Exercise and Sport Sciences, Mental Performance - M.S.
Exercise and Sport Sciences – Master of Science Degree, concentration in Mental Performance
The Master of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences with a concentration in Mental Performance focuses on the mental performance aspect of sport and exercise. The concentration is designed with flexibility and breadth targeting diverse careers paths such as 1) students preparing for careers in athletic training, strength & conditioning, fitness, wellness, and health care and 2) students preparing for further doctoral studies and careers related to mental performance.
Students complete a core group of courses in mental performance, helping, skills, and ethics. Combined with electives and / or restricted elective groupings presented in two tracks: 1) leadership, motivation and team building, and 2) diversity and advanced communication, students are able to chart a unique path and complete optional internships with professionals/organizations while obtaining foundational knowledge and skills. The curriculum allows students to prepare for certification as a mental performance professional. The mental performance concentration can be completed with a thesis or without a thesis.
Thesis Option. The thesis option is 30 credits which includes a 6-credit thesis—an independent research project under supervision of Exercise and Sport Science faculty. A thesis allows students to work closely with a faculty member to advance their knowledge in a specialized topic. Both theoretical and applied research are encouraged. Completing a thesis is also an important first step towards advanced study in exercise and sport sciences such as a Ph.D. program. The completed thesis must receive the approval of the thesis committee, the graduate program chair, and the dean of Health Sciences and Human Performance.
Non-Thesis Option. The non-thesis option is 36 credits culminating with a written comprehensive examination. The non-thesis option requires students to select one of two tracks based on their career aspirations. The non-thesis option is purposefully designed with 12 credits of electives to allow students to customize their study and take advantage of internships and additional course work / experiences to prepare for certifications and specific career goals. The non-thesis option is designed to be completed in 16 months and is ideal for students aiming to enhance their applied experiences in mental performance or prepare for a career as a mental performance consultant.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for the mental performance concentration are 3 courses in psychology, sport psychology, counseling, sport sociology or similar and 1 course in statistics or tests and measurements.
Summary
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Performance Major Requirements | 15 | |
| Thesis or Non Thesis | 15 or 21 | |
| Total Credits | 30 or 36 | |
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ESSG 51200 | Theoretical Perspectives of Mental Performance in Sport and Exercise | 3 |
| ESSG 51300 | Applications of Mental Performance in Sport and Exercise | 3 |
| ESSG 51400 | Concepts and Theory of Supportive Relationships in Sport | 3 |
| ESSG 61000 | Research and Statistics in Exercise and Sport Sciences I | 3 |
| ESSG 61400 | Ethics & Professional Issues in Mental Performance and Coaching | 3 |
| ESSG 64000 | Seminar 1 | 0 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| 1 | Taken for 0 credits in both Fall and Spring semesters of the first year |
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Option | ||
| ESSG 61100 | Research and Statistics in Exercise and Sport Sciences II | 3 |
| ESSG 62000 | Thesis I | 3 |
| ESSG 62100 | Thesis II | 3 |
| ESSG XXXXX Electives | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Non-Thesis Option
Track 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESSG 51500 | Effective Team Building | 1 |
| ESSG 51600 | Motivation for Superior Performance | 2 |
| ESSG 60500 | The Development of Expertise in Sport and Exercise | 3 |
| ESSG 61200 | Leadership in Exercise and Sport | 3 |
| ESSG XXXXX Electives | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Track 2
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESSG 60200 | Diversity in Sport and Exercise | 3 |
| ESSG 61600 | Advanced Communication and Facilitation Skills in Sport and Exercise | 3 |
| ESSG 61800 | Theories and Issues in Performance Enhancement in Sport and Exercise | 3 |
| ESSG XXXXX Electives | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |