Kinesiology Department
Philip Buckenmeyer, chair
Peter McGinnis, graduate coordinator
Professional Studies Building, Room 1164
(607) 753-4909
Fax: (607) 753-5596

Overview

Running. Jumping. Throwing. Explore what’s behind amazing movements like these and discover the capacities of the human body when you pursue the M.S. in exercise science at SUNY Cortland. Enter this two-year, 30-credit-hour program at the beginning of the fall or spring semester.

Program Highlights

Select core courses in sport psychology/motor learning, exercise physiology and biomechanics that are enhanced with study of research methods and statistics. Choose additional topics ranging from neuromuscular and cardio-respiratory fitness assessment and programming to conditioning, perceptual motor development, nutritional aspects of physical fitness and athletic performance, and behavior in sport. Take advantage of the well-equipped laboratories and full-time department faculty in each of the three exercise science sub-disciplines — biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior — and ask about research opportunities. You will also complete a master’s thesis.

Career Potential

With the strong preparation you receive at SUNY Cortland, you will be well prepared to investigate career options in exercise and sport research or in fitness, wellness and related fields. You may choose to go on to further graduate study in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor behavior/control or allied health professions such as medicine, nursing, physical therapy or physician assistant, among others.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements for admission to the degree program as explained in the Admission and Registration section of this catalog, you should present the following for enrollment to the program leading to a Master of Science in Exercise Science:

1. Official transcripts documenting a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.
2. A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. A score of 1,000 or greater on the combined verbal and quantitative parts of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a minimum score of 400 on each part.
4. Two letters of recommendation.
5. A statement describing your professional and educational goals in 250 words or less.

Exceptional applicants who do not meet all of the above requirements will be considered on an individual basis. Qualified applicants without strong preparation in the basic sciences and human movement science may be required to complete specific undergraduate course work within one year of their matriculation.

Once the SUNY Cortland Admissions Office receives all of the required documents, your application will be forwarded to the Kinesiology Graduate Advisory Committee.

Apply for the M.S. in exercise science.