Exercise Science Overview

Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Exercise Science, Fitness and Wellness

Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Exercise Science, Fitness and Wellness serves several purposes that can enhance qulity of life in West virginia Graduates of this program will be able to educate persons in the region on how to live a healthier and more rewarding lifestyle and a longer life, particularly given the current issures with fitness and obesity in the state. Persons entering this program range from public school teachers/coaches who want to advance their knowledge of Exercise Physiology, to professionals who coach and train, to graduates of related undergraduate programs seeking advanced study. This M.Ed. prepares graduates to become practitioners within are athletics programs, exercise/fitness centers, hospital wellness programs, corporate fitness/wellness programs, rehabilitation centers, and allied health careers.

The program also provides a resource to the state and region by creating and expanding opportunities in the following ways:

• Meeting the increase in need for exercise scientists/wellness specialists with baccalaureate degrees;
• Providing an option for graduate study for Fairmont State undergraduate majors in Exercise Science as well as those seeking a practitioner-based graduate option from other area institutions in area; and,
• Expanding options and opportunities in clinical preparation in regiion for people already working in the Exercise Science, Fitness and Wellness fields.

Professional who would benefit from this M.Ed.

• Area teachers and coaches could pursue this degree in order to:
  • Increase their knowledge of health and fitness/wellness;
  • Improve their teaching and impact on youth and West Virginia's current obesity problem;
• Exercise science undergrads interested graduate study;
• Athletic trainers at the high school and collegiate levels; and,
• Current and future teachers & college coaches;
• Futue PT/OT/PA students; and
• Professionals choosing a new career path

This program will prepare students for:

• Cardiac rehab
• Workplace/community wellness
• PT/OT/PA school
• Strength and conditioning
• Pursue further graduate education

Program Outcomes

Candidates completing the Masters in Education will develop the kowledge, skills and dispositions to:

• Determine appropriate tests and administer exercise testing and interpret results for both healthy and unhealthy populations;
• Design appropriate exercise programs based on test results for both healthy and unhealthy populations;
• Advance understanding among adult, child and professional practitioner populations of the physiological adaptations to chronic exercise;
• Read, interpret and apply research within the field of fitness & wellness/ercise seicence;
• Engage in research that advances the knowledge base of and improves practice in Exercise Science, Fitness and wellness applications; and,
• Enhanced knowledge for further education within the general field of Health & Human Performance.

Admissions Criteria

• A degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a 2.75 overall GPA (out of 4.0)
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Official GRE score
• Three letters of recommendation
• C or above in Anatomy & Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics
  If these courses have not been taken (but applicant has a college degree) applicant can take some graduate classes but must take these undergraduate classes prior to taking the graduate equivalents (i.e. graduate Exercise Phisiology, Advanced Strength and Conditioning, etc.)
• Conditional Appceptance Criteria: Conditional Acceptance may be granted if students meet some but not all acceptance criteria. Student must attain and maintain 3.0 at completion of 1st year to attain unconditional status.

Graduate Requirements

Comprehensive Examination must be passed or thesis must be completed for completion of the M.Ed. in Exercise Science.

Comprehensive Exams are commonly taken during the last semester of enrollment

Program of Study