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Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science

Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

College of Health Sciences

Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science

Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

30 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tuition

$572 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Improve Health and Positively Impact Lives

The Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science allows students to hone the competencies needed to make their mark in the mark in the global wellness and sports industries. Designed for working professionals, coursework supports the diverse nature of the discipline and provides flexibility to allow students to tailor studies to personal interests and career development. By integrating major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and practical application of exercise and wellness, sports administration, or strength and conditioning methods, graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings including personal training, exercise physiology, coaching, sports administration, marketing, facility planning.

Graduate students have the option of two concentration areas, Exercise and Wellness or Sports Administration.

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Career Outlook

Employment of exercise physiologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Careers in exercise and sport science are unlimited and will encompass a wide variety of interests, passions, and career goals.

Job Titles Include:

  • Athletic administrator
  • Sports marketing
  • Athletic trainer
  • Physical therapist
  • Recreational therapist
  • Private or corporate wellness center director/staff
  • Strength and conditioning coach/specialist

EKU exercise and sport science graduates work in a variety of fields and positions.

Employers Include:

  • Industrial and corporate fitness
  • University/collegiate athletics
  • Professional sports organizations
  • Healthcare systems for athletic training and physical therapy

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Graduate assistantships available
    Prepare to sit for the ACSM and NCSA exams
  • Two concentration options including: Exercise and Wellness, Sports Administration

Curriculum & Admission

EKU’s exercise and sport science curriculum prepares you for a variety of rewarding career options that will allow you to improve the health of others and become a leader in your field.

Exercise and sport science courses are taught by instructors with real-world experience and designed to provide skill sets that can be applied in sports administration, strength and conditioning and other fitness and wellness related fields. Courses include research methods, psychology of sport & exercise, lifetime fitness & wellness, legal issues in ESS, organizational behavior & leadership in ESS, and team dynamics in psychology of ESS.

A minimum of 30 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

A limited number of merit-based graduate assistantships are available each year to selected incoming graduate students. Graduate assistants serve the department in several ways including teaching physical activity courses in the general service program, faculty support for research, laboratory and service learning projects, and to maintain the Exercise Physiology and Exercise and Sport Science Fitness Laboratory. Graduate assistants typically work 20 hours per week. Because assistantships are competitive and limited, early application is recommended.

Teaching and playing experience in any of the following physical activity course areas will increase your chances of being selected as a graduate assistant: Pilates, yoga, De-Stress 101: mindfulness, weight training, cardio and tone, jogging, ultimate Frisbee, walking for weight loss, cardio and weights. Furthermore, graduate students in the Master of Exercise and Sport Science degree program are given first priority for graduate assistantships.

The benefits for graduate assistants include a tuition remission of six semester hours of graduate credit plus a stipend of $11,200 for the academic year.

Criteria and how to apply:

  • You must have applied for and been clearly admitted to a graduate degree program at EKU.
  • You must maintain at least a 3.0 (B) overall graduate grade point average. If it is your first semester as a graduate student, you will not have a graduate GPA.
  • You must maintain full-time graduate enrollment while serving as a graduate assistant (minimum of 9 semester hours of graduate credit in fall and spring, 6 semester hours of graduate credit in summer).
  • Complete the application for a graduate assistantship (see link below) and forward to Dr. Heather Adams, Graduate Coordinator, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, EKU, Combs 201, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY, 40475.
  • Submit application for a graduate assistantship (cover letter and resume) through the EKU Human Resources Online Employment System page. (Note: A background check is required of all graduate assistants).
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Students may transfer up to 12 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 15 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the Graduate School. The additional requirements established by the program are as follows:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5.
  • Two letters of reference uploaded directly to the EKU Graduate School application.

Applicants who do not meet the Graduate School’s GPA requirement must submit official GRE scores to be considered for Probationary Admission. The expected target scores for Probationary Admission are 147 on both the Verbal and Quantitative sections, along with an Analytical Writing score of 3.5.

Admission to the Master of Science degree program in Exercise and Sport Science requires applicants to demonstrate adequate undergraduate preparation in a field related to graduate study in Exercise and Sport Science. Adequate preparation can be demonstrated in one of two ways:

  • Completion of a baccalaureate degree program with a major or minor in physical education, exercise and sport science, or a similarly named major or related discipline. Transcripts will serve as adequate documentation for admission.
  • Submission of a professional portfolio that includes a combination of relevant academic and experiential preparation. The portfolio should document work experiences and may include assessments by supervisors or other valid evaluation reports.

Note: Students must submit all relevant documents with their original application for admission to the Graduate School.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our enrollment advisor today.

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Shaker Ezaizat

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2316
shaker.ezaizat@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

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News & Updates

EKU’s Exercise and Sport Science Program Shapes Strong Future Professionals

In one of Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Exercise and Sport Science labs, junior Megan Fuson learns through quality instruction and instructional aids such as anatomical and skeletal models. She also practices strength and flexibility testing methods using adjustable exercise chairs and high-tech equipment. EKU’s Exercise and Sport Science (ESS) program aims to meet a rising […]

Students Take Their Research to Harvard, Representing EKU at the National Level

In January, six Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students traveled to Harvard University and presented their research at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). This marked the second time students from EKU attended the conference, following recommendations from faculty mentors. “Our students being accepted to showcase their research at the NCRC—at Harvard—shows the massive potential of […]

Roping in Rescues, Serving Eastern Kentucky

Hikers in Red River Gorge might not realize that one wrong step could plunge them off a 200-foot cliff hidden by the undergrowth. When accidents like that happen, John May, ’92, and his Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team quickly respond to assist injured hikers, stranded climbers and people trapped by high water who may […]

Related Programs

M.S. in Recreation & Park Administration

Common Job Titles: park ranger, director of parks and recreation, recreation coordinator

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 30

B.S. in Exercise & Sport Science

Common Job Titles: athletic trainer, recreational therapist, physical therapist

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

Department of Parks, Recreation,
Exercise & Sport Science

Combs Building
Room 208 & 215A
213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

Recreation & Park Administration
859-622-1833

Exercise & Sport Science
859-622-8149

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