Graduate Programs

The Department of Kinesiology at West Chester University offers three different graduate programs. These programs are designed to provide classroom, laboratory, research, and practical experiences. Opportunities for internships are available and required in some programs. Click below to learn more:

The Graduate Admission Policies include: Graduate School application; 2 letters of recommendation; 1 copy of all transcripts and a written goals statement.

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Master of Science - Exercise and Sport Science

The M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science is 100% online. The program consists of 33 credit hours, culminating in selection of a thesis or research report track. The program curriculum includes basic research preparation in research methods and statistics; advanced courses in exercise physiology, motor learning, and biomechanics; concentrations in applied sports performance, clinical exercise physiology, and sport and exercise psychology, clinically-based practicum experiences, electives upon advisement, and a capstone research project (thesis or research report). The program is designed for individual’s knowledge, skills and abilities for working in adult fitness, cardiac rehabilitation and other clinical programs and to enrich academic preparation for graduate work beyond the master’s degree.

Three concentrations:

  • Applied Sport Performance
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • Sport and Exercise Psychology

Students are required to complete the following courses:

I. Degree core (18 credits)

  • EXS 570 - Concepts in Sport and Exercise Science (3)
  • KIN 603 - Professional Literature Seminar (3)
  • EXS 600 - Research Methods in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (3)
  • HEA 526 - Biostatistics or STA 511 Statistics (3)
  • EXS 698 - Mentored Research I (3)
  • EXS 699 - Mentored Research II (3)

II. Concentration core (15 credits per designated concentration)

Applied Sports Performance

  • EXS 585 - Biomechanics (3)
  • EXS 572 - Advanced Motor Learning (3)
  • EXS 681 - Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
  • EXS TBA - Pathokinesiology (3)
  • TBD - Free Graduate Course Elective or Practicum/Internship (EXS 611) (3)

Clinical Exercise Physiology

  • EXS 681 - Advanced Exercise Physiology (3)
  • EXS 687 - Applied Muscular Physiology (3)
  • EXS 688 - Applied Cardiovascular Physiology (3)
  • EXS 691 - Advanced Clinical Exercise Testing and Prescription (3)
  • TBD - Free Graduate Course Elective or Practicum/Internship (EXS 611) (3)

Sport and Exercise Psychology

  • EXS 640 - Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology (3)
  • EXS 641 - Group Dynamics in Sport and Exercise (3)
  • EXS 681 - Neuroscience Perspectives in Sport & Exercise (3)
  • EXS 572 - Advanced Motor Learning (3)
  • TBD - Free Graduate Course Elective or Practicum/Internship (EXS 611) (3)

III. Free Graduate Course Elective (3 credits)

An additional three semester hours are required for degree completion. This may come as a elective course from the EXS discipline or other selected programs at the graduate level. Practicum experience may be counted for this elective requirement with permission of the graduate coordinator. This practicum may be required to support a concentration in absence of comparable undergraduate or work experience.

Admission Requirements

To be accepted as a fully matriculated student into the master’s program, an applicant needs to meet the requirements for WCU graduate study. Specifically, a student must have a minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA, a minimum 3.0 GPA in the major discipline, and a competitive GRE score, a resume, a goals statement, and two letters of recommendation are required. An applicant must present a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or related field and have satisfied the following prerequisites prior to admission:

  • Anatomy and Physiology (I and II)
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biomechanics or Kinesiology
  • Statistics

Students may be accepted provisionally while taking one or more of the prerequisites. 

 

Master of Public Administration - Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics

The Master of Public Administration with a Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics is a professional degree that focuses on the comprehensive career preparation of practicing athletic and sport managers. This program is in collaboration with the College of Business and Public Affairs.

The program is designed for individuals wanting to earn a master's degree part time while working full time. Students who want to pursue the degree on a full-time basis may complete the program on a faster track. Most courses are held in the late afternoon or early evening. Courses are typically offered during four semesters throughout the calendar year-spring, first and second summer sessions, and fall.

Graduate Certificates

Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics

The Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics is a professional degree that focuses on the comprehensive career preparation of practicing athletic and sport managers. The degree is designed for individuals aspiring to leadership and management roles in the complex world of interscholastic, intercollegiate, recreational, and professional sports, as well as corporate fitness.

The program is building on acquiring an experiential understanding of administrative and management practices in athletic settings. It will prepare candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply theory, research, and experience to solve academic, athletic, sport, and event management challenges. Students will be encouraged to make an ongoing commitment to professional development, and they will likely encounter connecting values between personal and professional experiences.

Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics curriculum sheet

More Information for:

Master of Science– Exercise and Sport Science

  • Please contact graduate coordinator Dr. David Stearne at dstearne@wcupa.edu  or  610-436-2347

Master of Public Administration – Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics

Graduate Certificate in Sport Management and Athletics