Program Overview
The Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences (HPSS) at Tennessee State University (TSU) is dedicated to preparing competent leaders in society while focusing on promoting quality living, excellence in teaching, and service within the fields of health, exercise, and sport.
Exercise Science
This program is designed for individuals interested in applying scientific approaches to the training of athletes at all levels (recreational, high school, college, professional). It also caters to those looking to work in fitness/athletic enhancement centers. Areas of study include physiology, psychology, epidemiology, special populations, aging and wellness, and sports nutrition. Graduates are prepared for careers in community physical fitness entities (public, private, corporate, commercial, clinical settings), and for advanced degree work in exercise physiology, physical therapy, and other health fields.
Program Outcomes
All graduate candidates will be able to:
- collect, analyze, and interpret data.
- communicate ideas clearly in oral, written speech, and hands-on modalities.
- prepare independent research projects for the appropriate field.
- gain knowledge, skills, and abilities to become leaders in their selected field of study.
Admission Requirements
Unconditional admission to the program requires the applicant to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Conditional admission may be gained with a lower grade point average, but the GRE or MAT score must be correspondingly higher. The student must remove conditional status by earning at least a B (3.0) average in the first nine hours of graduate courses; failure to achieve this average will result in withdrawal from the program. Candidacy cannot be attained until the full requirements for unconditional admission are met.
Important Dates
Key application deadlines or important dates related to program start dates.
Program Duration
The program typically requires 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on whether the student is enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis.
Transfer of Credits
Guidelines for the transfer of credits from other institutions, including eligibility and evaluation criteria.
Degree Requirements
The M.S. degree requires a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of study including nine (9) hours of Major Core Courses, and nine (9) hours of Concentration Core Courses, and internship three (3) credit hours. The remaining hours are guided electives chosen from the selected concentration with the consent of the HPSS academic advisor.
- Students who elect to write a thesis or project are encouraged to enroll in HPSS 5120 or HPSS 6020 at least one semester prior to the semester in which they intend to complete work for the degree.
- Students who choose the non-thesis option must pass a comprehensive oral examination prior to graduation.
- Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better to remain in good standing.
Accreditation Information
The program is currently not accredited by any recognized accrediting body.
Career Opportunities
For graduates of the M.S. in Exercise Science program, potential career paths include:
- Clinical Exercise Physiologist: Working in hospitals or rehabilitation centers to design exercise programs for individuals with chronic diseases, injuries, or heart conditions.
- Strength and Conditioning Coach: Training athletes at various levels (collegiate, professional, high school) to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and optimize physical capabilities.
- Performance Enhancement Specialist: Focusing on maximizing athletic performance through tailored exercise and nutrition programs.
- Wellness Director/Coordinator: Developing and managing health and wellness programs for corporate, community, or university settings.
- Personal Trainer/Fitness Director: Designing and implementing personalized exercise plans for individuals or groups in gyms, private studios, or wellness centers.
- Sports Nutrition Specialist: Advising athletes and active individuals on dietary strategies to support performance and recovery.
- Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist: Assisting patients with heart or lung conditions in regaining physical function through supervised exercise.
- Researcher or Academic: Conducting studies in exercise science, human performance, or biomechanics, often in university or research lab settings.
- Pathway to Further Education: The degree also serves as a strong foundation for doctoral studies (Ph.D.) or for pursuing professional degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other allied health professions.
- Benefits of the Exercise Science Degree: This degree offers a deeper understanding of human physiology and performance, equipping graduates with evidence-based practices to design effective interventions. It enhances professional credibility, opens doors to higher-level positions, and provides specialized training that can lead to increased earning potential and leadership roles in the rapidly growing health and fitness industry.
Faculty Credentials
The faculty within the Human Performance and Sport Sciences (HPSS) department at Tennessee State University bring a diverse range of expertise and academic backgrounds to their roles, contributing to the comprehensive education of both undergraduate and graduate students. While specific individual faculty research interests may vary and evolve, here’s a general overview of typical faculty credentials within such a department, reflecting the areas of study offered (Exercise Science and Sport Administration), and drawing on publicly available information for TSU’s HPSS department where possible:
Human Performance and Sport Sciences Faculty Credentials (TSU)
The HPSS faculty at TSU are generally distinguished by their advanced academic degrees, often at the doctoral level, from various reputable institutions. Their expertise spans the theoretical and practical aspects of human movement, health, sport management, and exercise science.
Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D.):
This is the predominant terminal degree held by faculty members, signifying advanced research capabilities and expertise in their specialized fields. Disciplines for these doctorates often include:
- Exercise Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Sport Management/Administration
- Health Education/Promotion
- Physical Education (with a focus on pedagogy or sport science)
- Sports Leadership
- Cardiovascular Health
Master’s Degrees (M.S., M.A.)
Many faculty members also hold master’s degrees in related fields, such as Exercise Science, Sport Administration, Physical Education, or Health and Wellness. These degrees often provide the foundational knowledge for their doctoral work and practical applications.
Areas of Expertise and Research Interests (Examples):
- Faculty research and teaching interests align with the department’s program offerings and current trends in the fields of human performance and sport. These may include, but are not limited to:
Exercise Science Concentration
- Exercise Physiology: Focus on physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic systems. Research might involve training methodologies, body composition, or clinical populations.
- Cardiovascular Health: Studies on the impact of exercise and lifestyle on heart health, disease prevention, and rehabilitation.
- Biomechanics: Analysis of human movement and the mechanical principles governing it, often applied to sports performance and injury prevention.
- Motor Learning and Control: Research into how individuals learn and control motor skills, relevant to athletic training and rehabilitation.
- Sports Nutrition: The role of diet and nutritional strategies in optimizing athletic performance, recovery, and overall health.
- Fitness Assessment and Prescription: Development and application of methods for evaluating physical fitness and designing individualized exercise programs.
- Special Populations: Exercise considerations for individuals with specific health conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity, disabilities) or demographic groups (e.g., older adults, children).
- Epidemiology: The study of patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations, often applied to physical activity and chronic disease.
Professional Certifications and Affiliations
Many faculty members hold relevant professional certifications from organizations such as:
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
- Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Program Website
www.tnstate.edu/hpss
Program Coordinator/Contact Information
Program of Study and Credit Hours Required
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