Master of Science

Physical Education

Specialization in Exercise Science

Central to Inspiring Bodies in Motion.

The MS in Physical Education: Exercise Science at CCSU gives you the skills and knowledge to build rewarding careers in athletic training, strength & conditioning, health & fitness institutions, clinical settings, and/or academia. Our graduates work in high school and college athletic departments, private fitness facilities, community health organizations, corporate fitness programs, and colleges/universities nationwide. 

Program Features

  • Starts every January, May (even years only), and August 
  • 30-credit program 
  • Attend full- or part-time  
  • Classes offered in the evenings on campus 
  • Option for independent study enabling hands-on professional or clinical experience 
  • Mentorship from educators nationally recognized in their field and dedicated to teaching and research 
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities to conduct research, develop science-based exercise programs, analyze data, and hone skills learned in the classroom 
  • Financial aid is available 
  • No GMAT/GRE required 

 

- Kris Ihde, MS ’20

My biomechanical experience in operating a 3-Dimensional (3D) motion capture system and research interests have been fostered by my professional experience at CCSU working with college athletes. Thus, I believe that my combined experience as a S&C specialist and biomechanist at CCSU have prepared me to be an effective Strength & Conditioning Coach. My role in the Dr. Capitao Biomechanics Laboratory Classroom combined my responsibilities as a S&C specialist and a biomechanist to develop a better understanding of factors that influence patient and athlete performance, and the risk of injury in participants with the use of 3D Motion.

- Kris Ihde, MS ’20

Did You Know?

Central Connecticut State University is one of only 280 universities and colleges globally to be recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine® for initiating Exercise is Medicine® to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health on campus. To learn more about Exercise is Medicine®, visit exerciseismedicine.org. 

What You'll Gain

  • Ability to design and assess the effectiveness of exercise and health programs 
  • Skills to interpret research and apply biomechanical, physiological, and other theories 
  • Knowledge of theoretical and practical skills and the tools to apply them in real-world settings 
  • Preparation to conduct advanced research from the fundamental cellular level, as well as applied research leading to enhanced physical performance 
  • Hands-on classroom experience in our state-of-the-art Exercise Physiology laboratory equipped with: 
    • BOD POD Gold Standard Body Composition Tracking System for fast, accurate and safe body composition analysis 
    • Electronically controlled Monark Wingate Cycle Ergometer for anaerobic power test 
    • Parvo Medics Metabolic Gas Exchange system configured to a treadmill and cycle ergometer to evaluate oxygen consumption during running and cycling  
  • Hands-on classroom experience in state-of-the-art Dr. Capitao Biomechanics Laboratory Classroom equipped with: 
    • BTS Bioengineering SMART Performance 3D motion capture system combined with in-ground force plates and wireless electromyography designed for gait analysis, evaluation of sport-specific mechanics to improve athletic/sports performance and implementation of rehabilitative/preventative strategies for musculoskeletal injuries  
    • Inertial Load Cycle Ergometer built in-house to evaluate maximum concentric cycling power and surrogate measure of muscle fiber type distribution 
    • Eccentric cycle ergometer built in-house as a training and rehabilitative training modality to improve muscular strength and/or power 

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