Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science
The Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science (MS-ENS) prepares students to work in the sport performance industry, government, business and in education as a practitioner on a professional interdisciplinary team. It is for those individuals seeking a terminal degree as well as those students seeking a strong foundation for further study and research. The program of study provides for three entry points throughout the academic year, and courses are scheduled to provide an efficient timeline to degree completion for full-time students. Students are provided experiential learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom and will be prepared for both the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) examinations, the premier certifications in strength and conditioning and sports nutrition, upon graduation if they choose to pursue certification.
Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance
The Department of Health Sciences and Human Performance offers a unique learning environment. The engaged faculty, stimulating coursework and hands-on learning opportunities enable students to be highly competitive in the job market or if pursuing further education in the discipline.
Faculty
Professor Sturgill; Associate Professors Andersen, De Souza, Tamulevicius; Assistant Professor Walters.
Admission Standards
Admission to the program is competitive and requires a baccalaureate degree in a related field, such as health science, nutrition, exercise science or kinesiology from a regionally accredited college or university.
General Admission Requirements
Students may be accepted on a current undergraduate transcript, pending college graduation. All students will be reviewed prior to admission to the program and admitted based on the following criteria:
- Completed application.
- Official transcripts of all previous college work received directly from each institution.
- Two professional reference forms completed by individuals who attest to the applicant's professional background and academic potential.
- Résumé.
- Personal statement.
- Individual interviews are recommended and may be requested.
- Completed bachelor’s degree in a related field (health sciences, nutrition, etc).
- Recommended undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Consent to background check if required by a practicum site position.
- Completion of the following pre-requisite courses: Exercise Physiology, Anatomy/Physiology, Exercise Testing and Prescription, Nutrition, Statistics/Research Methods. Only courses with a grade of "C" or better will be accepted.
Students who have not completed pre-requisite coursework will be reviewed and then wait-listed, pending successful completion of pre-requisite coursework.
M.S. in Exercise and Nutrition Science Guaranteed Admission
Students and alumni who have earned a bachelor’s degree in an approved area from UT with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 will be guaranteed admission to the M.S. in Exercise and Nutrition Science provided other stated requirements are satisfied. The approved undergraduate areas are:
• Human Performance
• Allied Health
• Public Health
• Physical Education
• Athletic Training
The admissions application fee, interview, reference forms and TOEFL requirements are waived. Students must submit a resume’ and personal statement and complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better:
• Exercise Physiology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Exercise Testing and Prescription
• Nutrition
• Statistics or Research Methods
The guaranteed admission opportunity recognizes the exceptional quality of UT’s academic programs, and the University’s mission to support continuing education and professional growth.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Students with a related baccalaureate degree may be permitted to take up to two graduate-level courses upon approval by the program director. Non-degree seeking students are permitted to take classes only on a space-available basis, with priority registration going to current degree seeking students. Those interested must apply to the University as a non-degree seeking student. Being granted permission to take classes as a non-degree seeking student does not assure admission into the MS-ENS program. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for University or federal financial aid. International students are not eligible for non-degree seeking student status.
Post-Master’s Admission
A student with a previously earned master’s degree may apply for admission to the program with the written permission of the program director.
Advising
Each student will be assigned to the program director or one of the program faculty for advising purposes pertaining to class selection and professional guidance. For matters related to registration, withdrawal and other administrative issues, students should contact their advisor in the Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies.
Program and Course Requirements
Satisfactory completion of the MS-ENS curriculum requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of graduate work, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and no more than one grade of "C". Students who fall below a 3.0 GPA are placed on academic probation and will have an 8 credit probationary period in which to raise their grades to a 3.0 GPA. Students failing to do so will be dismissed from the program. No grade below a "C" will be accepted towards a graduate degree. Students must earn "Satisfactory" in Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory courses. Any course resulting in a second grade of "C", a grade below a "C", or "Unsatisfactory" must be repeated for credit, and any course may be repeated only one time.
A student is allowed seven years from the time graduate work begins, whether at UT or elsewhere, in which to complete the degree. Under certain circumstances, the student, with approval from the program director, may retake outdated courses.
Degree-Requirements
Master of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science Course Requirements List
| ESC 605 | Dimensions of Strength Training | 3 |
| ESC 607 | Exercise and Nutrition Science Theory | 3 |
| ESC 625 | Exercise and Nutrition Laboratory Techniques | 2 |
| ESC 615 | Physiology and Energetics of Exercise | 3 |
| ESC 617 | Current Perspectives in Exercise Science | 3 |
| HSC 608 | Research Methods in Health Science | 3 |
| HSC 618 | Professional Issues and the Practitioner | 3 |
| HSC 635 | Special Topics in Exercise and Nutrition Science | 3 |
| HSC 637 | Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| HSC 627 | Sports Supplements and Ergogenic Aids | 3 |
| HSC 690 | Practicum | 1-3 |
| HSC 699 | Comprehensive Exam | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 33 |
Comprehensive Examination
A written comprehensive examination must be passed by every MS-ENS student to graduate. The exam may be repeated two times. The exam requires students integrate and apply material acquired from all previous courses. The exam can only be taken by MS-ENS students who have successfully completed the required coursework in good academic standing. The exam must be completed in a semester following the last semester of examinable coursework.
Practicum Component
The practicum component of the degree is offered in the fall term, 12-week summer term, and the spring term depending upon practicum sponsor availability and student schedules. The practicum provides students experiential opportunities outside of the classroom by working with local, regional and national organizations. The 3 credit hour practicum/internship may be undertaken simultaneously with the student’s coursework.
Graduate Certificate in Sports Nutrition
The Gradate Certificate in Sports Nutrition prepares students for careers with an interest in sports nutrition. The 9-credit hour program covers topics related to basic sports nutrition, sports supplements, and ergogenic aids, in addition to current perspectives in nutrition. Completion of the certificate would help to prepare students to take the International Society of Sports Nutrition Certified Sports Nutritionist Exam. Students may also consider a full Master’s of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science.
Admission Requirements:
• Completed Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Recommended 3.0 or above GPA
• Resume and recommendation letters
• Pre-requisite courses:
Anatomy/Physiology or Exercise Physiology, Basic Nutrition
Certificate Requirements
Graduate Certificate in Sports Nutrition Course Requirements List:
| HSC 637 | Sports Nutrition | 3 |
| HSC 627 | Sports Supplements and Ergogenic Aids | 3 |
| HSC 635 | Special Topics in Exercise and Nutrition Science | 3 |
| or | |
| ESC 607 | Exercise and Nutrition Science Theory | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Total Credit Hours: 33