Exercise Science (M.S.)
The Master of Science in Exercise Science is designed to prepare students for advanced roles in careers that utilize exercise to improve the 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, exercise testing, exercise prescription, and nutrition.
Exercise Science (M.S.)
Description
What is Exercise Science at ODU like?
The Master of Science in Exercise Science is designed to prepare students for advanced roles in careers that utilize exercise to improve the 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, exercise testing, exercise prescription, and nutrition.
Program Highlights
What makes Exercise Science at ODU unique?
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Faculty: expert teacher-researchers who take pride in both endeavors
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Laboratories: high-quality facilities with state-of-the-art research equipment
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Capstone: choose between an internship for career preparation or research for doctoral study preparation
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Academics: a solid background in the exercise sciences with elective courses for career options
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
Major:
Exercise Science
Degree Level:
Graduate
Delivery Mode(s):
On-Campus
Degree Earned:
Master of Science
Department:
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Clinical Exercise Physiologists - Median Income $49,090
Assess, plan, or implement fitness programs for patient populations that include exercise or physical activities, such as those to improve cardiorespiratory function, body composition, etc. Most jobs require a master’s degree.
Wellness Director – Median Income $55,415
Develop, implement and monitor a variety of wellness and fitness programs for companies or communities. These programs are designed for the improvement of the mental and physical health of employees, individuals, and families. Most jobs require a master’s degree.
Strength and Conditioning Coaches – Median Income $39,901
Train athletes to enhance strength, cardio-respiratory fitness, speed, power, and body composition with the goal of improving athletic performance and also maintaining or improving health. Most job’s require a master’s degree.
Biomechanics Researcher – salary range variable
Performs sports-specific research in university or industry settings. Performs biomechanical data collection and analysis; helps develop new tools, equipment, and methods to enhance athletic performance.
Wondering what you can do with a degree from ODU's Physical Education Program? Additional Campus Resources include: ODU Career Development Services
Employers
Graduates from this major have gone to work at
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Sentara Heart Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston), City of Chesapeake, Newport News Retirement Center, Virginia High Performance, Pivot Physical Therapy, Liberty University, George Mason University, Colorado Mesa University, PAAET University (Kuwait)
Courses
What are some courses offered in Exercise Science at ODU?
EXSC 630:
Exercise Physiology
Review of current physiological literature related to muscular exercise including the cardiovascular-respiratory system, metabolic effects of exercise, neuromuscular relationships, and the effects of training or diet, environment, ergogenic aids, temperature, attitude, and other factors on performance and health. Prerequisite: HPE 509 or equivalent.
EXSC 661:
Nutrition for Sports and Health
This course is an in-depth analysis of the role of nutrition in health and human physical and athletic performance. General areas covered include the role of the six major classes of nutrients in health and sport, physiologic and metabolic interrelationships, malnutrition, nutrition in growing and aging, and diet and nutrition in the prevention of disease.
EXSC 727:
Advanced Biomechanics
Study of the relationships among mechanics, energetics and control of human movement. Emphasis will be placed on the application of mechanical concepts in biomechanics research. Course includes laboratory assignments. Prerequisite: EXSC 417 or EXSC 517.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Exercise Science at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Science program in Exercise Science should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 and a GPA of 3.0 in the undergraduate major courses.
Have a score of at least 291 (900 by former scoring standard) between quantitative and verbal on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
For admission to the Exercise Science program
Low GPA OR GRE Score:
Students who have either a low GPA or a low GRE score may be considered for admission to provisional status. GRE scores are required for consideration of admittance. Additionally, students must be computer literate. Prerequisites include two semesters of anatomy and physiology, one semester of exercise physiology, and one semester of biomechanics.
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 571
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,394
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 595
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Graduate Assistantships
Several graduate assistantships are available that provide a stipend of $5,000 each in the fall and spring semesters.
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
Our enrollment coordinators are ready to help you through the admissions process.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Name:
Hunter Jared Bennett Ph.D.
Location:
2018 STUDENT RECREATION CTR, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-4387
Graduate Admissions
Location:
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-6512
Email:
gradadmit@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
How would you like to complete your program?
Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.
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