Master of Science in Exercise Science
Cortland, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
Blended, On-Campus
Key Summary
Learn to Use the Science Behind Exercise and Sport
If you have a passion for exercise and fitness or sport and athletic performance, the Master of Science in Exercise Science degree program may be for you.
Program Highlights
The graduate program in Exercise Science provides core coursework in the physiology and biomechanics of human movement, motor behavior, and psychology of sport or exercise. You will develop an understanding of the body’s ability to build strength and endurance, maintain fitness, and acquire the skill. You’ll also learn how the mind influences these processes. You’ll graduate with the ability to understand and conduct exercise science research.
- This degree program requires a combined 30 credit hours of coursework and a thesis or comprehensive exam. Students generally complete the degree in three to four semesters.
Thesis or comprehensive exam
You have the option of completing a thesis for 6 credit hours or taking a comprehensive examination for 1 credit hour. If you choose the exam, you will need to complete 9 credit hours of elective coursework to meet the 30 credit hour requirement; if you choose to write a thesis, you will need 4 credit hours of elective coursework to complete the degree.
Most of the courses in this program are offered in the evening, allowing students to continue to work full-time while completing this degree. Your coursework will include the following required courses:
- Advanced Biomechanics
- Advanced Motor Behavior
- Advanced Exercise Physiology
- Behavior in Sport - OR - Advanced Exercise Psychology
- Advanced Exercise Physiology
- Research in Physical Education
- Advanced Statistical Applications in Exercise Science
- Seminar in Exercise Science
SUNY Cortland offers a wide range of scholarships funded by the Cortland College Foundation, SUNY Cortland Alumni Association, the university, and other groups. These awards are made possible by the generous donations of alumni, faculty, staff, emeriti, philanthropic groups, corporations, and friends of the university.
Each year, SUNY Cortland provides more than $1 million in scholarship assistance to more than 1,000 students. The financial aspects of scholarships are governed by rules and regulations administered by the Financial Aid Office.
Scholarship Types
Endowed Scholarships: Students May Apply
Students may apply online for select scholarships that are based on academic performance, financial need, or other criteria determined by donors.
Merit Scholarships: Automatic Selection
Merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and they do not require a supplemental application. These competitive scholarships are limited in number and they are awarded to top applicants. Meeting minimum academic requirements does not guarantee to earn a scholarship.
Other Awards: Automatic Selection
SUNY Cortland automatically considers students for some financial awards in addition to academic merit scholarships. No supplemental application is required. These awards include:
- SUNY Cortland Future New Yorker Grant
- SUNY Cortland International Student Grant
- SUNY Cortland Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
New York State Excelsior Scholarship
SUNY Cortland is proud to participate in this program, which offers free tuition to eligible students from middle-class families in New York state.
Study Abroad Scholarships
SUNY Cortland awards thousands of dollars in study abroad scholarships each year.
Non-SUNY Cortland Scholarships
There are external and private scholarship funds available to students of all qualifications, abilities, and interests. These external scholarships may be provided by private donors, foundations, businesses, and many other sources outside of the university.
International Student Scholarships
SUNY Cortland International Student Award
This scholarship is available to matriculated international undergraduate and graduate students attending SUNY Cortland. It provides financial support to reduce tuition fees at SUNY Cortland.
Undergraduate Award Amounts
The scholarship provides financial support of up to $30,000 over four years. Matriculated, full-time international undergraduate students will receive up to $3,750 per semester (up to $7,500 per academic year).
Application Requirements:
- complete the undergraduate application or graduate application and be admitted to SUNY Cortland as a degree-seeking international student.
Graduate Award Amounts
Matriculated international graduate students will receive $3,000 per semester for full-time enrollment (12 credit hours per semester). Students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours will receive a pro-rated amount. Graduate students that will be receiving a graduate assistantship (GA/TA) will only receive a pro-rate amount on the credits that are not covered by the graduate assistantship.
Application Requirements:
- Complete the undergraduate or graduate application and be admitted to SUNY Cortland as a degree-seeking international student.
Wah Chip and Yuki Chin Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Wah Chip Chin in 1998 to honor the memory of his wife, Yuki Chip, and to support student and scholar exchange between SUNY Cortland and Asian countries.
A local Cortland couple, the Chins began their support of the SUNY Cortland International Programs Office in the early 1980s after the student exchange program with Capital Normal University (then Beijing Teacher's College) began. The Chins hosted dinners for the visiting students on a regular basis and Wah Chip welcomed visiting Chinese students to Cortland at the College's welcome receptions well into his 90s.
The scholarships awarded will range from $500 to $2,000 for the semester. The student can apply for the Wah Chip and Yuki Chin Scholarship every semester, depending on funding.
Application Requirements:
- 2.7 GPA
- Complete application
- Essay (2 pages double spaced) answering the questions in the application.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall Semester: June 15
- Spring Semester: January 10
Preference in Awarding Scholarship:
- Incoming first year and transfer international students from Asia
- Returning international students from Asia
- Exchange or Visiting students from Asia who do not qualify for an Exchange Award
Additional Scholarships
SUNY Cortland offers a wide range of scholarships funded by the Cortland College Foundation, SUNY Cortland Alumni Association, the university, and other groups. These awards are made possible by the generous donations of alumni, faculty, staff, emeriti, philanthropic groups, corporations, and friends of the university.
Application Deadlines:
New students starting in Fall can apply for endowed scholarships from Jan. 15 until March 15. New students starting in Fall who earn an award will be notified prior to the May 1 admission deposit deadline. To view scholarship opportunities, students must be accepted and they must log in to myRedDragon.
Current students can apply for endowed scholarships through myRedDragon from Nov. 15 to February 1.
This degree program can prepare you for a wide diversity of careers depending on your interests and background. The following are some examples of positions held by graduates of the program:
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Fitness Director
- Personal Trainer
- Exercise Scientist
- Wellness Specialist
- Yoga Studio Owner and Instructor
- Physical Education Teacher
- Athletic Trainer
- College Instructor
- Collegiate Track and Field/Cross Country Coach
Graduates of this degree program have worked at a variety of organizations and institutions including the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Triathlon, the Gatorade Institute, the New York Knicks, the University of Pennsylvania, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, George Mason University, SUNY Geneseo, and SUNY Plattsburgh, among others. Graduates of the program have also gone on to medical school, a doctoral study in exercise science, a certificate program in orthotics/prosthetics, or study in other health-related fields.
