Human Performance MS

37 credit hours

The graduate curriculum for the human performance program provides a strong scientific basis for students seeking advanced degrees in the exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and allied health professions as well as those seeking practical skills for employment in the health and fitness profession.  The program requires completion of a 25 credit hour core curriculum.  Students then choose between a thesis or non-thesis option to complete the remaining 12 credit hours. The non-thesis option also requires students to pass written comprehensive exams in the last semester.

Students will have the unique opportunity to use state-of the art equipment and protocols from the High Intensity Training (HIT) Center of Lindenwood University. The HIT Center is the University’s exercise physiology laboratory inside a 12,000 square foot conditioning facility used for Lindenwood University athletic teams. This is the only such facility located on a university campus in the United States.

The Master of Science in Human Performance is consistent with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) professional standards. This program prepares students for certifications in personal training, as well as strength and conditioning, and it gives students the optimal experience in human performance. Graduates of this program are eligible for the certifications listed below.

  • ACSM
  • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
  • Health Fitness Specialist (HFS)
  • Clinical Exercise Specialist (CES)

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

  • Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

Aerobic Fitness Association of American (AFAA)

  • Various certifications

Program Admission

Current CPR card, strength training, nutrition, health and wellness, psychology, basic statistics, Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs*, Exercise Physiology and Lab*, and Exercise Testing and Prescription*.  An interview and a written exam may be required to assess writing skills.

*Taken within 5 years.

Requirements

 

Core Curriculum

HP 52100Exercise & Sports Nutrition

3

HP 52500Performance Psychology

3

HP 57100Bioenergetics of Human Movement

3

HP 57500Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Pathology and Prescription

3

HP 58000Chronic Disease Pathology and Prescription

3

HP 54000Research Methods

3

HP 54200Statistical Analysis

3

HP 53500Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription

4

Note: Courses earn three credit hours except HP 53500 which earns four credit hours.

Thesis Option:

HP 65000Thesis

3-6

Plus two courses from the elective course list below.

Non-thesis Option:

Three credit hours from the following:
HP 54100Internships

3-6

HP 58500-58599Special Topics

3

Plus three courses from the elective course list below.

Electives

HP 51000Advanced Strength Training

3

HP 51100Human Movement Impairments and Corrective Exercise Strategies

3

HP 53000Orthopedic Injury Pathology and Exercise

3

HP 53600Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Physical Education

4

HP 53700Community Health

3

HP 54100Internships

3-6

HP 54300Biomechanics

3

HP 54400Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation

3

HP 54500Recreation Organization and Administration

3

HP 54600Program Planning and Leadership

3

Note: Courses earn three credit hours unless otherwise indicated.

Early Access

Students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher may take up to seven semester hours at the graduate level during the last 12 credits of their undergraduate degree program. These hours will count toward the Master of Science in Human Performance but not toward the bachelor’s degree. The early access option requires that the student be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of undergraduate classes while he or she is taking human performance courses under this option. Students in the early access program must maintain a 3.0 in all master’s credits.