Frequently Asked Questions

Program Details

Can you tell me more about the two tracks offered?

1. Research Track: Aimed to provide students with the education and skills to conduct independent research for their thesis project. Students take elective coursework focused on research methods and data analysis.
2. Applied Track: Prepares students to work in the field by completing a 600-hour practically applied capstone in the second year of the program. Students take elective courses focused on application of content.

Do I need to declare a track as part of my application to the program?

You do not need to declare a track before you start the program, the application asks you to indicate which track you are interested in, but if you change your mind and want to pursue the other track, you can do this – students declare a track at the end of their first quarter and all students have the opportunity to take a research methods course and an applied course the first quarter of the program to help them determine which track is the best fit for them.

What classes will I take in the program?

All students will take the following core courses:

• Research Methods
• Seminar
• Colloquium
• Advanced Exercise Physiology
• Neuromechanics
• Physical Activity in Health & Disease
• Year 2 – 9 Credits of Thesis (research track); OR 9 Credits of Capstone (applied track)

Students have 18 elective credits of their choosing. The track students are pursuing often plays a role in the type of elective credits students take. 

Learn more about curriculum here. 

Does your program offer GA positions? If so, how do they work?

We do offer GA positions - typically around 4-5 positions a year. These positions do not include a tuition waiver, but do pay students a rate of $21.67/hour for 20 hours/week. Some students use that money to pay for their tuition and others use it to cover their living expenses.

Positions vary in responsibilities but can include

• Teaching assistance
• Research assistance with opportunities for publication and presentations
• Community outreach
• Social media management
• Fitness programming
• Strength & conditioning coaching
• Working with other external partners in the fitness and wellness space

Is the program designated as STEM?

Yes

Can you tell me more about financial aid/scholarship opportunities?

• All students who apply to the program are considered for institutional aid and we typically are able to offer $1,200 - $2,400 in aid/year for both years of the program.
• In addition to the institutional aid, we do offer a limited number of graduate assistantship opportunities for our students as well. Graduate assistantship positions do not include a tuition waiver but do pay students a rate of $21.67/hour for 20 hours/week. Some students use that money to pay for their tuition and other use it to cover their living expenses.
• Domestic students can apply for federal financial aid by submitting a FAFSA.
• International students finance their education through a combination of personal funds, an employer, government, or familial sponsor, and/or loans. For international students, it is recommended that they consider scheduling an appointment with student financial services or our International Student Center to learn more about opportunities to finance their graduate education.

 

What jobs do students pursue after they complete the program?

• Research track students may pursue a career in research education or industrial settings, many students will continue to a PhD program or allied health program.
• Applied track students will pursue careers in a health, fitness, or sports settings.

Application

What is the deadline for applications?

The priority deadline to submit your application to be considered for a graduate assistantship is February 15th. If you are not interested in being considered for a graduate assistantship, we will accept applications until July 15th. Learn more here.

What documents need to be submitted to the program for application?

• Transcript
• Statement of Interest (750-1,000 words)
• List of three references (with at least one being academic)
• If interested in a graduate assistantship position, a resume should also be included
• If pursuing the research track, indicate primary research areas of interest
• We do not require the GRE.

For more details about application requirements and how to apply to the program, you can learn more here. 

• Additional Requirements for International Students:
  • English Proficiency Test
  • If accepted to the program, international students must submit a declaration of finances which is a requirement of the US government for students to obtain their F-1 Visa.
    • Details regarding finances as an international student.
    • Details regarding graduate admission international application requirements. 

Do I have to identify a supervisor before applying to the program?

No, we do not ask that students have an approved supervisor prior to submitting their application. 

• Research Track: Students pursuing the research track determine who their thesis supervisor will be in the second quarter of the program. We encourage students to get to know faculty and their research interests before identifying a supervisor. 
• Applied Track: Students pursuing the applied track do not need to determine a supervisor. The program director will oversee their placement. 

Besides prereq. courses, what other requirements make an attractive candidate?

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • For international students not on a 4.0 GPA scale, our admissions team will conduct an evaluation to translate your grades to a 4.0 scale to ensure they meet this requirement.
• We provide full consideration to all applicants
• We are looking for students who are passionate about either research and learning how to conduct independent research on a topic they are excited about or students who wish to pursue the applied track and are excited to complete 600 hours of practically applied time in the field during the 2nd year of the program to allow them to pursue a career in an applied setting.

Learn more about application requirements here.

What are the prerequisites?

Completion of the following courses:

• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology
• Psychology (sport or exercise psychology preferred)

Can I still apply if my preq. aren't complete at time of application?

Yes, as long as the courses are completed by the time the program starts (mid-September) and you send transcripts to show evidence that you have completed any outstanding coursework, you can still apply to the program and if you were offered admission, it would be a conditional offer of admission dependent on you completing those courses.