UMass Boston

Exercise & Health Sciences MS

Request Info

Loading...

Become an EHS professional who makes the world a healthier place.

UMass Boston's Exercise and Health Sciences Master's program provides you with the unique opportunity to learn knowledge regarding exercise science and physical activity-related health promotion in a diverse urban and multicultural environment. This course of study enhances the career growth potential of our students, whether they choose to apply their knowledge and skills for pursuit of an advanced degree, a research-related career, or a professional position in the health field (e.g., exercise physiologist, worksite wellness director). You will also be encouraged early in the program to choose a faculty mentor with whom you wish to study.

Emerge from this program prepared to:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge in Exercise Physiology and/or Physical Activity and Health
  • Apply statistical and research skills to identify, synthesize, and critically evaluate scientific literature in the field of Exercise Physiology and/or Physical Activity and Health
  • Design and manage physical fitness assessment or exercise prescription and interventions for promoting exercise, physical activity, and health in different populations
  • Translate knowledge acquired in the classroom to actual practice (e.g., research labs, clinical settings)
  • Synthesize and disseminate scientific findings through thesis or capstone projects
  • Demonstrate leadership to promote physical activity and improve health in diverse populations

Career Possibilities

Work in a clinical or research setting to assess patients’ fitness levels and and design programs tailored to their needs as an exercise physiologist. Improve the lives of a corporation’s employees as a health and wellness coordinator. Or, focus on the health and wellbeing of entire communities as a health promotion specialist. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

  • Exercise physiologist
  • Corporate Wellness Specialist
  • Health Promoter
  • Personal Trainer
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Researcher in academia, industry or government

Download the Exercise & Health Sciences MS Fact Sheet.

Attend An Info Session   Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

  • A completed application form
  • A two-part personal statement
    • Part one: The applicant’s reasons for wishing to pursue graduate study (at least 300 words)
    • Part two: The applicant’s specific interests and the kind of work they wish to pursue in the field. The applicant should indicate which option (Thesis or Non-Thesis) they may select to complete the program
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended
  • Two references
  • TOEFL scores, if applicable (UMass Boston's institution code is 3924)
  • Résumé

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: February 1 (priority) and June 15 (final) for fall

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website.

Graduate Assistantship Information: The EHS Department offers two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantship (TA) and Research Assistantship (RA). TAs primarily work with faculty instructors who teach undergraduate classes. RAs are generally offered by a specific faculty member who has active research fundings and students primarily work with the specific faculty member on their research projects.

For RAs, it is highly recommended to reach out directly to individual faculty to determine if their research interests match with yours and if there is an opening for a graduate student. Please also include the faculty member who you would like to work with in your personal statement for your application.

Curriculum

Core Courses (12 Credits)

  • EHS 630 - Advanced Health Fitness and Nutrition Assessment 3 Credit(s)
  • EHS 655 - Advanced Physical Activity and Health 3 Credit(s)
  • EHS 685 - Applied Exercise Physiology 3 Credit(s)
  • NURSNG 760 - Introduction to Biostatistics: Biostatistics I 3 Credit(s)

Thesis or Non-Thesis Option

Exercise and Health Sciences Thesis Option

Option Courses (9 Credits)

  • EHS 625L - Quantitative Research Methods 3 Credit(s)
  • EHS 690 - Proposal Development 3 Credit(s)
  • EHS 699 - Thesis 3-6 Credit(s)

Elective (3 Credits)

Take one course chosen with guidance and approval from a faculty advisor affiliated with your concentration.

Exercise and Health Sciences Non-Thesis Option

Option Courses (9 Credits)

  • EHS 635 - Project and Program Management in Health Promotion 3 Credit(s)
  • EHS 650 - Obesity and Weight Management 3 Credit(s)
  • EHS 698 - Practicum 3 Credit(s)

Electives (6 Credits)

Take two courses chosen with guidance and approval from a faculty advisor affiliated with your concentration.

Concentration

Applied Exercise Physiology Concentration

Concentration Courses (6 Credits)

  • EHS 680 - Clinical Exercise Physiology 3 Credit(s)
  • EHS 682 - Exercise Metabolism 3 Credit(s)

Physical Activity and Health Promotion Concentration

Concentration Courses (6 Credits)

  • EHS 656 - Advanced Nutrition and Health 3 Credit(s)
  • EHS 670 - Designing Exercise and Health Promotion Interventions 3 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 30 to 33 credits from ten to eleven courses including four core courses and six to seven courses in one of the options below.

Thesis option -three option courses, two concentration courses, and one elective.
Non-thesis option - three option courses, two concentration courses, and two electives.

Concentration: Select a concentration in applied exercise physiology or physical activity and health promotion.
Capstone: Completion of a thesis or a practicum project.

Statute of limitations: Five years.

Contact

Graduate Program Director Kai Zou
kai.zou [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7282

Program Assistant Amanda Spencer
amanda.spencer [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7594

Exercise & Health Sciences Graduate Programs
gradehs@umb.edu

Trainer opening oval door on piece of fitness equipment.

Exercise & Health Sciences

Learn more about UMass Boston's Exercise & Health Sciences department, our research, and our faculty.

Explore the Department of Exercise & Health Sciences
Nursing students in scrubs take a seminar.

Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Explore Now