School of Health Sciences
Cynthia Schroeder, PhD, Dean
Mission
The School of Health Sciences provides students with cutting-edge academic and experiential learning opportunities to prepare graduates as life-long learners in their chosen allied health profession. The school offers a graduate degree in health sciences with specialization tracks to meet a student's desired career path.
Master of Science in Health Sciences
- Sport Science and Athletic Performance Specialization
- Fitness and Wellness Specialization
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 their 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 active individuals, its benefits in the rehabilitation of disease, and its use for risk reduction and improved quality of life may choose the sport science and performance specialization. Those seeking more of a generalized approach including recreational directed health and wellness or private or corporate fitness settings may select the fitness and wellness specialization. Both areas of specialization prepare students with a strong foundation in relevant areas specific to the specialization and effectively integrate theoretical, research, practical knowledge, and experiences to prepare students to be better leaders in the industry. The master of Science in Health Sciences graduate curriculum is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as both an Applied and Research curricula, one of less than five university programs in the United States holding this recognition and the only program in Missouri or any state contiguous to Missouri.
The program requires completion of a 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 options within each specialization 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 Health Sciences is consistent and aligns 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 robust experiences in strength and conditioning coaching as well as preparation for additional graduate coursework beyond the Master's degree. Graduates of this program will be exposed to a variety of content that will offer a broad foundation of knowledge that can be applied towards certification exams in areas related to:
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC)
Aerobic Fitness Association of American (AFAA)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
Additionally, students who express a desire to sit for more advanced certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (e.g., Certified Exercise Physiologist and Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist) can outline a plan of electives to ensure all course content is covered upon completion of the program.
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 health sciences courses under this option. Students in the early access program must maintain a 3.0 in all master’s credits.
Master of Science in Nursing
The Master's degree in Nursing program at Lindenwood University is accredited by the Commission of College Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org) IMPORTANT NOTE: The Master's program in Nursing is no longer accepting applications.