Master's Programs

• Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning

  The Master of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Strength and Conditioning provides formal graduate level academic instruction in the science and theory of resistance training, as well as promoting student production of research that directly relates to the neuromuscular adaptations involved with resistance training.

  The goals of this Program are to:

  • Provide advanced training in exercise physiology as it relates specifically to resistance training for the purpose of increasing athletic performance and the prevention or treatment of inactivity-related health disorders.
  • Prepare students with knowledge and skills to take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam offered through the NSCA, and the Level One Weightlifting Coaching Course offered through United States Weightlifting (USAW).
  • Establish scientific bases for the value of anaerobic exercise, and to provide internal and external programs that promote health behaviors across the lifespan.
  • Gain insight into strategies for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, osteoporosis and childhood obesity.
  • Meet an increasing demand for well-educated professionals capable of delivering a broad range of exercise-based preventive, technical, educational, and rehabilitative services.

  
  

  Students who select the Strength and Conditioning Program enroll in both Core Courses (18 credits) and Program-Specific Courses (18 credits). The 36 total credit requirement includes a culminating experience consisting of either successful completion of an Oral Research Defense or the Comprehensive Exam.

  Current Enrollment: 18

  Course Description
  Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning Program Description (pdf)

• Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise Physiology

  The Master of Science (MS) in Exercise Science with a concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology develops and trains professionals in exercise assessment and prescription for persons with selected chronic diseases and other special populations.

  The goals of the Clinical Exercise Physiology program are to:

  • Help professionals understand the metabolic and physiological aspects of disease prevention and rehabilitation
  • Provide students with an in depth understanding of exercise physiology, clinical exercise assessment, and exercise prescription for disease prevention and rehabilitation
  • Provide professionals with the laboratory and clinical skills necessary for assessing and treating persons in preventive and rehabilitative exercise programs
  • Help professionals to apply principles of exercise testing and prescription in a way that will enhance the quality of life of individuals with chronic disease and/or other special medical considerations

  
  

  Students who select the Clinical Exercise Physiology program enroll in both Core Courses (18 credits) and Program-Specific Courses (18 credits). The 36 total credit requirement includes a culminating experience consisting of either successful completion of an Oral Research Defense or the Comprehensive Exam.

  Course Description
  Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise Physiology Program Description (pdf)

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science, Athletic Training

  The Bachelor of Science with a major in Athletic Training provides students with the knowledge, skills, and professional standards associated with successful careers in Athletic Training. The GW Athletic Training Education Program (ATEP) is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE) and is the only such program in Washington, DC.

  Benefits of the Athletic Training Major

  • Prepares students for a wide variety of employment opportunities in the field of athletic training and sports medicine including: providing health care for collegiate, high school, and professional athletes, working in a rehabilitation clinic, or working in an industrial setting.
  • Affords opportunities to participate in practicums in a variety of settings including: GW and other NCAA institutions, public and private high schools, professional teams, and clinics.
  • Positions students to pursue further study or a career upon graduation.
  • Provides graduates of the program with preparation and eligibility to take the Board of Certification Examination.

  
  

  Admission Requirements
  Students may apply to the athletic training major after completion of 30 credit hours with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5. Admission into the Athletic Training Education Program is selective and may be contingent upon availability of clinical practicum sites and approved clinical instructors. Students who wish to apply for admission to the major must meet the following requirements: complete the Athletic Training Education Program application; have prior athletic training observation experience; submit a personal essay; complete a personal interview; complete EXSC 50 Emergency Procedures and Safety Skills and EXSC 102 Introduction to Athletic Training with a minimum grade of B in each of the two courses; complete the Technical Standards form; and submit proof (or waiver) of hepatitis B vaccination, MMR vaccinations, and a TB test and proof of having passed a physical exam for the physical tasks involved in athletic training. Students should expect additional expenses due to required practicum travel.

  Transfer students must meet all of the above criteria for admission into the Athletic Training Education Program. Transfer credit from other institutions will be evaluated by departmental faculty for acceptance by the School of Public Health and Health Services.

  Degree Requirements
  All students accepted to the BS with a major in Athletic Training complete 124 credit hours with a minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA). There are two levels of requirements for the BS with a major in Athletic Training for students to complete: General curriculum requirements and Athletic Training major requirements, including electives. General curriculum requirements are taken by undergraduate students at The George Washington University and are the liberal education components of the BS degree with a major in Athletic Training.

