Pushing the Limits of Human Performance
Whether you’re interested in learning how to maximize athletic performance or in understanding how exercise can be used as medicine in clinical populations, our MS program provides you with the strong scientific background and applied experiences you will need.
Coordinator: Dr. Vince Nocera
Program Type: FT, in-person Time to Complete: 2
Estimated Cost: $643/cr In-State $874/cr Out-State
Credits: 47 Application Deadline: April 15 for Fall Semester
Accreditation: NHECHE GPA Requirement: 3.0 or better
Career Outcomes:
- Prepares you to work in strength and conditioning, clinical, and community-based settings as exercise specialists, fitness directors, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist clinical exercise physiologist, and strength and conditioning coaches.
- Pathway for doctoral study in exercise physiology and related fields.
The MS in Exercise Science and Sport Performance is offered to current students in the form of aÌý3+2 program. For non-PSU students and PSU alumni, aÌý2-year programÌýis available. In each program, students can elect theÌý³Ù³ó±ð²õ¾±²õÌý´Ç°ùÌýnon-³Ù³ó±ð²õ¾±²õÌýoption.
The thesis option will give students the opportunity to develop a research project driven by their own interests in exercise and sport physiology. Thesis students will work closely with a faculty supervisor and will be guided through the thesis process through work in the Graduate Seminar and Graduate Thesis classes.
Students who elect the non-thesis option will complete practicum and internship experiences, which will give them the hands on skills they will need to be successful across a variety of fields in exercise science. Experiences may include work in strength and conditioning, clinical exercise physiology, or general health and wellness. Non-thesis students will work closely with a faculty supervisor and will be guided through the practicum and internship process through work in the Graduate Seminar, Advanced Practicum, and Graduate Internship classes.
Curriculum & Requirements
MS Exercise Science and Sport Performance
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ·¡³ÝÌý5310 | Research Methods in Exercise Science | 3 |
| ·¡³ÝÌý5410 | Applied Research in Exercise Science | 4 |
| ·¡³ÝÌý5520 | Advanced Exercise Testing & ECG | 4 |
| ·¡³ÝÌý5510 | Graduate Seminar in Exercise Science | 1 |
| ·¡³ÝÌý5610 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning | 4 |
| ·¡³ÝÌý5620 | Behavioral Intervention Strategies | 4 |
| ·¡³ÝÌý5730 | Advanced Topics in Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| ·¡³ÝÌý5710 | Advanced Practicum in Exercise Science | 3 |
| ·¡³ÝÌý5840 | Exercise Biochemistry & Sports Nutrition | 4 |
| ·¡³ÝÌý5920 | Exercise Physiology in Clinical Populations | 4 |
| Thesis or Non-thesis Track | 6-12 | |
·¡³ÝÌý6200 | Graduate Thesis in Exercise Science | |
´Ç°ùÌý·¡³ÝÌý6100 | Graduate Internship in Exercise Science | |
| Total Credits | 41-47 | |
- Critically interpret current literature in exercise physiology.
- Explain the acute and chronic effects of resistance and aerobic exercise on metabolism and the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neuromuscular systems.
- Demonstrate competency of the pathophysiology of various chronic diseases and explain the preventative and therapeutic effects of exercise.
- Design, manage, implement assessment and exercise prescriptions for athletic, healthy, and special populations through evidence-based practice.
- Create interventions to modify health behaviors utilizing theoretical frameworks.
- Explain biochemical components of exercise to help better assist exercise prescription and nutritional strategies for both athletes and recreationally active adults.
- Synthesize and disseminate scientific findings from thesis and practicum experiences.
- Apply theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom to practical experiences in clinical and/or applied settings.
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist
- Exercise Specialist
- Fitness Director
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist
- Researcher
- ACSM’s Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSP-EP)
- ACSM’s Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP)
- NSCA’s Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- NSCA’s Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS)
Admission Information
Requirements
The exercise science and sport performance degree requires the following materials to be submitted through our online application
- Recommended 3.0 or better GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Official transcripts from any/all college level work
- Three professional recommendations
- Current Resume
- Statement of Interest
- NH Residency Verification form (NH residents only)
Deadlines
Admission to the exercise science and sport performance degree is only available for the fall semester each year.
Fall 2025
June 1 priority/August 1 final
Fall 2026
April 15
*We suggest submitting your documentation at least two weeks prior to the posted date to ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed by the deadline.
2025-26 Estimated Graduate Per Credit Tuition and Mandatory Fees
| New Hampshire Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $599 | $44 | $643 | |
| CAGS | $641 | $44 | $685 | |
| EDD | $698 | $44 | $742 | |
| Out-of-State Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $830 | $44 | $874 | |
| CAGS | $802 | $44 | $846 | |
| EDD | $888 | $44 | $932 | |
More information is available through the Student Financial Services Office.
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of student loans only. You will need to complete the FAFSA at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester you wish to begin taking classes. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid – please review our international admission requirements to learn more.
More information can be found on the Student Financial Services website.
Each year, Plymouth State offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to admitted graduate students. Selection criteria include academic and professional achievements, commitment to graduate study, and achievement or pursuit of personal or professional goals. Visit the for additional information.
Explore Program Details
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ProfessorProgram Coordinator, Exercise & Sport PhysiologyEmail: rcarmichael@plymouth.eduPhone: (603) 535-3114
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Associate ProfessorProgram Coordinator, Allied Health Sciences; Athletic TrainingEmail: Aimee.Pascale@plymouth.eduPhone: (603) 535-2293
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