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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Graduate Bulletin Table of Contents

Exercise Science Graduate Program (HPERSS)Halenbeck Hall

Offered through the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Sport Science
in the College of Education
327 Halenbeck Hall
Phone: 320.308.2155
Fax: 320.308.5399
E-Mail:  hperss@stcloudstate.edu
Web site:  www.stcloudstate.edu/hperss
Human Performance Lab E-mail: hpl@stcloudstate.edu
Human Performance Web site: www.stcloudstate.edu/hpl

 

The department offers three graduate programs: exercise science, physical education, and sports management, plus the possibility of developing a special studies program.

Department Chairperson: Dr. Caryl Martin
Department Secretary: Ms. Laurie Hanrahan, Ms. Suzanne Owen

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. David Bacharach
Graduate Faculty: Antunez, Bacharach, Conkell, Dobey, Gassner, Martin, Nearing, Palmer, Picconatto, Risk, Seifert, Sheehan, Street, Ulferts

Specific Track Advisers
Exercise Physiology: Dr. David Bacharach, Dr. John Seifert
Biomechanics: Dr. Glenn Street

Program Description

The Master of Science in Exercise Science prepares students for clinical, corporate, industrial and higher education employment. The program has a strong emphasis in research, helping to prepare students for continued education in professional schools of medicine, doctoral programs, or research.

Employers

Approximately one-third of the graduates are employed in clinics, one-third in private business and another third continue their education.

Admission Requirements Specific to the Program (Apply now)

  • Admission decisions are made as completed application files are received.
  • Departmental requirements for admission go beyond those of the School of Graduate Studies at St. Cloud State University.
  • Applicants should possess a GRE verbal score of 480 or better and a quantitative score of 520 or better.
  • Applicants should also have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA with a strong science component.
  • A student's letters of recommendation are weighted approximately 50 percent with the additional 50 percent from a combination of an applicant's GPA and GRE.
  • Interviews are not required but encouraged. Interviews are scheduled on a date convenient for both candidates and staff.
  • Applicants should have a strong science background. Physiology students should have undergraduate course work in human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and exercise physiology. Biomechanics students should possess strong skills in calculus, statics and dynamics along with a sound understanding of human anatomy and physiology.

Length of Program — Measured by Semesters

  • Part-time student: six semesters taking six credits per semester.
  • Full-time student: three to four semesters taking eight to 12 credits per semester.
  • The program has been designed for full-time and part-time students.
  • Students must expect to complete their course loads by enrolling mainly in daytime and evening courses.
  • Some classes are also available to be completed during summer sessions.
  • Part-time students are welcome to complete the program if they are able to do so without financial assistance from SCSU.

Graduate Assistantship Overview (Information and Application)

  • All full-time students are guaranteed a minimum of a half assistantship for fall and spring semesters throughout the two-year program.
  • Graduate assistants work with adult fitness programs, conduct exercise evaluations, assist with research, work with undergraduate labs in exercise physiology, human physiology, biomechanics, and assist with the University's required fitness/wellness course.

Degrees and Plans Offered

  • Master of Science in Exercise Science
  • Master of Science in Special Studies
    Students interested in applied areas of exercise science may pursue a program of study focusing on their particular educational goals.

Program Description

  • The curriculum has a core requirement that all students complete.
  • Students complete an internship and a thesis and choose one of the two areas of emphasis:
  • Physiology - students focus on the study of the human body's responses and adaptations to physical activity.
  • Biomechanics - students focus on the study of forces acting on a body within its environment.
  • Students in Exercise Science will take classes under the following course rubrics: Biological Sciences (BIOL), Chemistry (CHEM), Counselor Education and Educational Psychology (CEEP), Engineering (ENGR), Health (HLTH), Physical Education (PESS), Recreation (REC) and Sport Science (PESS).

Master of Science — Exercise Science

Plan A, 34 credits

Research courses
9 credits

  • CEEP 678. Introduction to Graduate Statistics, 3 credits
  • PESS 699. Thesis, 6 credits

Core courses
19 credits

  • PESS 620. Seminar in Exercise and Sport Science, 3 credits
  • PESS 624. Internship in Exercise Science, 4 credits
  • PESS 625. Laboratory Techniques in Exercise and Sport Science I, 3 credits
  • PESS 626. Laboratory Techniques in Exercise and Sport Science II, 3 credits
  • PESS 630. Advanced Principles in Exercise Physiology, 3 credits
  • PESS 631. Advanced Principles in Biomechanics, 3 credits

Choose one emphasis

Physiology Emphasis
6 credits

  • PESS 523. Basic Electrocardiography, 3 credits
  • CHEM 580. Biochemistry 1, 4 credits

Biomechanics Emphasis
6 credits

  • ENGR 501. (ENGR 341) Dynamics, 3 credits
  • PESS 628. Numerical Analyses in Exercise and Sport Science, 3 credits

Elective courses

  • Select with approval of the adviser.

Students in exercise science will take classes under the following course abbreviations: Counselor Education and Educational Psychology (CEEP), Chemistry (CHEM), Engineering (ENGR), and Physical Education (PESS).