Exercise, Sport and Movement Sciences (MS)
Build advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in exercise, sport and movement sciences.
36
Credit Hours
2
Tracks
12
Research Method Hours
6
Capstone Hours
Explore the program
The Exercise, Sport and Movement Sciences (ESMS) master's program is a 36-credit-hour degree with two tracks. Both give you advanced study in exercise science; the difference is how far into research you want to go.
Choose Your Track
Pick the path that matches your goals. If you're headed into practice, the coursework track is built for you. If you're headed toward a PhD or a research career, the research track adds an intensive capstone.
Track 1
Coursework Track
A comprehensive overview of exercise science for students building advanced knowledge and skills for clinical, sport science, coaching or other applied settings.
The track also emphasizes research methods and statistics relevant to exercise science, with 12 of the 36 required credit hours focused on these areas.
Track 2
Research Track
Focused preparation for advanced graduate study, including PhD programs, or research careers in industry, clinical or applied settings.
The track includes six credit hours of capstone research during the final two semesters of the program.
Research track capstone: You can complete your capstone research through an applied project or thesis, or through a research lab residence.
Research Experience
Research-track students complete capstone research under the guidance of a faculty mentor within the ESMS program. Depending on your research area, you'll gain experience across animal and human subject research.
Subject RecruitmentEquipment OperationPhlebotomyBiochemical AnalysisBiomechanical AnalysisData AnalysisGrant WritingManuscript Preparation
Specific research opportunities may include:
- Recruitment and screening of research subjects
- Equipment operation
- Phlebotomy and blood processing
- Animal handling and surgery
- Biochemical analyses
- Biomechanical analyses
- Data collection and analysis
- Grant and manuscript preparation
- Oral and written presentation of research findings
Program Details
| Degree | Master of Science (MS) |
|---|---|
| Major | Health Studies |
| Concentration | Exercise, Sport and Movement Sciences |
| Credit hours | 36 |
| Tracks | Coursework; Research |
| Capstone | Research track only — six credit hours in the final two semesters |
ESMS MS Degree Sheet >
Subject to change.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Review admission requirements, explore the degree sheet or reach out with questions.
Graduate Admissions View Degree Sheet Contact the Program
Common Questions
The coursework track gives you a comprehensive overview of exercise science for work in clinical, sport science, coaching and related settings, with 12 of the 36 hours focused on research methods and statistics.
The research track adds six credit hours of capstone research in the final two semesters and is built for students pursuing advanced graduate study, including PhD programs, or research careers.
Under a faculty mentor within the ESMS program, either through an applied project or thesis, or through a research lab residence.
36 credit hours in both tracks. In the coursework track, 12 of those hours focus on research methods and statistics relevant to exercise science.
Student Experiences
"The graduate program within the College of Health and Human Sciences was vital in the development of my professional and personal skills, as I got to learn from, and collaborate with leading scientists and experts across numerous fields. Ultimately, my time at the University of Memphis provided me with an outstanding foundation for ensuing work as a researcher and sport scientist."
Johnpaul Caia, PhD
"As a former student and graduate from the College of Health and Human Sciences, I was provided with a well-rounded foundation that prepared me for success stemming from my experience in the Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic and Neuromechanics laboratories. To date, this has allowed me to expand my training beyond the classroom setting and gain hands on experience conducting a variety health and performance related tests on human participants. The unique training allowed me to become a well prepared and collaborative researcher, as I am currently part of a research team that integrates areas of metabolism, biomechanics and motor control to improve aspects of physical health and performance."
Matt McAllister, MS
"The knowledge I acquired throughout my graduate career with the College of Health and Human Sciences is invaluable. I had the opportunity to experience vast academic growth in the classroom, author/co-author several research publications, work daily in multiple labs, and achieve my ultimate goal of gaining admittance into medical school. I am forever grateful to the faculty of this department for truly inspiring me to reach my full potential and aiding in my future success as a physician."
Trint A. Gunnels, MS
"The graduate program in the College of Health and Human Sciences helped prepare me for a career in biomedical research. Through the program I was further educated in an applied science while also taking courses in the basic sciences. The research focus of the program has equipped me with physical and analytical knowledge that will not only help in my career, but in life as well."
Rick Alleman Jr., MS
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