The Master of Science in Health and Exercise Science, Plan A, offers students a health-oriented, science-based curriculum and research experience. The program is a scientifically rigorous, research focused program that prepares students for further education and/or careers in health and exercise science related fields. The program is structured to prepare students for further education that includes doctoral study, physical and occupational therapy, and medicine (e.g., physicians/physician assistant and nursing). Graduates are represented by careers in health-related research and development, and medical and allied health professions.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate practical knowledge and critical thinking skills within the research laboratory and the classroom (leadership, administrative, teaching/communication, and professional attitude).
- Complete the steps involved in conducting scientific inquiry (e.g., problem identification, hypothesis development, experimental design, data analysis, dissemination, etc.) and demonstrate the ability to complete novel scientific experiments.
- Appraise the ethical issues related to conducting research, best scientific practices and standards for rigor and reproducibility, and apply these in their thesis.
- Disseminate knowledge effectively through written and verbal communication.
Effective Fall 2025
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HES 510 | Bioethics--Concepts and Controversies | 3 |
| HES 600 | Research Design in Health/Exercise Science | 3 |
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Environmental Exercise Physiology | ||
| Advanced Physiology of Exercise | ||
| Physical Activity Intervention Development | ||
| Exercise Bioenergetics | ||
| Advanced Neural Control of Movement | ||
| The Science of Healthspan | ||
| HES 693 | Seminar (1 credit seminar, min 2 semesters required) 1 | 2 |
| HES 793 | Bioenergetics Seminar | 1 |
| Statistics 2 | 3 | |
| Electives 3 | 6 | |
| HES 699 | Thesis | 12 |
| Program Total Credits: | 36 | |
A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Seminar must be taken for a minimum of 2 credits (2 semesters) but can be taken more than twice.
- 2
Select three credits of statistics with approval of advisor. Typical statistics credits taken by HES M.S. students include, but are not limited to, the following: STAR 511 and/or STAR 512.
- 3
Select a minimum of 3, 500-level or above elective credits with prior approval of advisor to bring the program total to 36 credits.
Typical elective credits taken by HES M.S. students include, but are not limited to, the following: BIOM 750; BMS 545; FSHN 530; FSHN 551; FSHN 630; GRAD 550; NB 505.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |