Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements (listed below), submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.
Admission Deadline: July 1 for fall semester; December 1 for spring semester
Program Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS in Exercise Physiology program, an applicant should:
1. have graduated from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree.
2. have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 semester hours of the undergraduate degree.
3. provide names and contact information (e-mail address and phone information) from two persons whose observations of the applicant's character and abilities are current. At least one of these contacts must be from an instructor or professor who can provide insight into the applicant's academic potential for graduate work.
4. provide a one-page Statement of Purpose that briefly outlines the applicant's career goals. Include how background and training make the applicant a good candidate as well as why Valdosta State University is a good fit for the applicant.
NOTE: Regular graduate admission status requires the completion of the following undergraduate prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II, and Exercise Physiology.
Program Considerations for Probationary Status
Students must be recommended for probationary status by the School of Health Sciences Graduate Faculty. To be reclassified as Regular status, probationary students must, at a minimum, maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first nine semester hours of graduate coursework and meet any and all contingencies and conditions set forth by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
1. Students must have a minimum grade of "C" in all graduate program courses.
2. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all graduate courses.
3. Students receiving two failing grades ("D," "F," "WF," or "U") will be dismissed from the program. Earning grades below "B" in graduate courses will result in the following consequences: Students will be dismissed from the Graduate School if they accumulate three or more academic deficiency points. A grade of "C" (although it may be credited toward a degree) equals one deficiency point. A grade of "D," "WF," "F," or "U" (none of which will be credited toward a degree) equals two deficiency points. One grade below a "C" results in a warning.
4. If dismissed from the program, the student must wait a minimum of one calendar year and obtain approval from the academic department before applying for readmission. The academic program reserves the right to place specific conditions and contingencies on any offer of readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed, and prior academic performance and conduct in the program will be considered.
5. The maximum time allowed for completion of the master's degree is 7 calendar years. No work completed more than 7 years prior to degree completion will be accepted toward the degree, except with special permission from the student's major professor and the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and approval from the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and Research.
6. No more than 9 semester hours of academic work may be transferred from another institution into a master's-level graduate program. This credit must be documented in the form of an official transcript at the time of admission. Transfer credit will be evaluated after admission, by the academic department. To be eligible, credit must be no more than 7 years old prior to completion of degree.
Program Graduation Requirements
1. Students must complete an application for graduation one semester prior to their expected graduation date.
2. A 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. No grade below a "C" will be credited toward the degree.
3. Satisfactory completion of the comprehensive examination covering the areas of theory, research, the clinical focus, and the selected role.
4. Successful completion of a thesis or internship.
Requirements for the M.S. in Exercise Physiology Program
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HSEP 7000 | Research Methods and Statistics in Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| HSEP 7010 | Advanced Exercise Physiology | 3 |
| HSEP 7020 | Advanced Exercise Physiology II | 3 |
| HSEP 7060 | Exercise Physiology Laboratory Methods | 3 |
| HSEP 7950 | Exercise Physiology Internship | 6 |
| or HSEP 7999 | Thesis | |
| Select a minimum of 11 credit hours from the following guided electives: | 11 | |
| Applied Resistance Training for Specific Populations | ||
| Applied Sport Science and Human Performance | ||
| Advanced Pathophysiology | ||
| Exercise and Nutrition as Medicine | ||
| Exercise Physiology Seminar | ||
| Total hours required for the degree | 30 | |
