Exercise Science: M.S.
Ouachita's Master of Science degree program in exercise science is built on a cutting-edge,
evidence-based understanding of exercise as medicine and emphasizes cardiac rehabilitation
and program implementation, providing a unique perspective on the therapeutic effect
exercise has on the human body. The low-residency, 36-hour program is designed to
meet the needs of students working in a health-related profession, providing them
with optimal learning opportunities in the tradition of excellence established by
our Department of Kinesiology. As part of Ouachita's faith-focused learning community,
you can also learn to use exercise science as a form of ministry – affecting personal
health, wellness and mental health as well as how people relate to one another and
to God.
Cardiac Rehab
Strength and Conditioning
Corrective Exercise Specialties
Wellness Centers
Corporate and Industry Wellness
Military Holistic Health
Exercise Physiology I & II
Care and Prevention of Injury
Leadership & Ethics in Human Performance
Instruction of Human Performance
View the Ouachita catalog for a full course listing with course descriptions.
No particular undergraduate degree is required for this program. See admissions requirements below for specific pre-requisite undergraduate courses.
This 36-hour Master of Science degree program offers fully-online courses with a required 2-day orientation workshop in late summer before the first term begins. With options to complete a capstone project either through a hands-on internship or research-based thesis, it prepares students for their unique career paths.
Learn more about Graduate & Professional Studies at Ouachita.
Learn more about Graduate & Professional Studies financial aid and cost information.
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Completed Online
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Course Hours
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Completed Capstone Experience Required for Graduation
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Demand for Exercise Physiologists Expected to Grow by 2030
"This program is designed for the working professional who wants to expand their career opportunities in the field of exercise science. We have some of the best faculty and guests to share experiences and help navigate the way for an exceptional career path in our field of study."
Terry DeWitt, Ph.D., AT, EP-C
director, exercise science graduate program

Flexible, faith-focused program

Research-based approach

Career prep for a growing field
Program Details
Ouachita General Graduate Admissions Requirements:
- Conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution
- 2.5 minimum GPA on a 4.0 scale (individual programs will delineate more specifics)
- Completed application, which includes a statement of purpose
- Three references
- Minimum English proficiency requirements for international students are as follows:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
At least 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)
At least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL - International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
At least a 6.5 on the IELTS exam
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
Admissions Requirements for the M.S. in Exercise Science:
- 2.75 GPA
- An active CPR certification must be submitted by the time of enrollment
- Recommended Coursework:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II (final grade of C or higher), 8 hours
- Nutrition or Sports Nutrition (final grade of C or higher), 3 hours
- College Algebra
- Kinesiology undergraduate coursework (such as Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Testing, Special Populations, Strength & Conditioning, Structural Basis of Human Movement or Sports Nutrition), 9+ hours
*Conditional admission is considered for applicants who meet all other admissions requirements and have a GPA below 2.750, but not lower than 2.500.
Tuition per graduate credit hour: $500
- Students must complete 36 hours of course work and show competency in student learning outcomes.
- Students must choose to complete one of the following options for a capstone experience:
- A 100-hour internship at a fitness and wellness facility, especially helpful for students who want to pursue careers in wellness and clinical settings
- A research-based thesis, especially helpful for students who want to pursue careers in research and scholarship
- Students must pass either a department comprehensive exam or an industry standard exam (such as the American College of Sports Medicine’s Certified
Exercise Physiology exam). Passing either exam will demonstrate mastery of the program’s
student learning outcomes; the option is provided so that students can select the
exam that is most appropriate for their career path.
- The department exam will cover research-related student learning outcomes; the ACSM exam will not.
- Students who plan to work in a clinical setting will be encouraged to take the industry-recognized exam; those seeking other means of employment including health coaching and research may prefer to take the department exam, which is customized to their personal learning goals.
GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Graduate and Professional Studies at Ouachita seek to be a source of ongoing intellectual and spiritual growth for those pursuing lifelong learning or career advancement. Ouachita fosters community through relationships with classmates and professors in all learning environments. Through innovative modalities, fields and approaches, these programs combine the very best of Ouachita’s more than 130 years of Christ-centered learning with meeting the ongoing and changing needs of the work force.
GET IN TOUCH
Have a question about Ouachita? Want more information? Shoot our Graduate and Professional Studies team a message!