program in Exercise Science have held these positions:
- Clinical Exercise Physiologists: multiple in Virginia; also in Massachusetts and England
- Strength and Conditioning Specialists: multiple in Virginia
- Aerospace Physiologists: with both US Air Force and US Navy
Following the attainment of a doctoral degree after this MS:
- University faculty members: multiple in Virginia; also in North Carolina, Colorado, Kuwait
- Physical Therapists: multiple in varied locations
There are three options for the capstone experience culminating the MS degree program: thesis, research problem, or internship.
A thesis provides students with the opportunity to explore an in-depth research topic, receive individual mentoring from a faculty member, and prepare for the possible pursuit of a PhD. It involves writing a proposal for a committee of three faculty members, performing and analyzing the research, and writing and defending a five-chapter thesis document. It is intended to be a two-semester process.
A research problem provides students with a less traditional research experience that does not involve the writing of a full thesis document. It is intended to be accomplished in one semester.
An internship is a 200-contact hour, hands-on practical experience over the course of one semester in a clinical, corporate, or other professional setting, and is designed to provide students with preparation to enter a career after graduation.
Graduate Program Director
