Human Performance, MS
33 credit hours
The Master of Science in Human Performance provides students with research and practical opportunities in various settings in and outside of the classroom. Depending upon the interest, students wanting to pursue a graduate degree in Human Performance may select from different options in which to emphasize their learning and direction. Those interested in the physiological dynamics of exercise, including its role in the training and conditioning of sports participants, its benefits in the rehabilitation of disease, and its use for risk reduction and improved quality of life may choose the exercise physiology emphasis. Those seeking more of a nutrition focus, including performance based nutritional strategies or recreational directed health and wellness may select the sports nutrition emphasis. Both emphases prepare students with a strong foundation in human performance, integrating theoretical, research, and practical knowledge and experiences to prepare students to be better leaders in the industry.
The program requires completion of a 24-credit hour core curriculum. Students then choose between a thesis or non-thesis option to complete the remaining nine credit hours. Both thesis and non-thesis option require the completion of a comprehensive examination. A written comprehensive examination is required for the non-thesis option, while a successful oral defense of the thesis is required for the thesis option.
The Master of Science in Human Performance is consistent with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) professional standards and several instructors and faculty members are certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT). In this respect, the 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 will be well prepared to sit for any of the certifications listed below.
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
• Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)
• Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
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
Human Performance Program Admission
Applications for acceptance into the program must include:
• Application to the university; non-refundable application fee of $30 to process graduate school application.
• Official transcripts from all attended institutions verifying completion of bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Letter of intent that includes a personal statement discussing your area of interest in our graduate program along with your career goals.
• Current résumé including all related professional and extracurricular experience, education, and certifications.
• Minimum of three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s academic qualifications and abilities to be successful in a graduate program. If the applicant is completing or has completed an undergraduate program in the School of Health Sciences at Lindenwood University, no more than one letter may come from a faculty or staff member whose primary academic appointment is within the School of Health Sciences at Lindenwood University.
• An interview with departmental faculty (via phone or in person).
• Current CPR certification including AED certification.
• The prerequisites for admission include Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Exercise Physiology with lab, and Exercise Testing. Strongly suggested courses include Nutrition, Statistics, and Exercise Prescription.
Emphasis in Exercise Physiology
The graduate curriculum for the human performance program with an emphasis in exercise physiology 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 industry.
Students will have the unique opportunity to use state-of the art equipment and protocols from the Sports Science Center. The Sports Science Center is the University’s exercise physiology laboratory inside a 12,000 square foot conditioning facility used for Lindenwood University athletic teams.
Requirements
Research Core
Extended Core
| HP 53500 | Advanced Exercise Testing and Prescription | 3 |
| HP 57100 | Bioenergetics of Human Movement | 3 |
| HP 57500 | Cardiovascular and Respiratory Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| HP 58000 | Exercise Considerations for Aging and Metabolic Populations | 3 |
Interdisciplinary Emphasis
Culminating Experience
Non-Thesis Option
Plus two courses from the elective list below.
Note: If a student selects HP 55100 as their Culminating Experience they cannot also take it for additional elective credit.
Thesis Option
Plus one course from the elective list below.
Electives
Emphasis in Sports Nutrition
The graduate curriculum for the human performance program with an emphasis in sports nutrition provides a strong scientific basis for students seeking advanced degrees in nutrition, wellness, strength and conditioning, and allied health professions as well as those seeking practical skills for employment in the health and fitness industry.
Students in this emphasis area will also have the unique opportunity to use state-of the art equipment and protocols from the Sports Science Center. The Sports Science Center is the University’s exercise physiology laboratory inside a 12,000 square foot conditioning facility used for Lindenwood University athletic teams. Current faculty are actively involved in scholarly research investigating the acute and chronic impact of nutritional supplements, feeding regimens and other strategies on health, performance and recovery.
The sports nutrition student will also be prepared to sit for many national fitness and strength and conditioning certifications (ACSM and NSCA certifications). Additionally, the sport nutrition student will be prepared to sit for the CISSN, a national sports nutrition certification offered by the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Requirements
Research Core
Extended Core
Interdisciplinary Emphasis
Culminating Experience
Non-Thesis Option
| HP 52200 | Research in Nutrition and Dietetics (Independent Study) | 3 |
| HP 58100 | Comprehensive Examination | 0 |
Plus two courses from the elective list below.
Thesis Option
Plus one course from the elective list below.
Electives
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.