Program Purpose

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The M.S. in Exercise Sciences with a specialization in Exercise Sciences prepares students for: meaningful employment in various exercise science related fields, subsequent entrance to doctoral programs leading to academic positions in research and teaching, or subsequent admission into a health-care professional school of their choice. This program provides an environment where knowledge and practice unit in a learning experience that prepares students for continued education or employment, professional service opportunities,and to become leaders  in their chosen profession.

These goals are consistent with the aim of BYU graduate studies to provide graduate students with opportunities for expanding their depth and breadth of understanding beyond that of an undergraduate degree in an atmosphere that supports the mission of Brigham Young University "to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life."

Curricular Structure

Instruction takes the form of lectures and laboratory courses, seminars, independent study, mentored research, and in many cases teaching and/or research assistantships.

A clear set of specialization classes has been established to expand the students' understanding of the theory and practice of exercise science.

Most students teach activity classes, however some are afforded 4 hours of research assistant hours through department support. A scientific readings seminar is offered every semester.

Students are assigned faculty mentors at the time of admission. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor early in their program to assure an effective plan of study and to participate in their established research agenda.

Students are required to complete a core set of classes designed to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and abilities in research. These include:

• EXSC 630 Research Methods
• EXSC 691 Graduate Seminar
• EXSC 699R (thesis, 6 hours)
• STAT 511 Statistical Methods for Research 1 (prereq for EXSC 630)

Student are required to complete the following courses to establish an emphasis in Exercise Sciences:

• EXSC 663 Research Techniques in Biomechanics of Sport
• EXSC 666 Exercise Physiology
• EXSC 667 Laboratory Methods and Procedures
• EXSC 668 Orthopaedic Anatomy
• EXSC 671 Advanced Lifestyleand Chronic Disease Prevention

Under the advisement of their faculty advisor, students complete electives in any of the following areas of study:

• Orthopedics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (EXSC 560, 625R, 661, 662, 673, 693R, 766, 769)
• Chemistry (Chem 481)
• Biomechanics
• Physiology (PDBio 565)
• Nutrition
• Health Promotion

 

Graduate Catalog

 

Learning Outcomes

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Advanced Exercise Physiology Understanding

Students will use their understanding of exercise science to identify gaps in existing knowledge.

Critical Analysis and Research

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature and apply the scientific method in the exercise sciences by actively engaging in the research process.

Effective Communication

Graduates will develop oral and written skills sufficient to present and publish their research in peer-reviewed venues.

Evidence of Learning

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Regular Exercise Science Program and Graduate Curriculum Committee meetings are held to assess student and program progression.

Direct Measures

1. Course examinations, laboratory exercises, and mentored learning experiences.
2. Students will successfully complete a thesis (research proposal, research, and thesis defense and evaluation). Successful completion of the thesis generally includes submission for publication in a refereed journal.

Indirect Measures

1. Number of undergraduate students involved in research projects, number of student publications/presentations, number of ORCA grants, MEG grants, and Fulton Awards applied for and received.
2. Ongoing accreditation reviews are conducted on a regular basis (at seven year intervals) for the BYU Academic Unit Self-Study review and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities [NWCCU]).

Professional Practice

1. Brigham Young University Alumni Survey
2. Brigham Young University Employer Survey

Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement

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1. The Department Chair is responsible for evaluation of teaching performance. The chair compiles results of student evaluations of courses and instructors. The chair conducts an annual stewardship interview with each faculty member, in which teaching effectiveness is addressed. Each faculty is encouraged to make new goals each year to continually improve their teaching. This includes accessing and modifying stated student outcomes to improve student learning to meet course, department, college and university desired student outcomes. Additionally, faculty peer evaluation is available as is assistance from the Center for Teaching and Learning. 
2. Exit interviews are conducted by the program director with each graduating student. Feedback is used to evaluate program as a whole, as well as individual faculty.
3. Consistent matriculation and placement of the majority of graduate students is used as the criterion measure for successful completion of the program goals.