Program Description
The graduate program in Exercise Science and Sport Studies provides students the opportunity to engage in advanced study in the general field of exercise science and sport, and to enhance proficiency in an area of concentration. Concentrations are offered in Exercise Science and Sport Administration. In addition to 12-15 semester hours in the selected concentration, students take 9-15 credits in an area of specialization and/or department electives. Additionally, students complete a course in research methods and choose between an internship or research project to satisfy their culminating experience. Graduate classes are typically held in the evening, many of which in a hybrid format with a mix of in-person class meetings and online work. Classes held on campus take place in fully mediated classrooms in University Hall. Additionally, the department has a state of the art Human Performance Laboratory for learning activities and research related to exercise physiology, biomechanics and motor learning.
The concentration in Exercise Science is designed to cultivate knowledge in specialized and applied areas of exercise physiology and biomechanics. Students may elect to take additional coursework in exercise programming, cardiac rehabilitation, neuromotor physiology, coaching techniques and sport psychology. Graduates of the Exercise Science concentration may pursue careers in health fitness, strength and conditioning, clinical exercise physiology and more advanced graduate study.
The concentration in Sport Administration is designed to cultivate knowledge and skills needed to work in various facets of the sport industry. The program features a strong core in Sport Administration with options to take additional coursework in Athletic Administration (for those seeking the Supervisory Certificate), Coaching, and Sport Business. Graduates of the Sport Administration concentration may pursue careers as directors of athletics in interscholastic sport, sport coaches, or managers for a professional sport team (sales, marketing, facilities, event coordinator, guest relations), or embark on more advanced graduate study.
Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the basic admission requirements for graduate study at Montclair State University. Additionally, applicants for the concentration in Exercise Science must have a bachelor’s degree with evidence of coursework in anatomy and physiology, physiology of exercise, and kinesiology (or biomechanics). Students lacking adequate preparation may be required to take additional coursework at the undergraduate level, as a prerequisite to full matriculation in the master’s program. There are no prerequisites for entry into the concentration in Sport Administration. The application process is conducted on a rolling admission basis with interested candidates submitting an online application, statement of objectives (essay), undergraduate transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and application fee. Completion of the GRE is not required for this program.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistantships are designed to provide financial support and research opportunities for graduate students while they pursue their degree. Graduate Assistants aid one or more faculty mentors in their research or other assigned work and are expected to be highly available. All Graduate Assistants are required to provide 20 hours of service per week (September-June) including during academic breaks and attend weekly seminars. Graduate Assistants must be accepted into the degree program by the Graduate School, and be selected through the Graduate Assistant application process within the Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education. To initiate the departmental Graduate Assistant application process click the link below. It is recommended that you become familiar with the research conducted within the department by contacting the department faculty and by reviewing the program website. To have the best chance of being selected as a Graduate Assistant it is suggested to have all application materials, including application to the graduate school, completed by March 15th for the following academic year.
For more information about the program please contact:
Dr. Michele M. Fisher
Telephone: (973) 655-7120
Email: fisherm@montclair.edu