Health, Kinesiology & Sports Studies (MS)
Exercise Science Emphasis
Unlock the potential of the human body. Your journey in exercise science starts here.
- Offered Hybrid Online in Commerce.
- 2 years
- 36 credit hours
- Thesis and non-thesis options available
- No foreign language credits required
Be a Voice for Fitness and Well-Being
Our advanced degree is designed for those of you passionate about understanding the intricate relationship between human movement and overall health. Throughout the program, you will delve into cutting-edge research and practical applications that can assist you in a dynamic career in exercise physiology, sports performance enhancement and beyond.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
With a master’s degree in exercise science concentration, you can pursue roles like exercise physiologist, fitness trainer or rehabilitation specialist in hospitals, fitness centers or corporate wellness programs. Your skills will help transform health and performance!
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
A master’s in health, kinesiology and sports studies with an exercise science concentration equips you for careers in exercise physiology, fitness training and rehabilitation. Our program blends classroom courses and practical experience to prepare you for promoting health and creating effective exercise programs.
What Will I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Kinesiology Principles
Study the mechanics of human movement to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
Exercise Testing and Assessment
Gain proficiency in evaluating fitness levels through various assessment techniques.
Sports Psychology
Investigate psychological factors affecting performance and learning techniques to enhance mental resilience and focus.
Taking Classes
Our flexible programs are designed for working professionals. Courses often rotate each semester, so be sure to check out the course catalog and schedule of classes for more details about what’s currently being offered.
Designed for your life
Whether you are a full- or part-time student, you can complete the program at your own pace. Please check the schedule of classes for locations and times. Locations and times are subject to change.
Online and Face-to-Face
Our exercise science program is 60% online and 40% face-to-face. The face-to-face courses are in the Nursing and Health Sciences building on the main campus in Commerce. You can take courses in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
Curriculum
You’ll complete core courses in exercise science, covering sports conditioning, exercise in health and disease, advanced exercise physiology, fitness testing, and exercise prescription. Support courses allow for specialization in areas like biomechanics, cardiopulmonary physiology, and nutrition.
Our program offers two distinct pathways to match your academic and professional aspirations:
Thesis
This track is tailored for those of you aiming to pursue research-oriented careers or doctoral studies. It includes core courses in statistical procedures, research methods, sociology of sport, sports psychology, and global health issues, alongside specialized exercise science courses such as sports conditioning, exercise in health and disease, advanced exercise physiology, and fitness testing and exercise prescriptions. You will also complete a thesis project.
Non-Thesis
This track is designed for those seeking practitioner roles in exercise. Like the thesis track, it encompasses core and specialized coursework but replaces the thesis requirement with internship experience and additional support courses.
Both tracks provide a strong foundation in exercise science, but your choice should consider whether you’re more interested in research and data-driven analysis (Thesis Track) or practical application in professional settings (Internship Track).
Internships
Hands-On Experience and Career Preparation
Our program offers internships, research, and applied learning opportunities. This will help equip you with the skills to assess, design and implement evidence-based exercise interventions. Graduates should be prepared for careers in sports science, clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning and rehabilitation.
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support, and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from different backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Vipa Bernhardt, Ph.D., OLY
Faculty
Michael Oldham, Ph.D.
Faculty
Sarah Mitchell, Ph.D.
FacultyI’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You will be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Admission Process
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Health, Kinesiology & Sport Studies, MS” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
In 1-2 pages, describe your background, goals and desired concentration: Athletic Administration, Exercise Science, Sport Management or Sports Coaching.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
- Request two recommenders to complete the recommendation form attesting to the applicant's readiness, academic performance, and ability to succeed in the program.
- Please email completed forms to the Graduate School.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
Deadlines
Fall admission consideration: May 15
Spring admission consideration: October 15
Summer admission consideration: March 15
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Health, Kinesiology & Sport Studies, MS” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $75 application fee
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- After you submit your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email within two business days to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accept evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
In 1-2 pages, describe your background, goals and desired concentration: Athletic Administration, Exercise Science, Sport Management or Sports Coaching.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
- Request two recommenders to complete the recommendation form attesting to the applicant's readiness, academic performance, and ability to succeed in the program.
- Please email completed forms to the Graduate School.
Submit these documents to the Office of International Programs once you have been admitted
- Official sponsor statement
- Bank statement from the sponsor with a balance of at least $26,025 USD which is less than 1 year old
See the Office of International Program's “Confirmation of Financial Resource” for more details.
You do not need to submit test scores if you have completed (all years) of a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited university in the United States.
Request that your scores from one of the following be sent to East Texas A&M University:
- TOEFL (Minimum Scores: IBT 79, or CBT 213, or PBT 550)
- IELTS (Minimum Score: 6.00 band overall)
- PTE (Minimum Score: 53 overall or higher)
- Duo Lingo (Minimum Score: 105)
*Scores must be less than two years old.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Health and Human Performance
- 903.886.5549
- [email protected]