Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (M.S.) - Exercise Science Specialization

Program Mission

The mission of the program is to prepare students as interprofessional leaders who integrate research while promoting the role of nutrition and exercise science in meeting the needs of creating healthier communities in an ever changing local, national, and global environment.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Content Knowledge: Students will be able to describe the impact of nutrition on biochemical, metabolic, and physiological processes that are prevalent with physical activity and apply these concepts to various settings.
• Communication skills and argument deconstruction: Students will develop, evaluate, communicate, and defend or refute a position using peer-reviewed literature.
• Evidence Based Practice: Students will critically evaluate and synthesize evidence to guide decision making.
• Career Preparedness: Students will construct a resume and cover letter that can be used to apply for positions upon graduation.

Course Load Information

Students enrolled in six or more state-supported credits within a given semester will be charged the current special discipline fee.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Core Requirements

• EXS 750 - Advanced Exercise Physiology Credits: 3
• EXS Electives Credits: 9
• HNS 708 - Applied Research and Evidence Based Analysis Credits: 3
• HNS 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1
• NUTR 725 - Nutrition and Human Performance Credits: 3

Additional Admissions Requirements

GRE:  Not required
TOEFL: 79-80 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS:  6.5
Duolingo: 110

• Letter of application stating the following:  primary area of interest (dietetics, exercise science, nutrition, etc.); desired research focus; long-term goals outlining career goals; interest in assistantship (teaching or research); if interested in an assistantship describe experiences to support the assistantship; reason(s) for attending graduate school; current professional certifications and credentials; an interview (in person or via phone) is highly encouraged but not required.
• Two recommendations letters from professionals knowledgeable in applicants graduate school potential.

Master’s Nutrition and Exercise Sciences Admission Requirements

Entering students for the master’s degree will be required to have a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, exercise science, nutrition, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, or other related field from an accredited institution. Students with other educational backgrounds may be admitted conditionally. They will be required to complete the necessary coursework to eliminate deficiencies in their background during their first semester in the program. 

Prerequisites for the master’s degree include STAT 281 or equivalent, NUTR 315, CHEM 106/108 or CHEM 112/114 or equivalent, BIOL 221, BIOL 325, and for students in the Exercise Science Specialization EXS 350 or equivalent.

Accelerated Master’s Program

The accelerated master’s program will be available to eligible SDSU students. Up to 9 credits of graduate-level coursework in the Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (M.S.) – Exercise Science Specialization may be used to satisfy requirements for an undergraduate degree. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements. 

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .