Master of Science - Exercise Physiology

Plan Description

The Master of Science – Exercise Physiology is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the physiological effects of exercise on the human body. The program also emphasizes the effect of regular exercise on adults and offers students experience in conducting physical fitness evaluations, and exercise testing. In addition, the graduate is prepared for entrance into a doctoral program in exercise physiology.

The program emphasizes academic preparation in exercise physiology, laboratory experience, knowledge of research methodology, and statistics. Students must complete a thesis in the general area of exercise physiology.

For more information about your program including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

Students are admitted in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Applicants for admission must have an undergraduate major in kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, athletic training, biology, nutrition, or a related academic discipline.

Applicants must have a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 (A=4.0), or 3.00 (A=4.0) in the last two years. The Graduate Record Examination must be taken prior to applying. Successful applicants generally have a 3.00 undergraduate grade point average and a combined score of 300 on verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE and higher than 3.5 on the analytical section

Interested applicants must send the following information to the Graduate College:

1. A completed application for graduate studies.
2. Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended.

Interested applicants must upload the following information into the Grad Rebel Gateway system:

1. Copies of all transcripts sent to the Graduate College.
2. Official GRE scores.
3. A letter of intent that addresses: Reason(s) for wishing to earn an advanced degree. Motivation for attending UNLV. Summary of educational goals. Summary of research activities and interests. Possible faculty mentors.
4. Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic record and potential for graduate study.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

Total Required Credits: 33

Course Requirements 

Required Courses – Credits: 12

NUTR 605 - Advanced Sports Nutrition 

KIN 738 - Human Physiology 

KIN 739 - Evaluation of Physical Working Capacity 

KIN 740 - Advanced Exercise Physiology 

Research Courses – Credits: 6

KIN 750 - Research Methods 

KIN 751 - Selected Application of Statistical Techniques I 

Elective Courses – Credits: 9

Complete 9 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework.

Thesis –Credits: 6

KIN 749 - Thesis 

Degree Requirements 

1. Completion of a minimum of 33 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
2. In consultation with his/her advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.

Plan Graduation Requirements

1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.
2. The student must submit and successfully defend his/her thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
3. Student must submit his/her approved, properly formatted hard-copy thesis to the Graduate College, and submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest by the posted deadline.