Master of Science in
Wellness & Movement Sciences

Wellness & Movement Sciences
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About

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.

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.

Admission Requirements

Concentrations

Exercise Science

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.

Sports and Recreation Administration

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.

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

Apply Now

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.

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

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.

Within this degree, students have the opportunity to select from two tracks - either Exercise Science or Sports and Recreation Administration.  All students are required to take a basic core of courses and then select a specialization area. 

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

Prerequisites

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 from a Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited institution;
  • Program applicants for both tracks must complete an upper division course (i.e., 300- or 400-level) in statistics or biostatistics with a grade of ≥B (3.0);
  • For students pursuing the Exercise Science track, the following are required:
    • ​Anatomical or Physiological Kinesiology with a grade of ≥B (3.0);
    • Completed series in Anatomy and Physiology
    • A course in Mechanical Kinesiology and/or Physics is recommended.

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

Students who earn an MS in Wellness and Movement Sciences should be able to:

  • pursue careers in health & fitness, administration, physical education, or sport performance, or for advanced graduate studies in related fields;
  • foster critical thought, problem solving skills, and reflective thinking;
  • develop skills in oral and written communication;
  • design, conduct, and report scholarly work;
  • develop collaborative and group interaction skills;
  • develop personal character through opportunities to demonstrate responsibility, integrity, self-discipline, creativity, and persistence.