Health Sciences, MS
33 credit hours
The Master of Science in Health Sciences 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 health sciences 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 science and performance specialization. Those seeking more of a nutrition focus, including performance-based nutritional strategies or recreational directed health and wellness may select the fitness and wellness specialization. Both areas of specialization prepare students with a strong foundation in health sciences, integrating theoretical, research, and practical knowledge and experiences to prepare students to be better leaders in the industry.
The program requires completion of a 12-15-credit hour core curriculum. Students then choose between a thesis or non-thesis options and elective courses to complete the remaining credit hours. Both thesis and non-thesis option require the completion of a comprehensive examination for the sport science and performance specialization. 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 Health Sciences is consistent with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) professional standards. Several instructors and faculty members are certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainers (NSCA-CPT) who teach in the sport science and performance specialization. In this respect, that 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
Health Sciences Program Admission
Applications for acceptance into the program must include the following documents:
- Online 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 into the sport science and performance specialization include Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Exercise Physiology with lab, Nutrition, and Statistics. Strongly suggested courses include Exercise Testing, and Exercise Prescription.
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 Health Sciences 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.
Sport Science and Performance Specialization
The graduate curriculum for the health sciences program with the sport science and performance specialization provides a strong scientific basis for students seeking advanced degrees in the exercise physiology, corporate wellness, clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and allied health professions as well as those seeking practical skills for employment in the health and fitness industry.
The Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory contains approximately 2,000 square feet and offers a dedicated space for all laboratory instruction and research being conducted within the School of Health Sciences. This laboratory houses various body composition, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal fitness, balance, and biochemistry equipment.
Requirements
Research Core
Extended Core
| HP 52100 | Exercise and Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| HP 57100 | Bioenergetics of Human Movement | 3 |
| HP 57500 | Cardiovascular and Respiratory Exercise Physiology | 3 |
Culminating Experience
Non-Thesis Option
Note: If a student selects HP 55100 as their Culminating Experience, they cannot also take it for additional elective credit.
Thesis Option
Elective courses from the elective list below.
Recommended Electives
Fitness and Wellness Specialization
The graduate curriculum for the health sciences program with the fitness and wellness specialization provides a strong scientific basis for students 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 the student with an advanced combination of courses from areas related to public health, exercise physiology, fitness, nutrition, recreation, health promotion and business management.
Requirements
Research Core
Extended Core
Recommended Electives
Additional electives with faculty advisor approval.