Master of Science in Wellness & Movement Sciences

Wellness & Movement Sciences
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About

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN WELLNESS AND MOVEMENT SCIENCES

The Master of Science in Wellness and Movement Sciences (MS in WAMS) degree is a graduate-level program that offers students the opportunity to advance their knowledge related to the field of exercise science or sports and recreation administration.

The MS in WAMS with a concentration in Exercise Science is designed for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of sport and exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology. Students have access to a well-equipped human performance laboratory that includes a 6-camera 3-D motion analysis system, in-ground and portable force plates, EMG software, metabolic system, BOD POD, and ECG software. Students who complete this concentration have pursued careers in strength and conditioning, clinical exercise physiology, academia, and further graduate studies.

The MS in WAMS with a concentration in Sports and Recreation Administration is designed for students with career interests in the management, administration, and operations of sports and recreation. Many of our students collaborate with various aspects of EWU Athletics, as well as semi-professional and professional sport organizations and facilities in the region. Our recreation program also houses a state-of-the-art high rope and challenge course. Students who graduate with this degree have secured careers as administrators with professional sports, collegiate sport coaches, program coordinators in recreation, academics, and continued their education in graduate studies.

In both programs, students gain valuable experiential education with community-engaged learning, practical labs, and professional internships. Students also have the opportunity to engage in, and present, research at regional, national, and international conferences in their respective fields. Students are supported by a dedicated group of faculty with a wealth of professional and academic experiences, who value a student-centered approach to learning. Faculty are also involved in a variety of research projects that students commonly collaborate with, as well as holding professional roles in their specific fields such as work with the Spokane Indians, Spokane Chiefs, American College of Sports Medicine, National Athletic Training Association, National Recreation and Park Association, and Spokane Parks and Recreation. More information about our faculty can be found here.

For more information, contact Dr. Katie Taylor, Graduate Program Director at ktaylor31@ewu.edu or 509.359.4539.

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Curriculum & Requirements

Wellness and Movement Sciences, Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science degree in Wellness and Movement Sciences, prepares students for a diverse array of careers in areas including athletic administration, coaching, directing fitness facilities and programs in a variety of settings. Additionally, the degree is applicable to those students interested in pursuing advanced graduate studies in related areas. This program provides an opportunity for students to focus on Exercise Science or Sports and Recreation Administration. All students are required to take a basic core of courses and then select a specialization track in Exercise Science or Sports and Recreation Administration. The Exercise Science track requires a thesis, and the Sports and Recreation Administration track has the option of a thesis, research report or written examination to complete the degree. Students may select from two tracks: Exercise Science or Sports and Recreation Administration.

Note: each student must successfully complete one of two options: a thesis or other research project; or a written examination, before a MS in WAMS degree is awarded.

Prerequisites

Applicants for both tracks must complete a 300- or 400-level statistics or biostatistics course with a grade of ≥B (3.0) in order to continue past the first quarter of this program. The course must include basic probability concepts, organizing and summarizing data, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, simple linear regression and correlation, and analysis of variance. In addition, the Exercise Science track requires the student to complete an Anatomical or Physiological Kinesiology series with a grade of ≥B (3.0), and complete a series in Anatomy and Physiology. Also recommended is a course in Mechanical Kinesiology or Physics.

Exercise Science

Required Core
PHED 500INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDIES1
PHED 505CURRENT ISSUES AND ETHICS3
PHED 517SURVEY RESEARCH3
PHED 518REVIEW OF LITERATURE3
PHED 519STATISTICS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION3
PHED 520RESEARCH METHODS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION3
Approved Electives 11-14
Required Exercise Science Courses
EXSC 580NUTRITION IN SPORT AND EXERCISE3
PHED 550ADVANCED BIOMECHANICS3
PHED 555ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGY OF EXERCISE3
PHED 556ADVANCED CLINICAL EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY3
PHED 557TRAINING, PLANNING AND PERIODIZATION3
PHED 600THESIS (1-9)9
Total Credits51-54

Sports and Recreation Administration

Required Core Courses
PHED 500INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE STUDIES1
PHED 505CURRENT ISSUES AND ETHICS3
PHED 517SURVEY RESEARCH3
PHED 518REVIEW OF LITERATURE3
PHED 519STATISTICS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION3
PHED 520RESEARCH METHODS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION3
Approved Electives 11-14
Sports and Recreation Administration Courses
PHED 507ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION3
PHED 522RISK MANAGEMENT: SPORT AND SCHOOL LAW3
PHED 524SPORTS MARKETING3
PHED 525FACILITIES PLANNING, OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT3
PHED 600THESIS9
or PHED 601 RESEARCH REPORT
or PHED 602
& PHED 695		 COMPREHENSIVE PREPARATION
and INTERNSHIP
Total Credits48-51

Catalog Listing

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully earn a Master of Science in Wellness and Movement Sciences from EWU should be able to do the following:

  • demonstrate familiarity with the scholarly publications, primary written works, professional organizations and certification/licensure requirements of their specialization;
  • design, conduct and report scholarly work;
  • discuss advanced topics in their area of specialization with an appropriate level of knowledge and application of critical thinking;
  • investigate ideas and complete professional tasks as a member of a team.

Admission Requirements

  • Prospective students should hold a baccalaureate degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
  • GRE scores are not required.
  • Prospective students must meet the general graduate requirements.

Requirements for the Exercise Science Emphasis

  • Anatomical or Physiological Kinesiology series with a grade > 3.0;
  • Statistics (300- or 400-level) course with a grade > 3.0;
  • Anatomy and Physiology series;
  • Recommended: a course in Mechanical Kinesiology or Physics.

Requirements for the Sports & Recreation Administration Emphasis

  • Statistics (300 or 400 level) course with a grade > 3.0

Admission Process

Applications for the 2023-24 school year have closed. The priority deadline for 2024-25 applications will be February 9, 2024 with an application closing date of April 5, 2024.

Complete the EWU Graduate School Application. You will be asked to provide the following:

  1. A transcript showing you meet the course requirements for admission
  2. Three names and email addresses for references
  3. A statement outlining your research experience, as well as potential areas of research interest. You will have a 1000 character limit.

Students are admitted for fall quarter only; requests for admittance in other academic quarters are discouraged. All communication from the Department of Wellness and Movement Sciences will be via email so please ensure your email address is accurate in our systems.