Exercise and Wellness Programs - FAQs

General Questions

What do I Learn in the Exercise and Wellness programs?

Both of the Exercise and Wellness concentrations are based on competencies derived from leading organizations in Exercise, Wellness, Health Promotion and Health Education. See competencies for Exercise and Wellness and Health Promotion.

How do I speak with an advisor?

See Academic Advising.

How do I Register?

See ASU Registration information.

How do I learn about Financial aid opportunities?

See ASU's Financial Aid information.

How do I learn about scholarship opportunities?

See ASU's Scholarship information.

Are there any internships available?

Undergraduate students must take a total of 6 credit hours (300 clock hours) of internship as part of the degree. MS degree students are allowed but are not required to take up to 6 credit hours of internship as part of the plan of study with approval from the student’s advisor.

What can you do with a Degree in Exercise and Wellness?

There are career options in Exercise and Wellness, as well as Health promotion. Some positions require advanced or specialized training, certification,
or graduate degrees.

What professional certifications are available to further my career?

• American College of Sports Medicine
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
• American Council on Exercise
• Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

What resources do you have to assist me in locating employment?

See our Career Resources section.

Master of Science, Exercise and Wellness Programs

Who Should Apply?

Professionals in education, fitness and wellness, worksite or community health promotion, and personal training who are interested in an advanced preparation in exercise and wellness as well as those interested in advanced graduate study in physical activity and chronic disease should consider the program. The thesis option is a good choice for students who are interested in pursuing more advanced graduate study in the field. The non-thesis option is a good choice for students who are seeking to continue their education, advance their skill level as practitioners, or advance their current careers.

What are the Admission Criteria for the MS Degree?

Admission to the MS degree program is based on a number of factors including: GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and statement of career/research interests. In addition to meeting Graduate College requirements, students must submit a letter of intent. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. Admission decisions are based on the compatibility of the applicant’s research interests and career goals with the purpose of the degree program, previous academic training and GPA, GRE scores, and recommendations. First priority will be given to completed applications received by January 15.

Letter of Intent:  The student’s letter of intent should include their area of professional interest, career and professional goals, and relevant background, experience, and training.  For students interested in the thesis option, the letter should also address the student’s research focus and interests.

Thesis Track Admission:  There are a limited number of students admitted into the thesis track each year.  Students must have a thesis mentor in order to be admitted into the thesis track.  Students must identify potential mentors among the faculty mentors in Exercise and Wellness in their letter of intent.  Students who apply to the thesis track and meet all other admissions standards but who are not able to secure a mentor will be notified that they are not eligible for admission into the thesis track but will be admitted into the non-thesis track.

Non-Thesis Track Admission:  Students who meet admissions standards will be assigned an advisor upon admission.  The role of the advisor is to assist the student with selection of courses and progress that will best serve the students career goals.  

What are Deficiencies?

Students who do not have undergraduate credit for the basic courses required for a BS degree in Exercise and Wellness can be admitted with deficiencies. Deficiencies are determined upon admission and students will be provided with a list of courses that must be completed before graduation. These courses are not considered part of the graduate curriculum. Sometimes a graduate class can be taken to substitute for a UG deficiency on a case-by-case basis. (For more information about deficiencies, contact the MS Program Coordinator).

How do I get a Mentor?

See the list of faculty mentors and their research interests. Please contact potential mentors directly via email. Indicate your scholarly interests in your letter of intent and indicate what mentors seem to "match" these interests. Designate at least two potential mentors. Note: not all mentors are available to take a new student each year.

What is the curriculum for the MS degree?

The basic plan of study includes a total of 30 hours of required course work.  See Master of Science, Curriculum.

Thesis Option:  All students are required to complete the 12 credits of core coursework (EXW/NTR 500 Research Methods, EXW 501 Research statistics, EXW 536 Physiology of Physical Activity and Chronic Disease, and EXW 542 Health Promotion Theory) and 12 credits in a focus area on either Health Promotion and Physical Activity or Fitness and Conditioning.  Students electing the thesis option must also complete 6 credits of thesis hours.  The Thesis is considered a final integrative experience of the knowledge base gained in Exercise and Wellness MS program. It involves carrying out research that is guided by a recognized research paradigm (e.g., scientific, interpretive) and produces a scholarly report of the process and results. An Exercise and Wellness Program mentor and two other committee members guide a student’s work, and a final oral examination pertaining to the Thesis is required. The thesis option is a good choice for students who are interested in pursuing more advanced graduate study in the field. (More information about the Thesis and a graduation timeline is available from your mentor).

Non-Thesis Option: All students are required to complete the 12 credits of core coursework (EXW/NTR 500 Research Methods, EXW 501 Research statistics, EXW 536 Physiology of Physical Activity and Chronic Disease, and EXW 542 Health Promotion Theory) and 18 credits in a focus area on either Health Promotion and Physical Activity or Fitness and Conditioning.  Students electing the non-thesis option will be required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination which will be taken after completion of 30 credit hours. The comprehensive examination is considered a final integrative experience in which students demonstrate mastery of the knowledge base gained in the Exercise and Wellness MS program. The non-thesis option is a good choice for students who are seeking to continue their education, advance their skill level as practitioners, or advance their current careers.

Final selection of either the thesis or non-thesis track is made upon submission and approval of the Plan of Study. The plan of study must be submitted in the semester in which students enroll in their 15th credit hour (typically the second semester).  

What is the Availability of Assistantships?

There are a limited number of teaching assistantships available each year. These assistantships are competitive and are based on applicant qualifications, program needs, and funding availability. If you are interested in an assistantship, please complete the supplemental application form for a teaching assistantship when you submit your application to the Graduate College.