Study how the human body responds to exercise and build a career focused on health and human performance.
Locations
- Statesboro Campus (In Person, Fall entry)
Why Pursue a M.S. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science at Georgia Southern?
- Build a meaningful career helping people optimize health and performance.
- Develop versatile expertise that opens doors to diverse career paths.
- Work closely with world-class faculty to conduct cutting-edge research.
- Personalize your studies with flexible curriculum options.
- Prepare to apply for ACSM, ASEP or NSCA certification.
- 36 hours to completion.
Georgia Southern University’s Exercise Science graduate program is ideal for students who are passionate about health and human performance. Our program provides a strong foundation in human physiology, biomechanics and the principles of exercise. Building on that framework, graduate students participate in research activities that align with your goals and interests.
The master’s exercise science degree program is flexible, offering two areas of emphasis, as well as a thesis or non-thesis track. You’ll have the chance to design the academic path that best prepares you to achieve your career goals. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply for ACSM, ASEP or NSCA certification.
Ready to Apply?
What Can You Do With a M.S. in Exercise Science?
With a master’s degree in exercise science, you’ll be equipped to make a meaningful impact in health, fitness and human performance. The degree will enhance your prospects in a surprisingly broad range of career paths, from health care to fitness and athletics to education and research.
Where our graduates work:
- High schools
- University athletic departments
- Hospital wellness centers
- Corporate wellness programs
- Community recreation programs
- Research institutions
- Higher education
- Private gyms
What our graduates do:
- Strength and conditioning coach
- Sport performance coach
- Corporate wellness specialist
- Personal trainer
- Community recreation director
- Professor
- Researcher
What You’ll Learn
Graduate-level studies in exercise science deepen your understanding of how the human body responds to exercise. Your core courses will cover research design, data analysis, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology and biochemics. From there, you’ll choose an emphasis in biomechanics or strength and conditioning, where you’ll hone your expertise. Finally, you’ll conclude your studies with a thesis or a comprehensive exam.
Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to participate in research activities emphasizing resistance training, nutrition and nutritional supplementation, respiratory health, energy production and utilization, gait analysis, fitness, energy expenditure of various physical activities and the interrelationship between exercise and disease.
See the CurriculumShape Your Experience
With a wide range of departmental resources and support, you’ll be able to gain hands-on experience while focusing your studies, building relationships and pursuing your interests.
Learning in the Lab
The Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology features a number of sophisticated teaching and research labs, where you can study human performance, biomechanics, food and nutrition, sport psychology and more.
Faculty-Mentored Research
Work one-on-one with faculty to conduct in-depth research and/or applied projects to enhance your personal and professional development.
Graduate Assistantships
Qualified program applicants may be awarded a graduate assistantship, which offers a tuition waiver and stipend. Responsibilities could include teaching various classes or programs, working in University Athletics, and/or assisting with faculty research.
Take Action
Follow these steps to complete the Georgia Southern application:
- Visit our website for the College of Graduate Studies. Complete the requested information and create a login name and password.
- Follow this link and initiate an on-line application. The cost for the application is $50. After completing this on-line form, the application must be supported by transcripts, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of your career goals and research interests. International students should submit scores from the TOEFL exam (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and have transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES).
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. A degree in exercise science is preferred, but is not required.*
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
- Graduate Record Examination scores less than five years old.
- A concise, 1-2 page, well-written personal statement that includes the following:
- A description of previous professional experiences and accomplishments
- Career goals
- Reasons for interest in the graduate program at Georgia Southern University
- A full vitae or resume that includes the following:
- Work history
- Professional experiences
- Membership and participation in professional organizations
- Other experiences related to the academic program
- Contact information for a minimum of three references.
- Complete a College of Graduate Studies Online Application
Note: The admission process is competitive and applicants that meet the requirements described above are not guaranteed admission.
*Prerequisite coursework may be required of candidates that have not completed any exercise science courses. Contact Bridget Melton, Ed.D. (bmelton@georgiasouthern.edu), coordinator for the Master of Science, Kinesiology, Exercise Science concentration program, for more information.
Admission Deadlines
- Fall
- Final Deadline: July 1
- GA Review Process Begins: Feb 1
- Spring
- Does Not Admit
- Summer
- Does Not Admit
Upon completion of the curriculum, students will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and how it is used to solve problems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the current issues and trends in exercise science.
- Demonstrate an understanding of advanced concepts and theories in exercise science.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations or issues in exercise science.
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Take the Next Step
Reach new heights in health and athletic performance. Learn how you can earn your master’s exercise science degree at Georgia Southern.
Contact Us
Graduate Program Director
Bridget Melton, Ed.D.
Professor of Exercise Science
Phone: 912-478-1973
bmelton@georgiasouthern.edu
Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology
P.O. Box 8076
Statesboro, GA 30460
Phone: 912-478-0200
hk-office@georgiasouthern.edu