The graduate curriculum for the health sciences program with the fitness and wellness specialization provides you with a strong scientific basis for seeking advanced degrees in wellness, therapeutic recreation and various allied health professions as well as those seeking practical skills for employment in the health and fitness industry.
The curriculum is designed to provide you with an advanced combination of courses from areas related to public health, exercise physiology, fitness, nutrition, recreation, health promotion and business management.
Requirements
Prerequisite Coursework
In addition, the following courses (or other courses with program chair approval) serve as admission prerequisites for the Master of Science in Health Sciences. All prospective students must have completed these courses prior to admission with a grade of C or better.
BSC 12100 or EXS 24000 Nutrition
BSC 22700 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
BSC 22800 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
EXS 31500 Exercise Physiology
EXS 31600 Exercise Physiology Lab
MTH 14100 Basic Statistics
Specific courses added after publishing — September Addendum — 09/01/2023**
Major Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following option:
Statistical Analysis Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
Extended Core Coursework
6 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
| HS 53700 | Health and Well-being in Society | 3 |
| HS 53800 | Employee Wellness Programming | 3 |
Elective Coursework
Thesis Route: 15 credit hours
Non-Thesis Route: 18 credit hours
Suggested electives based on chosen specialty area:
Coaching: HS, PE, REC cross-listed
Fitness and Wellness Management: ENTR, HRM, HS, MGMT, NPA
Health Behavior Management: EDU, HS, IPC,
Health Education: EDU, HS, IPC, PHS cross-listed
Sports and Recreation Administration: HS, NPA, SPMGT
Strength and Conditioning: EXS cross-listed, HS
Therapeutic Recreation: EDU, HS, IPC
Additional electives with faculty advisor approval.
Culminating Experience Coursework
Thesis Option Coursework
6 credit hours of coursework from the following option:
Non-Thesis Option Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
Note: If a student selects HS 55100 as their Culminating Experience, they cannot also take it for additional elective credit.
Comprehensive Exam Coursework
Zero credit hour course required for completion of major.