Curriculum: Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science

Research Methods and Analysis in Exercise and Sport Science will set the foundation for students to understand research design, methods and the appropriate statistical analyses required for analyzing and interpreting data in exercise and sport science. The general research principles can apply to many other fields in experimental and quantitative research. The research methods in exercise science class will provide students with an in-depth learning experience regarding the utilization of statistical analysis software and accurate statistical analyses and interpretations to utilize based on design and types of data structures. Students will develop and be taught advanced methods regarding how to set up and use statistical software and integrate with various current tools in today’s ever changing technological landscape.

Advanced Exercise Physiology will teach students how the body physiologically responds to exercise from the cellular level all the way to a whole organism or system level. This course will cover the body’s acute and chronic responses to various forms of exercise from biochemical changes within the muscle to long-term adaptations that improve performance. Additionally, these changes will be looked under extreme conditions such as high temperature and high-altitude environments and research applications and techniques for further advancements in exercise physiology will be addressed.

The Foundations of Sport Science course will provide students with detailed and up-to-date information regarding performance-based technology, athlete monitoring and various research and laboratory techniques currently used in the field today to improve human performance. The course will also delve into new research outlining effective methods for assessing and optimizing athletic performance.

Human Pathophysiology and Performance offers a detailed examination of the physiological and pathological responses of the body. The course will dive into topics ranging from mechanisms of injury and disease processes to the body's intricate adaptive responses to training and performance demands. The course will have a particular focus on current research findings regarding exercise as therapeutic modalities and improvements in disease outcomes.

Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids is designed to implement a research and evidence-based approach to advance a student’s understanding of dietary strategies to improve human performance. The course will also focus on legal and illegal performance-enhancing substances in the realm of sports and exercise. A primary focus will be on understand the research and science propelling nutritional optimization for peak performance, and critically analyze the efficacy, mechanisms, and ethics of various ergogenic aids. Tailored for master's students, this course bridges the gap between nutrition theory and practical applications.

The Strength and Conditioning Programming course will provide students with an in-depth learning experience regarding current methods in strength and conditioning programming and how to effectively set up, test and analyze strength and conditioning outcomes from a pre and posttest measurement application. Students will learn how to develop and implement periodization programs for athletes, youth, adults, and geriatric populations based on one’s health, fitness level and testing results.

This course allows students to engage in hands-on, competency-based work within the context of exercise and sport science. Students will select from a menu of applied, real-world project options designed to focus on the key topical areas learned throughout the exercise and sport science curriculum. *This course must be completed in the student's last semester prior to graduation.*

Exercise and fitness professionals wear many hats in their day-to-day roles. A comprehensive understanding of risk management and how to apply it is one of the most important. In this course, students will learn how to apply legal concepts and risk management strategies in order to deliver safe, effective programs for participants and prevent civil lawsuits and statutory violations.

Students will experientially explore commonly used mind-body modalities including mindfulness, guided imagery, breathwork, yoga, etc., which enhance stress management and promote overall wellness. This course provides an evidence-base and indication for use of mind-body techniques in a personal and professional/clinical setting. Graduate students will further develop their skills focusing on science by choosing one mind/body modality to research in more depth and propose a pilot research project – i.e. guided imagery as it relates to pre and postsurgical outcomes.

This course provides an introduction to the counseling skills and theories used when working with clients in health promotion and health care settings. The course is skills-based and covers such counseling skills as rapport-building, motivational interviewing, assessment and diagnosis from an integrative health and wellness perspective, collaborative engagement of the client, best practices for overcoming common barriers to client progress, and effective referral procedures. The course also addresses assessment and intervention approaches on how to successfully address client non-compliance with treatment (diet and exercise program, medical prescription, etc.). A specific focus on effectivebehavior modification techniques is provided.

In this course, students will gain an understanding of the major leadership theories and concepts of innovation and apply them within the context of leading health and wellness programs and organizations. Students will also gain an understanding of how to establish collaborative relationships within and across key stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams to promote sustainable health and wellness practices that meet long-term personal, organizational, and/or community goals.

This course provides an introduction to evidence-based practice in health and wellness. This includes the ability to interpret best evidence from well-designed research studies, in addition to incorporating client values/preferences and professional experience, in approaching the prevention or management of disease. Students will learn to ask focused questions, analyze existing guidelines, critically analyze and synthesize relevant research, and integrate evidence into practice.

This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the major sociological issues in interscholastic and intercollegiate athletic administration. All primary issues impacting athletics are covered, including but not limited to gender and sex, race and ethnicity, disability, religion, media involvement, and globalization.