  Athletic Training Program Description (pdf)
  Athletic Training Education Program website

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science, General

  The general Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science coursework focuses on the core exercise science curriculum and allows students to focus elective coursework in another area.

  In this program, students complete:

  • 43-45 semester-hours of general requirements
  • 43 semester-hours of core exercise science requirements
  • 38-40 semester-hours of advisor approved electives

  
  

  Course Descriptions
  Contact the Department of Exercise Science for more information on this degree

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science, Pre-Health Professional

  In the Pre-Health Professional concentration, coursework focuses in assessment of injuries, therapeutic modalities and therapuetic exercise in sports medicine, general physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.

  Benefits of the Pre-Health Concentration:

  • Students are prepared for admittance to medical, physical therapy, physician assistant, MS in nursing, veterinarian, and public health professional/graduate degree programs;
  • Provides internship training in pre-health profession areas;
  • Develops a knowledge base and clinical skills that supplement the professional programs;
  • The majority of graduates successfully gain admittance to professional schools.

  
  

  In this program, students complete:

  • 45-48 semester-hours of general requirements
  • 43 semester-hours of core exercise science requirements
  • 28 semester-hours of coursework in the Pre-Health Professional concentration
  • 5-8 semester-hours of advisor approved electives

  
  

  Course Descriptions
  Pre-physical Therapy Program Description (pdf)
  Pre-med Program Description (pdf)
  

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Exercise Science, Health and Fitness

  The health and fitness concentration prepares exercise science students for entry into the field of health and fitness. The concentration offers a variety of health courses as well as courses that provide the students with the skills necessary to:

  • assist and motivate individuals in making positive fitness and nutrition-related lifestyle changes;
  • assist in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating culturally appropriate corporate and community based fitness and wellness programs;
  • examine environmental and social barriers that prevent individuals from adopting and maintaining physically active lifestyles.

  
  

  The concentration provides the undergraduate student with a strong foundation for graduate study in the field of public health, especially in the areas of exercise science, health promotion, health education and health behavior. Graduates are prepared and encouraged to pursue the Health/Fitness Instructor Certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

  In this program, students complete:

  • 45-48 semester-hours general requirements
  • 43 semester-hours exercise science core requirements
  • 24 semester-hours of coursework in the Health and Fitness Concentration
  • 9-12 hours - advisor approved electives

  
  

  Course Descriptions
  Health and Fitness Program and Curriculum Description (pdf)

Wellness Programs

• Exercise and Sport Activity Program (EXSA)

  The George Washington University Exercise and Sport Activity Program (EXSA) addresses the following philosophic premises in its physical activity instruction:

  • Education is our central mission. The EXSA courses are designed to contribute to a student's ability to function in knowledgeable, effective and enjoyable ways in society.
  • Classes emphasize motor skill development and health-related physical activity.
  • Classes reflect a sensitivity to individual students. Courses provide all students an opportunity to select some activity, based on such individual differences as skill/knowledge level, health status, age, sex, natural ability, personal interests and cultural backgrounds.
  • Classes promote values consistent with safe, lifelong participation in health-enhancing physical activity.
  
  

  Exercise and Sport Activity Classes

• Yoga Teacher Certification

  The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Department of Exercise Science is proud to announce a new program for prospective yoga teachers. Our program is one of only three universities in the country to offer this opportunity, becoming certified to teach yoga while you are pursuing your degree. By completing the classes listed below, you will be certified through the Yoga Alliance at the 200-hour level, which will allow you to teach yoga. Even if you don't complete all the classes, what you take at GWU will count toward your certification, should you choose to continue to pursue a part-time or full-time career in teaching yoga. You can learn more about what it means to be certified through the Yoga Alliance at www.yogaalliance.org. Students will take the following 9 credit hours of classes:

  • EXSC 74 Teachings of Yoga (3 credit hours)
  • EXSA 71 Anatomy for Teachers of Yoga (1 credit hour)
  • EXSA 72 Methodology for Teachers of Yoga (1 credit hour)
  • EXSA 73 Yoga Technique I (1 credit)
  • EXSA 74 Yoga Technique II (1 credit)
  • EXSA 75 Yoga Technique III (1 credit)
  • EXSA 76 Yoga Teacher Practicum (1 credit)
  
  

  Check the Schedule of Classes for course offerings

Secondary Field of Study