Exercise Science

The Master of Science in Exercise Science is a 33-credit program designed to give individuals already certified in specialized allied health-related fields or those with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, sportsmedicine, physical education, health care, wellness or athletic training knowledge and certification in the use of exercise programming for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of diseases.

The primary goal of our Masters program in Exercise Science is to train exercise science clinicians. Many graduate programs will focus primarily on the academic aspects of Exercise Science; we focus on not only the academics, but focus heavily on the clinical skills necessary for you to best serve your patients and athletes. The clinical emphasis is well suited for students with bachelor’s degrees in content areas such as exercise science, physical education, wellness, or athletic training.

The coursework and fieldwork will focus on the theory, foundations, research, and practice of evidenced-based assessment and instruction with multiple populations. Due to the clinical focus of our program, the program is completed in a calendar year and is 5 consecutive terms of classes. Students begin in summer session, in June, then complete the traditional academic year with three trimesters: Fall, Winter, and Spring, and then complete a second summer term.

To successfully complete the program students will sit for the highest level certification currently offered by the American College of Sports Medicine in exercise physiology, the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM- RCEP). Graduates of the program will be qualified to work in: athletics at many levels including collegiate and professional, adult fitness, corporate fitness, multiple hospital settings including cardiac rehabilitation, wellness, strength and conditioning coaching, and working special needs populations.

As a result of coursework, field experiences, and applied research requirements students completing the Master’s degree in Exercise Science will be highly qualified to enter/reenter the field of exercise science or continue to pursue additional higher education. Graduates will possess a strong connection between theory and practice, with multiple opportunities for carrying out applied research prior to their degree completion.

Contact

Christine Lo Bue-Estes, Ph.D.
Assistant professor, department of Sportsmedicine
Phone: (814) 824-3609
Fax: (814) 824-2098
Email: clobueestes@mercyhurst.edu