Location:

Erie, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Kinesiology

Program Overview

Program Description:

The exercise science graduate program is a 33-credit Master of Science degree designed for professionals who are certified in specialized allied health-related fields, or those with bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology, sports medicine, physical education, healthcare, wellness or athletic training. It provides knowledge and certification in the use of exercise programming for the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of diseases. The program's primary goal is to train exercise science clinicians. Many graduate programs focus primarily on the academic aspects of exercise science; in addition to a focus on academics, Mercyhurst faculty also heavily emphasize the clinical skills necessary for our graduate students to best serve their patients and athletes. The clinical emphasis is well suited for students with bachelor’s degrees in content areas such as exercise science, physical education, wellness or athletic training. Coursework and fieldwork focus on the theory, foundations, research and practice of evidenced-based assessment and instruction with multiple populations. Due to the clinical focus of our program, the degree is completed during one calendar year and runs during five consecutive terms of classes. Students begin in summer session (in June), complete the traditional academic year with three trimesters (Fall, Winter and Spring), and then complete a second summer term. To successfully complete the program, students will sit for the highest level certification currently offered by the American College of Sports Medicine in exercise physiology, the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM- RCEP). Graduates of the program are qualified to work in athletics at many levels, including at the collegiate and professional levels, adult fitness, corporate fitness, multiple hospital settings (including cardiac rehabilitation), wellness, strength and conditioning coaching, and with working special needs populations.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Mercyhurst University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Financial Aid:

Yes

Requirements:

-An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 overall, with at least 3.0 in their major field. (Some programs have established higher requirements.) -An undergraduate degree in the area of intended graduate study or in an approved, related field. -Academic, scholarship and leadership potential as evidenced by three positive recommendations from supervisors or faculty. -A personal statement outlining in narrative form the candidate’s career path, career aspirations and professional interests. - Satisfactory scores from the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Exam as required by each program. -A completed application form, which can be found online. -A professional resume or curriculum vitae.

International Requirements:

Students must submit official, notarized scores from the T.O.E.F.L. (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam as part of their admission application. Minimum score requirements are 550 for the paper-based exam, 213 for the computer-based exam, and 79-80 for the Internet-based exam. International students must also provide Mercyhurst with assurance that they possess adequate financial support for the period of graduate studies. This documentation must be provided through submission of an affidavit of financial support. An I-20 form will not be issued until the affidavit of financial support is received and accepted. All documents and credentials submitted must be translated into English. Mercyhurst recommends that international students contact World Evaluation Services (WES), the foremost organization that specializes in transcript and credential evaluation, to provide such translations.