Sport and Exercise Science

Program Overview

View a Video About the Sport and Exercise Science Program

 

Students in our Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science program receive advanced training in human performance consisting of knowledge, skills and abilities in biochemistry, nutrition, psychology, physiology, and sport and clinical exercise physiology. Additionally, students have the opportunity to choose either a thesis or a non-thesis option. In the thesis option, students complete 30 credits of coursework as well as 6 credits of research-based scientific study that will prepare them for mid-level employment in the field and/or entrance into doctoral programs should they choose to continue their education beyond the master level.   In the non thesis option, students complete 30 credits of coursework followed by 6 credits of an academic-year-long internship, many with one of the University's athletic teams or Semi-Professional sports teams in Erie, as well as local hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to provide students with a variety of clinical experiences. 

Applied Exercise Science graduate students take part in a tailored experience guided by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accreditation curriculum (https://caahep.org/).

Lead the Way

Students entering the program will gain knowledge and experience needed to improve the performance of elite athletes, as well as address the concerns of recreational movers, and those who are currently sedentary. Individuals with advanced degrees in exercise science, human performance, and related fields are involved in initiatives aimed at combating chronic diseases and the health ramifications associated with them. The goal of the Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science degree is to prepare experts and role models in the sport, physical activity, and health professions.

Accreditation

Possible Career Option: Exercise Physiologist

Unlike fitness or personal trainers, exercise physiologists do not often work in gyms or fitness centers. Most work in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, or research facilities at universities, and with sports teams at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. Exercise physiologists may also find employment with nonprofit organizations that offer fitness alternatives for wellness and recovery after an illness. An aging population and a greater interest in fitness as preventative medicine means that there will be a stable labor market, if not a marked increase in positions, for exercise physiologists. Because of increased life spans and the necessity for a higher quality of living in the later years of life, the demand for exercise physiologists is expected to remain strong over the next ten years.

Highlights

• All faculty teaching in the program possess doctoral degrees and are experts in their respective fields
• Interprofessional learning opportunities
• Diverse clinical experiences

What Makes Us Different

• Tuition for the Master of Science (M.S.) in Sport and Exercise Science program has been set at $650/credit for the 2019-2020 academic year (which includes the Summer 2019, Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters).
• Academic year-long internship for non-thesis students many serving in a clinical setting or as a strength and conditioning coach.
• All students will be expected to sit for certification exams offered through nationally recognized organizations at the conclusion of the summer session.
• Courses offered primarily in the afternoons and evenings during the fall and spring semesters to accommodate interested students who are currently completing internships or wish to attain full-time employment while completing their graduate degree.
• Students have the option to complete an unparalleled, hands-on internship experience with one of Gannon's 18 athletic teams, or with local Semi-Professional sports teams.
• Number of Credits: 36
• Length of Program: 1-2 years
• Modality: On-campus and online
• Plan of Study: Full-time or Part-time

Outcomes

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the neurophysiology of human performance and clinical populations.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the physiology of human function and performance.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the psychology of human performance.
• Apply and demonstrate advanced knowledge of the relationship between nutrition and human performance.
• Utilize and demonstrate advanced knowledge on testing the physical capabilities of the body and prescribing activity to improve those parameters.
• Demonstrate leadership and expertise in the field of advanced human performance.

Full Time Enrollment Curriculum

Summer

• GSPRT 510: Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 520: Advanced Laboratory Techniques (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 522: Exercise Testing and Prescription in Clinical Populations (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 530: Research Methods and Statistics in Human Performance (3 Credits)

Fall

• GSPRT 540: Principles of Behavior Change (online) (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 550: Advanced Sport Nutrition (online) (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 562: Cardiopulmonary Physiology (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 600: Thesis I or GSPRT 602 Internship I (3 Credits)

Spring

• GSPRT 572: Exercise Biochemistry (online) (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 581: Neuromuscular Physiology (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 582: Advanced Clinical Exercise Physiology (online) (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 601: Thesis II or GSPRT 603 Internship II (3 Credits)

Part Time Enrollment Curriculum

Summer 1

• GSPRT 510: Advanced Strength and Conditioning (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 520: Advanced Laboratory Techniques (3 Credits)

Fall 1

• GSPRT 540: Principles of Behavior Change (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 550: Advanced Sport Nutrition (online) (3 Credits)

Spring 1

• GSPRT 572: Exercise Biochemistry (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 582: Advanced Clinical Exercise Physiology (online) (3 Credits)

Summer 2

• GSPRT 522: Exercise Testing and Prescription in Clinical Populations (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 530: Research Methods and Statistics in Human Performance (3 Credits)

Fall 2

• GSPRT 562: Cardiopulmonary Physiology (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 600: Thesis I or GSPRT 602 Internship I (3 Credits)

Spring 2

• GSPRT 581: Neuromuscular Physiology (3 Credits)
• GSPRT 601: Thesis II or GSPRT 603 Internship II (3 Credits)