Exercise Science

[1] Objectives

The Department of Exercise and Sport Science offers the Master of Science in Exercise Science with a thesis/non-thesis option. The MS degree is designed to develop a high level of knowledge and competence in exercise science. The goal of this degree is for students to gain a deeper understanding of the primary areas of exercise science (exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor control) and the research methods used to obtain this knowledge. This degree, particularly with the thesis option, can also serve as preparation for work at the doctoral level.

[2] Program Admission and Retention Requirements

Admission to graduate study and admission to candidacy for the Master of Science degree in Exercise Science will be the same as stated in the current Graduate Bulletin with the addition of the following:

1. A letter of intent emailed to the Graduate School at ucagradschool@uca.edu. The letter should describe what relevant experience the student has obtained, and how this graduate degree will help to advance their career goals.
2. Documented course work in the following areas:
   • Anatomical Kinesiology or Anatomy (3 credit hours, minimum grade of C)
   • Exercise Physiology or Human Physiology (3 credit hours, minimum grade of C)
   • Biomechanics or Physics (3 credit hours, minimum grade of C)

Retention in the program will be the same as stated in the current Graduate Bulletin.

[3] Degree Requirements

[3.1] Thesis Option (36 hours)

The thesis candidate must complete and submit a Master’s Thesis in accordance with the graduate thesis requirements in the current UCA Thesis and Dissertation Preparation Guide. After the thesis has been read and approved, and before the candidate is recommended to the Dean of the Graduate School for graduation, the candidate will meet with the Thesis Committee for an oral examination, which will consist principally of a defense of the thesis. A majority of the student’s committee must approve the thesis and defense. If approval is denied, the candidate will not be recommended for graduation. In this event, the student may be re-examined no sooner than three months and no later than one year after initial examination. A maximum of two defense attempts will be allowed. If a student who has selected the thesis option wishes to change to the non-thesis option, no credit will be granted for thesis courses. A student will be allowed no more than one change of option.

[3.1.1] Core requirements (18 hours)

[3.1.2] Thesis research (6 hours)

The procedures for selecting and writing a thesis will be the same as prescribed in the current Thesis and Dissertation Preparation Guide.

[3.1.3] Electives (12 hours)

Selected with approval of graduate advisor to include not more than six hours from an outside field. EXSS elective courses are listed in section 3.2.2, below.

[3.2] Non-Thesis Option (36 hours)

The student will be required to pass a written and oral comprehensive examination. The examination will be administered during the spring and fall semesters and the first summer session each year. An oral examination will be scheduled no later than two weeks following the written examination. A maximum of two attempts will be allowed to successfully pass the examination (both written and oral portions). Students who fail either portion of the exam will be required to enroll in a EXSS 6300 Independent Study during the semester they wish to retake the exam. Students may be tested again a minimum of one semester and a maximum of three semesters (summer, fall, spring) after the first examination attempt. To be eligible to take the examination the student must be within nine hours of completing the degree requirements. It will be the responsibility of the student to advise the department’s graduate coordinator of the intent to take the examination.

[3.2.1] Core requirements (12 hours)

[3.2.2] Electives (24 hours)

Selected with approval of graduate advisor not to exceed more than nine hours from an outside field.

Approved Elective Courses

[4] Graduate Courses in Exercise and Sport Science (EXSS)

Follow this link for EXSS course descriptions: course link.