UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL · UNITED STATES
Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2Specializations: Exercise Physiology & Sport Administration
- 30-32Minimum Credit Hours Required
- Thesis requiredResearch Component
- Assistantships availableFunding and Experience
- Partnerships with UNC AthleticsPractical Experience
The Department of Exercise and Sport Science (EXSS) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a Master of Arts degree in Exercise and Sport Science. The program aims to advance knowledge in human movement to enhance individual and societal quality of life. It prepares students for careers as scientists, educators, and practitioners. Students can specialize in either Exercise Physiology or Sport Administration. The department emphasizes both in-depth knowledge and practical experience, fostering research involvement and offering opportunities for supervised assistantships and internships with various campus and local organizations. The Exercise Physiology specialization focuses on preparing students for research careers, biomedical industries, or the fitness/wellness sector. It provides advanced understanding of exercise physiology, research methodologies, and laboratory skills. The Sport Administration specialization is designed to equip students with the theory and practice needed for leadership roles, particularly in intercollegiate athletics. This track involves intensive coursework, hands-on experience with UNC Athletics, and a full-time internship. Both specializations require a minimum number of credit hours, with Sport Administration requiring 32. All students must complete a research thesis and successfully defend it. The department admits students for the Fall semester only and encourages a diverse applicant pool with backgrounds often in exercise science, kinesiology, or sport administration.
Curriculum
The Master of Arts degree program requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours, with the Sport Administration track requiring a minimum of 32 hours. Specific required courses are determined by faculty within each specialization. All students must complete a research thesis and defend it orally. Exercise Physiology students must also pass a written comprehensive exam, while Sport Administration students complete two capstone courses as an alternative.
- Year 1 (Sport Administration)
- Administration Coursework
- Economics/Finance Coursework
- Legal Issues Coursework
- Sport Marketing Coursework
- Governance and Compliance Coursework
- Research Methods/Statistical Analyses Coursework
- Sport Facility and Event Management Coursework
- Event-Operations Experiences with UNC Athletics
- Year 2 (Sport Administration)
- Full-time Internship in UNC Department of Athletics
- Capstone Course Sequence
- Research Thesis
Careers
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as scientists, educators, and practitioners in various fields related to human movement. Specific career paths often depend on the chosen specialization.
- Research careers in exercise physiology
- Biomedical industries
- Fitness/wellness industry
- Sport settings
- Hospital fitness centers or clinics
- Academic or industry research assistants/coordinators
- Biotechnology industry
- Leadership positions in intercollegiate athletics
- Athletic compliance and enforcement roles
Frequently asked questions
- What specializations are available in the Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science program?
- The program offers two specializations: Exercise Physiology, which prepares students for research careers and the biomedical or fitness/wellness industries, and Sport Administration, designed for leadership roles, particularly in intercollegiate athletics.
- What are the minimum credit hours required for the Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science?
- The Master of Arts degree program requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours. The Sport Administration track requires a minimum of 32 credit hours.
- Are there any specific prerequisite courses for the program?
- Yes, all students must have successfully completed an undergraduate statistics class. Advanced Placement (AP) credit in statistics does not fulfill this requirement.
- What is the research requirement for the Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science?
- All students must complete a research thesis and successfully defend it orally. Additionally, Exercise Physiology students must pass a written comprehensive exam, while Sport Administration students complete two capstone courses.
- How can I fund my studies in this program?
- The department offers Teaching and Research Assistantships to incoming students, which can help fund education. These roles may involve research, teaching, or assisting the athletic department.
- When does the program start and what is the application deadline?
- The department admits students for the Fall semester only. Specific application deadlines and admission notification timelines are not specified.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeStrong preference for degrees in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or Sport Administration/Management. However, the program is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Statistics PrerequisiteSuccessful completion of an undergraduate statistics class is mandatory for both specializations. Advanced Placement (AP) credit in statistics will not satisfy this requirement; only college-level courses taken are accepted.
Applicants seeking admission information pertaining to their specific area of specialization should visit the EXSS Graduate Program Admissions page on the department's website.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fee rates are determined by program, residency, and courses taken. Specific international tuition amounts are not provided on the program pages.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fee rates are determined by program, residency, and courses taken. Specific domestic tuition amounts are not provided on the program pages.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified.
Tuition and fee rates are assessed on a per-credit hour basis for graduate programs. Rates are set by the North Carolina legislature and approved annually. Students may use the tuition estimator tool on the University Cashier website for estimated costs.
How to apply
1. Review Program SpecializationsDecide whether to specialize in Exercise Physiology or Sport Administration, noting specific prerequisite coursework and experiences for each.
2. Check Prerequisite CourseworkEnsure you have completed an undergraduate statistics class. Advanced Placement (AP) credit does not fulfill this requirement.
3. Visit Department Admissions PageRefer to the EXSS Graduate Program Admissions page on the department's website for specific application instructions and requirements.
4. Consult Graduate School WebsiteVisit The Graduate School's website for general graduate admissions policies and procedures.
5. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose, as required by the department and Graduate School.
6. Submit ApplicationSubmit your application by the specified deadline for the Fall intake.
Scholarships
Teaching and Research AssistantshipsNot specified, but intended to help fund education
Frequently asked questions
What specializations are available in the Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science program?
+
The program offers two specializations: Exercise Physiology, which prepares students for research careers and the biomedical or fitness/wellness industries, and Sport Administration, designed for leadership roles, particularly in intercollegiate athletics.
What are the minimum credit hours required for the Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science?
+
The Master of Arts degree program requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours. The Sport Administration track requires a minimum of 32 credit hours.
Are there any specific prerequisite courses for the program?
+
Yes, all students must have successfully completed an undergraduate statistics class. Advanced Placement (AP) credit in statistics does not fulfill this requirement.
What is the research requirement for the Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science?
+
All students must complete a research thesis and successfully defend it orally. Additionally, Exercise Physiology students must pass a written comprehensive exam, while Sport Administration students complete two capstone courses.
How can I fund my studies in this program?
+
The department offers Teaching and Research Assistantships to incoming students, which can help fund education. These roles may involve research, teaching, or assisting the athletic department.
When does the program start and what is the application deadline?
+
The department admits students for the Fall semester only. Specific application deadlines and admission notification timelines are not specified.